Being a dog owner is a full-time responsibility, which is why some people choose not to have children when they have a pet. However, not everyone decides to pick one over the other.
Plenty of dog owners out there are also parents, some of whom have multiple children. They don’t always have the easiest time balancing their responsibilities, but the love they receive from their kid(s) and dog(s) is worth it.
If you’re a new parent or are about to become one very soon, you might be worried about how you can look after one without neglecting the other. That’s where these tips in.
By following these five suggestions, you can still show your pet pooch some love and affection, even if your baby eats up most of your time.
Create A Safe Space
If we want a bit of privacy, we can just escape to our bedrooms and close the door. Unfortunately, dogs don’t have that luxury, even though there are moments when they definitely need some me-time.
That’s why it’s worth creating a safe space for your pet once a baby comes along. This is somewhere they can go if the noise is too much or they just want a comfortable spot to relax in. If you try some of these tips and fill the space with plenty of cushions, blankets, and toys, they’re bound to appreciate it.
A spot like this is particularly important once your child hits toddler age and starts taking more of an interest in your pet. Even if your dog is friends with your kid, there’s only so much attention they can receive before they need a break.
Enjoy Quality Time Together
Dogs are a bit like an older child. Once a baby comes along, they no longer receive the attention they’re used to, and it can make them sad. Granted, a dog probably won’t act out in quite the same way as a kid would, but that doesn’t mean they don’t miss your company.
To stop your pet from feeling left out, it’s a good idea to spend time with them whenever you can. You don’t necessarily have to do anything together – the companionship matters more than the activity. Just cuddling with them on the sofa when your baby’s asleep should be enough to keep their spirits up and make them feel loved.
Get A Dog Food Subscription
Your mind isn’t the most reliable thing once you have a new baby to look after. All those sleepless nights and the stress of caring for another life can make you incredibly forgetful.
You don’t want that to affect your dog, which is why it’s worth buying a dog food subscription. That way, you never have to worry about running low on food because it will regularly be delivered to your door.
You can find plenty of excellent subscriptions for natural dog food at Bella & Duke. Their range of meals are not only convenient, but they also boast health benefits like boosting the immune system and improving digestion. By giving your pet this natural dog food, you can rest assured that they’re well-catered for, giving you one less thing to worry about.
Hire A Dog Walker
A daily walk is ideal for both you and your dog. What’s more, your baby will likely appreciate the
change of scenery, even if they don’t really understand what’s going on.
However, trying to handle a dog and a baby simultaneously might be too much hassle for you, especially if your pet is energetic. If that’s the case, it’s worth hiring a dog walker. They can ensure your pup still gets the right amount of daily exercise while you stay at home either looking after your baby or taking a well-deserved break.
If you’re worried about how your dog will feel about being with a stranger, you can always see if any local friends can take them when they go for a walk. At least this way you know your pet will be with someone you trust.
Help Your Dog And Child Bond
Your dog and your baby don’t necessarily have to be two separate parts of your life. Just because you’re focusing on one doesn’t mean you have to ignore the other.
It’s actually in your best interests to try and get these two to bond as soon as possible. The sooner you do, the sooner you can include your dog in more activities involving the baby.
However, it’s important not to force anything here, and to be extra precautions in the beginning. Your dog might be wary of your child or be scared of their constant screaming and crying. Likewise, your baby might be fearful of your pet at first, especially if they’re very playful. Thankfully, the Blue Cross has excellent tips for how to help your dog adjust to the presence of a baby and ensure that a relationship forms between the two of them.
Bringing a baby into your family is tough enough when you don’t have any pets, let alone if you have a dog. However, as stressful as it may be, these suggestions should help you balance everything so that no-one in your home feels neglected.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
