Furbabies...

laurenhallmark

Our mini Shitzu is our child... she is rotten to the core and even sleeps in our bed. We have tried making her a palet on the floor and she cries. Any suggestions on how you got ur furbabies ready for the actual baby? haha. Im getting worried she'll feel left out but its inevitable. How did your puppies handle the transition?

AlmostMrsI

I swear my cats already know something is going on.  They have been very clingy (more than usual) and one keeps curling up on my belly at night when we go to bed.  I know they are going to be scared and curious when there is a baby in the house, but I think the younger 2 will adjust pretty well.  My 15-yrd old crabby kitty I'm not so sure about--she is not good with change.

chrlyr

Can't say that I have any suggestions, but I certainly sympathize. We have a little pug who thinks she is the center of the universe. She sleeps in our bed, and I don't see that changing once the baby is born. It's going to be an interesting transition for her and for us!

InfamousQBert

everything i've read and heard says to get as much of the baby's stuff ready and set up in advance as possible. it gives the pets a chance to get used to the new furniture and toys and what not. if you have friends with infants, you might invite them over, just to see how your dog reacts, but let the parents know that's the goal ahead of time. you can see if she's going to freak out over the crying and such, or just be curious about the new person in the house. it's not the same as bringing a baby home for good, but it's a gauge to see if you have anything to really worry about.

Summer0715

our furbaby will still sleep in our bed, baby will not.  We are going to set up the nursery over the summer months and allow him access to that room (currently no access as its the guest room and we keep the door shut).  We are also going to put a special bed in that room just for him for when we are in there with baby.

Other than that we don't plan on doing much other than bringing home baby blanket from hospital and bringing him to the hospital when we bring baby home so they ride home together in the car.

renee&jeff'06

We have a Cavalier King Charles and a Pug, and our Pug was like your little one.  He actually handled our DS very well.  They are really good friends now too.  Of course he still gets jealous and wants to be on your lap all of the time, but he does a pretty good job of sharing.

My DH had brought home a blanket from the hospital to introduce to the dogs before we came home with DS's scent on it... they say that is supposed to help them too.

d-squared

We just delt with this exact issue. When we went on vacation we had our friend, who doesn't allow her to sleep in the bed, watch her. When we got back we just continued with her routine. We put have a baby gate on our bedroom door (so she can check on us because she is a guard dog) and allow her to sleep on the couches in the living room at night.

If you decide to let your dog sleep in the bedroom (we couldn't because she would just jump in the bed when we were sleeping)...be sure to get her a very comfy new bed. Also you will have to ignore her crying which could go on for a few days. If you give into her crying she will just learn to cry for longer. So my advise is, once you have a plan stick it. HTH

laurenhallmark

I think ill try the blanket too. I dont think she would ever hurt the baby or feel threatened but i dont want her to feel neglected either. She is the kinda dog that has never been around cats and my mom just got a cat and Millie could care less about even sniffing the cat lol. She is really easy going. She just allllways has to have attention for DH, bei n his lap, kiss him etc.

debrian08

Summer0715:

our furbaby will still sleep in our bed, baby will not.  We are going to set up the nursery over the summer months and allow him access to that room (currently no access as its the guest room and we keep the door shut).  We are also going to put a special bed in that room just for him for when we are in there with baby.

 What a great idea! I know our pooch will want to probably stay close to us, and this way she can, but stay out from underfoot. She definitely knows her "go to bed" command. Even though she typically sleeps in our bed at night.

laurenhallmark

Thanks for all the suggestions ladies... I know most of us have our sweet little furbabies... its crazy to know that my mom will finally have a real grandbaby instead of a furry one haha. Yay!

jaxie320

I have a VERY spoiled bichon who sleeps in bed with us.  She's good around my 7 month old niece.  She just likes to be in the same room and be a part of what's going on. I think she'll fine as long as she's included.

Conniebird

We have a spoiled old cat that pretty much ignores DS, at the hospital they told us to bring home the gauzy hat the baby first wears, to get the animal used to the scent...honestly, that's all I got though.

slmayer1981

I posted a thread earlier this week on this exact topic. I got a bunch of great responses. Here's the thread link:

https://community.thebump.com/cs/ks/forums/thread/53437963.aspx

ladyraejewelry

ive got too many animals.. one of our dogs and our cat sleeps in bed with us.. i think maybe ill have them sleep with my dd in her room. shes always asking for them to. im not worried about dog in room, because ill have a crib like bed.. but im worried about the cat getting in there. my kitty likes to sleep curled up on top my shoulder and neck.

KellyAnn911

Our puggle is VERY spoiled.  She sleeps in the bed with us.  I don't think it will be a problem once the baby comes though.  She was 4 months when our neice was born.  She's seen her at least once a week for the last 3 years.  She's really good with her cousin.  She gets excited to hang out with her.