Sunday, July 27, 2008
Need Some Advice
Okay, here's the deal: Off and on since we've been expecting little M the dogs have been relieving themselves the house. We aren't sure if it is one or both dogs, but we are getting rather annoyed by the repeat occurrences. D has threatened to get rid of the guilty culprit, but I am rather hesitant. Other than the messing, we have great dogs that we both love very much.
I did a little research to see if the accidents were related to pregnancy. What I discovered was not too surprising to me. Dogs have a very acute sense of smell and can smell the different hormones that a pregnant woman produces. It is not unusual for dogs (and other pets) to behave differently when a family is expecting. The behavior may vary from remoteness, overprotectiveness, behavioral changes (such as accidents), etc.
Do dogs (and other pets) sometimes see a pregnant woman and/or the unborn child as a threat or do they simply sense change and feel the need to react? Regardless, does anyone have any practical advice for us on how to stop this unacceptable behavior? I desperately want to introduce our new baby into our home with acceptance from all our pets.
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3 comments:
You are supposed to take a blanket with you to the hospital, wrap the baby in it while mom and dad hold baby. Then take it home to the dogs the day before you take baby home. You should also spoil them the first few days/weeks you are home with baby. Be prepared - they will act out - but they will settle down eventually. Just don't leave them alone with baby!
Hi Krista,
Our Chocolate Lab adjusted so well to Ella. I took the blanket / did the scent test. That seemed to help. I also made sure to "introduce them" when we came home and tried to still include Mocha and give him time. It is amazing how much like children they can be. They say that having pets around young children can really help to ward off childhood allergies and fears. I definitely see that with Ella.
Thanks for the advice. I am not as worried for when the baby arrives as I am now. I have also heard about the benefits of pets and the decreased allergies--what a great concept! Yes, dogs are like little kids.
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