How can I prepare my dog for the arrival of baby ?

29 June 2023

The arrival of a baby in the family is a time of joy, but it can also be a cause for concern, and you may be wondering how your dog is going to adapt to the presence of this new member of the family.

Not to worry ! With the right preparation, you can ensure a harmonious cohabitation between your dog and your baby. In this article, we’ll share with you some practical advice on how to prepare your dog for this big transition.

Preparation during pregnancy

Walks: It’s important that your dog learns to walk calmly alongside you, even when you’re pushing a pushchair. Take advantage of daily walks with your dog to review the basics of training, particularly walking on a lead without pulling.

If you find it difficult to teach your dog to walk on a lead, don’t hesitate to call in a qualified professional who can help you feel more confident about going for walks when the baby arrives.

Space planning: Before the baby arrives, get your dog used to resting in a specific safe area where he can retreat quietly. This could be a basket in the corner of a room or an area marked off with furniture.

After baby’s birth

Introduce scents: It’s often a good idea to bring in objects impregnated with the baby’s scent from the maternity ward, such as blankets or clothes, and let the dog sniff them and get used to them. The validity of this practice for familiarising the dog with new smells associated with the baby has yet to be confirmed, although it is widely practised.
Positive interactions: Make sure your dog associates the baby’s presence with pleasant experiences. For example, play with him when the baby is present, reward him when he behaves well, take advantage of pram rides with the baby to take him along so that he makes a positive association between the pram and the outing, and avoid at all costs having him associate the baby’s presence with punishment or threats.
Supervision: It’s crucial to supervise all interactions between your dog and your child. Never leave your child and dog alone without constant adult supervision. Even if your dog is usually very calm and friendly, it’s best not to take any chances. If your dog is naturally very feisty, it is of course inadvisable to let him play with your baby.

Even if you’re less available, try to devote some quality time to your dog. With the right planning and positive interactions, your dog and baby can develop a wonderful, loving relationship.

You can find these tips and many other tutorials on our YouTube channel.

How can I prepare my dog for the arrival of my baby ?

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The importance of diet for skin and coat quality in dogs and cats

The skin is the body's largest organ, representing between 12% and 24% of the animal's weight, and its surface area in a dog weighing around thirty kilograms is close to one square meter. It's hardly surprising, then, that the quality and quantity of the dog's diet can have an impact on this organ, and in the event of a deficiency can lead to problems that go far beyond a simple visual appearance.

Key nutrients for healthy skin and coat

Among the macro-nutrients, proteins play a crucial role. They provide amino acids, including sulphur amino acids, which are essential for the structure of the skin and coat. These are the main components of collagen, which gives the skin its suppleness and resistance, and of keratin, which plays a part in the effectiveness of the skin barrier. Lipids are also important; they make up the bulk of cell membranes and, in the skin, contribute significantly to the effectiveness of the cutaneous barrier. Among lipids, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids help maintain healthy skin, modulate inflammatory mechanisms and promote a shiny, soft coat. Vitamins and minerals are also involved. Vitamin A is necessary for cell renewal, as is vitamin D, which also plays a part in the skin's natural defences. Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant, while B vitamins and biotin are essential co-factors in the synthesis of various skin elements such as ceramides, keratin and collagen. Among the minerals, zinc is involved in synthesis, protection against free radicals and immune defence mechanisms.

Disorders linked to inadequate nutrition

Inadequate or poor-quality food can lead to skin problems in our pets. A deficiency in essential fatty acids leads to dry, flaky skin, a dull coat and brittle hair. When it's the vitamins and minerals that are in short supply, synthesis is affected, the skin barrier can be less effective and the breeding ground for infections and inflammations that can lead to itching. On the other hand, these nutritional benefits can be used to compensate for individual sensitivities and improve the quality of the skin and coat in the event of dermatological disorders or diseases.

Conclusion

The quality of a dog's skin and the beauty of its coat are directly influenced by the quality of its diet. However, some dogs and cats have increased needs, and it is therefore necessary to provide them with greater quantities of useful nutrients. This is particularly true in the case of certain dermatological disorders, to help compensate for imbalances and accompany the medical treatments prescribed by your vet.