Fur-babies and Baby-bumps: Navigating Pregnancy with Your Pets

If you’re anything like me, your first "child" probably had four legs. Our pets are our pre-human family, and the thought of how they’ll react to a new tiny human can be a bit of a worry. Will they be jealous? Will they be happy? Is everyone safe? The golden rule for your growing family is that harmony is totally possible, it just takes a little bit of groundwork before the nursery is finished.

Whether you have a loyal golden retriever or a cat who thinks they own the house, the transition from being an "only child" to a big sibling takes a little bit of prep.

If the nursery is going to be a "no-go" zone, start enforcing those boundaries now, install a baby gate now if you will need to do so in the future so they don't associate the baby’s arrival with being kicked out of their favourite room. If you’re worried about the cat jumping into the cot, then placing a sheet of tin foil can sometimes deter your kitty from also nesting in there. Or covering the cot with a big blanket they can’t settle onto will show them, yes the cot is there, but no this is a no go zone.

Make sure there is a pet friendly place for the pup or kitty to call their own that will never ben infiltrated by tiny grabby little fingers one day. Give them a definite safe space (up high is best for the kitties). Then that will give them a sense of ruling over their own kingdom (their favourite sport. Make sure to do this as early on as possible so they are already used to their space and it’s already their default zone.

While you’re nesting and getting the house ready, it’s worth thinking about how your pet perceives the change. Pets thrive on routine, and a newborn is basically a tiny, adorable routine-destroyer. To avoid a pet meltdown, start some "pre-baby boot camp" early on. You can play recordings of baby cries or start using baby lotions so the new smells aren't a shock to their sensitive noses. Have some treats on hand for positive noise and smell associations too. Schmackos saving the day once again.

When the big day finally rolls around, try to make the homecoming as low-drama as possible. A great trick is the "scent swap." For dogs especially, have someone take a hospital blanket home a day before you arrive so your pet can sniff out the new arrival in peace. When you finally walk through the door, keep the first meeting calm and supervised, giving your pet lots of praise for being gentle. Dogs are so unbelievably smell driven so this is a great way to neutralise the room. Check out this youtube video on dogs and vision/smell…

It’s also important to remember that our pets are basically professional therapists. Pregnancy can be a bit of a rollercoaster, but your pet is the ultimate mood stabilizer. Spending time with your dog or cat actually lowers your stress hormones and blood pressure, which is exactly what you need when those hormones are peaking. Plus, having a dog is the perfect excuse to get those low-impact walks in to keep your energy up. Pets absolutely know whats up, and can sense baby-on-board much earlier than you realise. It’s so incredible to see bump and fur baby bond so early on.

One of the best perks of being pregnant, aside from the extra snacks, is the mandatory chore delegation. You are officially banned from the litter box! This isn't just a treat for you - it’s a health must. Avoiding the litter box helps protect you from toxoplasmosis, a parasite that can be tricky for a developing baby. Hand that scooper over to your partner and don’t look back. Orrr - If you’re flying solo, then don a mask, and some heavy duty gloves and take all the precautions you can.

Ooh and while we’re here, make sure your pets are up to date on their flea and worm treatments so the house is as clean as possible before the big arrival. (we just had to flea bomb our house recently and trust me that is not something you want to have to do with bubs around!)

Just like breastfeeding or choosing a pram, there’s no one-size-fits-all for pets. Listen to your gut, keep things safe, and remember that the bond between a child and their first pet is one of the most magical parts of growing up. Enjoy those extra snuggles while you can, pretty soon, you'll have a whole crew to cuddle!