Having a baby is an exciting life event, but it also comes with lots of change and uncertainty. This applies not only to us but also to our dogs. This is especially true for dogs who don't have any experience with living with a young child. Senior dogs are a specific group that can have a particularly hard time with this type of big change. Here are a few main things to know to help you ensure a smooth and safe transition for your dog.
Know Your Dog’s Sensitivities
Every dog is an individual. They each have their own unique personalities, tendencies, and past experiences. All of these things affect how a dog will react to a new situation such as a baby joining their household.
Knowing what types of things cause stress or excitement for an individual dog can help us come up with a plan to prepare them for something new like the baby's arrival.
Here are a few some sensitivities to consider:
Sound: Does your dog become excited, afraid, or stressed by loud or high-pitched noises? If so, a baby's crying is something they may need to prepare for! Additionally, if your senior dog has had changes to their sense of hearing as they have aged, they may be more sensitive to loud sounds like this.
Novel items: Does your dog react when they first see new or unfamiliar items/equipment? If so, baby toys, carriers, bouncers, and other devices may cause your dog stress.
Movement: Does your dog become excited or stressed by moving things? Babies often move in unpredictable ways that dogs do not understand.
The list above includes a few examples of specific sensitivities that dogs may have. It is also important to remember that as dogs age, they often become more sensitive to new experiences. By considering your own dog's sensitivities, you can make proactive adjustments that prioritize their comfort and reduce their stress.
Prepare Safe Space Zones
Senior dogs need more rest and may need more personal space than they did when they were younger. This is due to a variety of factors ranging from normal aging needs to things like underlying pain and discomfort. To help address this need for your dog, I recommend creating resting areas where your dog is protected by a barrier so they can have undisturbed rest. This will be especially important when your child is crawling and walking.
Similarly, consider your dog's sleeping arrangement. If your dog is accustomed to sleeping in your room, then middle-of-the-night wake-ups with a crying baby may cause them added stress and not allow them to sleep well.
The following tools can be extremely beneficial to utilize in homes with senior dogs and young children:
Crates
Baby gates
Playpens
By implementing these types of measures, you can help your dog rest well and ensure safety for everyone.
Prepare Outlets for Burning Energy and Reducing Stress
With new demands on your time, it can be easy to overlook your dog’s need for stimulation and exercise. Senior dogs may not need as much intense activity as they once did, but they still benefit greatly from regular activity. It is important to remember to try to provide your dog with a similar routine and regular activities as you did before the baby joined the family.
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Consider things such as:
Sniff walks around the block (with you, a family member, or even a dog walker)
Longlasting chews to have in their safe space zone
Interactive feeding toys such as food puzzles
Frozen enrichment such as Kongs
Sniff games such as nosework
Having regular outlets for mental and physical energy not only keeps your dog content and will help them rest, but it also helps to reduce stress that may be occurring due to the change in routine with a baby in the home.
Bringing a baby home is a significant adjustment for everyone in the household, including your senior dog. By understanding their sensitivities, preparing safe space zones, and ensuring they have appropriate and healthy outlets, you can help create a safe, positive experience for both your dog and your baby. With time, patience, and care, your senior dog can adapt to this new addition and continue to enjoy a loving, supportive environment.
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