What’s the Best Way to Prepare a Dog for the Arrival of Twins?

When you are expecting twins, the to-do list feels a never-ending saga. Everything from doubling up on baby gear to figuring out how to function on minimal sleep can be a challenging task. Amidst this chaos, preparing your pet dog for the arrival of the twins is an issue that needs to be addressed suitably. Though dogs are man’s best friend, having your pet ready to welcome the new members of the house is crucial. It ensures a smooth transition for both the babies and the dog.

In this article, you will find some professional advice on the best ways to prepare your pet dog for the arrival of your little bundles of joy.

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Understanding the Dynamics

Pets, especially dogs, have been known to possess an instinctive sense of love and protection towards babies in the household. However, it’s essential to help them adjust to the new environment and changes that come along with the birth of the twins. This process should ideally begin during pregnancy.

Preparing the dog requires time and patience. It’s not just about introducing the dog to the babies post-birth. The preparation should start much earlier. It’s about helping the dog understand the changes in their human companion’s behavior, smell, and even routines before the arrival of the twins.

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Initiating Changes Gradually

What makes this dynamic more interesting is that dogs can sense the hormonal changes in a pregnant woman. They will observe how you’re moving differently, feeling different, and even smelling different.

Start by gradually introducing your dog to the prospective changes. This would include changes in routines, walks, feeding times, and playtimes. Make it a point to spend quality time with your pet but also allow them to get used to the idea of not being the center of attention all the time. It’s important to make these changes well before the week of delivery to avoid any sudden shock to the dog.

Familiarizing with Baby Scents

Dogs have an extraordinary sense of smell, and the new smell of babies can be intriguing for them. To help your dog get used to this new scent, bring home baby lotions, powders, and clothes. Let your dog sniff these items. This way, when the babies arrive, their scent won’t be entirely new to the dog, enhancing their sense of familiarity.

Introducing Baby Sounds

Next to the smell, the sound of the crying babies can be quite distressing for dogs. To help them adapt to these new sounds, you can play recordings of baby sounds weeks before the twins’ arrival. This will help them realize that these sounds are a new part of their environment and not a threat.

Training to Follow Commands

It’s important to ensure that your dog follows basic commands such as "sit", "stay", "no", and "come". This will be especially crucial once the babies arrive. If your dog already knows these commands, reinforcing them would be a good idea. If the dog hasn’t been trained yet, it would be best to hire a professional dog trainer to help with this.

Managing the First Meeting

After the birth of the twins, the first meeting between them and the dog is of paramount importance. One of the parents should first greet the dog alone, without the babies. Then, allow the dog to sniff the babies while on a leash. Always supervise these interactions. Never leave the twins alone with the dog, not even for a moment. This is for the safety of both the babies and the dog.

Preparing a dog for the arrival of twins might seem like a daunting task, but with the right approach and adequate time, it can be achieved smoothly. Remember, your dog is also a part of your family and deserves to be involved and prepared for the big changes ahead. It’s all about creating a harmonious environment where everyone feels comfortable and loved.

Safeguarding Health of Babies and Dog

From pregnancy week to week, your dog cat may observe and sense your changing behavior. However, there’s another aspect that needs attention – health. The birth of identical twins opens a window of joy, but it’s vital to ensure that both the babies and the pet are in good health.

While you are busy discussing baby names and setting up car seats, don’t forget to keep a check on your pet’s health. Regular vet visits are essential throughout your pregnancy. Dogs can carry certain parasites that can be harmful to pregnant women and newborn babies. Regular deworming and general health checkups can keep these issues at bay.

During your pregnancy, make sure that your dog is up-to-date with vaccinations. Babies, especially newborns, have a weaker immune system. A well-vaccinated dog will pose less of a risk to your babies. The week of delivery, ensure that your dog has a clean bill of health to prevent any transfer of diseases or parasites.

Proactive health care is essential for your pet baby, so it is important to work with your vet during this period. Prioritize scheduling vet appointments since it’s about ensuring a safe and healthy environment for the birth of your twins, be it identical or fraternal twins.

Furthermore, you may also want to hire a professional trainer to help your dog learn and reinforce essential commands. A professional trainer, like Kurt Cramer, could be a great help in training your dog to behave appropriately around the twins. Remember, the more prepared your dog is, the less likely they are to act out due to jealousy or confusion.

Conclusion

The arrival of twins can be a whirlwind of emotions, preparations, and changes. Amidst all the chaos, it’s essential not to forget about your pet’s transition. From the initial pregnancy week to the birth of the twins, every step you take can help your dog adjust to the new family dynamic.

Follow the guidelines mentioned in this article to ensure a smooth transition for your dog. Make gradual changes in routines, familiarize your dog with baby scents and sounds, and ensure they’re following basic commands. Remember to manage the first meeting cautiously and keep a keen eye on your pet’s health.

Preparing a dog for the arrival of twins might seem like an overwhelming task, but with patience and love, it’s achievable. After all, your dog deserves to participate in the joy of welcoming new family members.

This article was medically reviewed to provide accurate information. However, it’s always best to consult with professionals, like a vet or a trainer, to understand what to expect better during this transition. The birth of twins is a unique experience, one that can be made harmonious with proper preparation and care.

Remember that privacy is paramount, and any changes should be introduced gradually to ease the transition for your pet. Follow us on Pinterest, Youtube for more tips and tricks on managing pets during pregnancy and beyond. Your dog is an integral part of your family and deserves as much attention and care during this major change. After all, it’s about opening a window of love and warmth for your twins and your pet.