Don’t let a baby put pooch in doghouse

While the Prime Minister and his fiancée Carrie Symonds celebrate the birth of their baby son this week, their rescue dog Dilyn might be feeling a little put out.

“Dogs tend to like routine as it means they know what to expect,” said a spokesman for animal charity Blue Cross.

“This can help them to feel secure, so unless they’re prepared for the changes to their normal routine that babies can bring, it might be very unsettling indeed.”

A new baby may mean your dog receives less attention or shorter walks, and they may also need to be left alone for longer or kept out of certain rooms.

Babies also bring loud and unusual sounds into the house, not to mention unfamiliar smells, so it’s easy to see why some dogs can feel overwhelmed.

Here, we share the Blue Cross’s fivepoint plan for new parents that will help to keep their pooch happy.

Make sure your pet associates your baby’s presence with positive, enjoyable experiences. When they are behaving well around the baby, give lots of gentle praise and tasty titbits.

The first interaction should be under control with the baby being held in a parent’s arms and the dog allowed to sniff the child. The dog will appear interested for a few seconds and will then lose interest. When they back away you should praise them and give them a treat.

Carry on with the normal daily duties and routine, and the dog should accept the new arrival readily. Pets will be very patient while you adapt to life with a new baby, so don’t forget to include them.

Good hygiene is key. People who do not have pets of their own may try to encourage you to rehome your pet (something Carrie has denied will happen to Dilyn!) but it is essential your dog is treated for worms and fleas regularly.

Don’t leave dirty nappies on the floor, as they can cause the dog to mess on that spot. Nappies can also be appetising for certain dogs, so make sure any nappy bin has a sealed lid and is emptied regularly.

Also use antibacterial soap to clean your hands after feeding, grooming, cleaning or playing with your dog.

Do not put your baby on the floor with your pet and never leave your dog unsupervised with a baby, even if they have an excellent temperament.

Putting a stair gate on your nursery will ensure the room is off-limits for your pet but they can still see and hear the newest member of the family.

SNIFF TEST A dog meets a newborn family member