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My Dog Feels Neglected After We Had a Baby: 5 Ways to Help

Written by: Dogster Team

Last Updated on January 25, 2024 by Dogster Team

beagle dog sick sad on bed

My Dog Feels Neglected After We Had a Baby: 5 Ways to Help

No matter how well you plan, every baby comes with an adjustment period, and it isn’t just the parents who feel the immediate stress of a growing family. When dogs sense the change a new baby brings, anxiety and depression can quickly seep in.

The unpredictable screaming and up-all-night behavior are startling and confusing enough, but the overall upheaval in the routine can make pets feel forgotten as your attention shifts to the latest addition to the family.

Even with the most adaptable dogs, the ensuing mood and behavioral changes can seem almost impossible to avoid. Ease your pet’s stress and promote a stronger bond among all your children with these five tips to help your dog when they feel neglected.

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The 5 Ways To Help When a Dog Feels Neglected After You Had a Baby

They may not get along initially, but your dog and baby have more in common than you may realize. Dogs develop infant-like attachments and want to stay as close to their caregiver as a baby does to its mother.

Separation is stressful. New routines cause unpredictability, leading to anxiety and insecurity. Even if you assure yourself your dog won’t lose any attention when your baby comes along, they will see and experience changes around them. It’s unavoidable.

Your job will be to soften the blow. Some aspects of life with a baby are controllable, while others will make you fight to ease their effect on your dog. Babies are full of surprises, so don’t expect a 100% seamless transition.

Patience is more crucial than anything. It could take weeks or several months, but with the proper approach, your dog and baby will develop a positive long-term connection.

1. Nurture Your Bond Daily

Maintaining a reasonable schedule and giving your dog large chunks of one-on-one time after bringing home a baby isn’t easy or even possible in many instances. Since you can’t always allot 15+ minutes of play in a predictable daily schedule, you’ll have to fill what few gaps you have in the day with attention to make up for it.

Keep a ball or tug rope handy to engage your dog when the baby gives you some downtime. These little sessions add up throughout the day, even if it’s only for a few seconds. Your dog will see that even though the situation may have changed, you’re still as present as ever.

owner playing with jack russell terrier dog at home
Image Credit: Pereslavtseva Katerina, Shutterstock

2. Give Your Dog a Safe Space

Babies are small bundles of sensory overload, especially for dogs that don’t have experience with them. When the crying and screaming become too much, they’ll appreciate a comfortable, familiar space to escape the madness.

Create a hangout spot in a separate room away from the action, giving your dog a soft bed and some of their favorite toys and blankets to keep them cozy and content.


3. Walk Your Dog and Baby

Finding positive moments to share with your baby and dog will help them build their bond. If your dog happily engages in their favorite activities while your baby is present, they can develop a favorable association with their new family member.

They won’t see competition for resources but instead a novel detail not specifically responsible for their emotional state. Your equipment will be essential in keeping your baby safe and your dog under control while walking the two.

Leash-trained and well-mannered dogs are manageable, but if you have a large dog that likes to roam, you’ll need a sturdy stroller that is easy to steer, stable against bouncing, and can turn rapidly. Jogging strollers are an excellent choice, or you could try a wearable setup to keep both hands free for your dog.

young loving couple holding hands walking along a road with their baby in the stroller and their dog
Image Credit: Luis Rojas Estudio, Shutterstock

4. Provide Ongoing Enrichment

A collection of fun chews, puzzle toys, and other stimulating equipment will keep your dog physically and mentally engaged, letting you focus on other parenting duties without making them feel neglected.

Maintaining a fresh rotation of new devices will maximize your dog’s interest. Of course, driving to the pet store is one of many chores that become more demanding when you have a baby.

If it feels exhausting, subscription boxes can be an enormous help. Rather than run to the store, you can get goodie boxes delivered straight to your door from BarkBox, Pooch Perks, and similar services.

Each month brings new toys and treats to excite your pup. Shop around for low-priced trial periods. With 3–6 months of affordable boxes, you can likely satisfy your dog during that crucial adjustment period as they get used to the new routine with the baby.


5. Find Help

Keeping your dog from feeling neglected after you have a baby takes effort. You’ll have to put off some favorite downtime activities, wake up a little earlier, and move faster to keep everyone happy. It sounds stressful, but if you know where to look, you’ll find sensible options to earn some much-needed relief.

Don’t be afraid to lean on others, whether it’s a friend, family member, or local service. Check reviews and pricing for doggy daycares near you. They can ease the burden in several ways, whether you need grooming help or want to keep your dog entertained even on your busiest days.

Daycare visits will do more than save time. Socializing opportunities expose your dog to new situations and sensations, helping them learn to stay calm and develop better behaviors. More importantly, they’ll get the attention they deserve but can’t always get from an owner with a baby.

Large and small dogs in daycare or boarding facility
Image Credit: Jayme Burrows, Shutterstock

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Conclusion

Parenting isn’t easy and becomes exponentially more challenging with every child added to the family. You and your pet deserve some grace. You’ll learn from mistakes and discover new ways to meet your dog’s needs, but they will inevitably feel some stress with a changing household.

Stay positive and patient through the trials, and your dog and baby will build an exceptional bond they’ll enjoy for years.

Sources

Featured Image Credit: Iryna Imago, Shutterstock

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