Experience with pets acting weird/sensing change?
We have a dog who I think is just recently starting to sense that change is happening because of the baby. I'm 38w5d and in the last few weeks our pup, who is already a little high-anxiety, has started getting so clingy toward me it's hard to deal with. I work from home, so this is an all-day ordeal.
To make matters worse, I've been experiencing some kind of instinct where I feel my priorities shifting to the baby and feel just a little less lovey-dovey toward the dog. I feel guilty about it, but then as he follows me around literally everywhere, whining at me for attention, trying to slip into the bathroom with me as I'm shutting the door (he can't even stand to be separated while I pee!), I'm growing more frustrated and it's making my own feelings even worse. I'm still making an effort to give him some attention and take him for walks, but it's never enough now. And when DH comes home from work, he doesn't even care anymore and still follows me, watching me like he's obsessed.
Anyone have any experience like this or tips? It's starting to wear on my nerves a lot.
Re: Experience with pets acting weird/sensing change?
My dog has done this too. I tell her to go lay down in her bed when she's being too clingy or I put her outside for a bit.
When I actually went into labor my dog really started freaking out.
I had to laugh because that is pretty much what my dog does, too. Just stares at me and whines. And DH said the same thing - if I leave the dog just stares and the door and whines until I come back.
My cat, who like everyone else's cat wanted nothing to do with me, just started getting super clingy, cries whenever he doesn't see me and started having weird bowels and some tummy issues. Vet thinks it may be from sensing all the changes, new furniture etc....
Also: cat usually sleeps on our bed at our feet and we are planning on letting him do the same once baby's born so he doesn't feel too unloved. Vet also said it was important to get the cat used a little bit to the new stuff coming in the house and make him get used to the smell of baby products -
My dog has been very clingly as of late. I also work from home, and she's pretty much glued to me at all times. But I feel almost more loving to her, to be honest, because I know she's anxious and not sure what's going on. The only way she can express that anxiety is to stick close to me, I'm the person she looks to for security and reassurance. She's not trying to be annoying or frustrating, she's just confused.
I try to give her lots of praise and lots of love, and if she has to follow me into the bathroom, eh. It doesn't bother me. Her whole world is about to change, and all we can do is let her know that she is still going to be cared for and looked after.
Maybe a new toy or special bone would help your dog? We bought Scout a few new Kongs, and I freeze them w/ pumpkin and treats so that she has something to work on. It helps relieve her stress and keeps her busy. We also have stash of new chew/plush toys for when the baby comes home, that we will dispense as needed.
Distraction helps a lot when a dog is feeling like this. Scout has been happy to lay at my feet on her big pillow and chew her Kong or bone. And it gives me a little break if I need it.
I miscarried twins last year and I noticed that the 8 and 12 weeks that I carried them(I lost them 4 weeks apart) my cat got a little clingy....now that I am expecting again and am 27w2d my cat is so super clingy and lays with in my midrif some where at all times. I go to the bathroom, to the porch, the tub, bed, kitchen...you name it he is always there not to mention he perches his big orange hiney on my books when I read! I wouldn't want it any other way though
He is 11 and had the mentality of a dog...quite the caracter I might add!!
The further along I get the clinger he is too...
I'm 19 weeks and my dog (who's usually pretty needy) has gotten more clingy than usual. He also has developed the habit of having accidents in the house (after being house trained for years). I took him to the vet, no infection. I wonder if he knows a new person is coming & is trying to mark his territory. Whatever the reason, it needs to stop.
Pets are very perceptive. Good luck, everyone, with introducing your pets to your new little one!