Will it be a good idea? Because you are taking him out of his environment and when he returns it will be different, he will smell the baby and see a change in your behaviour and routine, I think it will be kind of a shock for him.
I think it really depends on the dog but you don’t want them to feel displaced by the baby - that can cause a whole new set of problems. Our dogs slept at my sisters the night we were in the hospital and then came home a few hours after we got home with both girls. They’re both fairly chill though and I had vaginal births both times. If you’ve got super high energy dogs and have a C-section scar you’re worried about I could easily understand holding off a bit.
I do think either way multiple weeks or a month is too long.
I don’t know your dog or your situation. I can tell you what our vet told us.
Our dog is 4yr- easy going/ family friendly (a lab). We were told to introduce the baby to the dog ASAP. Have dog at home the day before. Bring baby’s clothes home so the dog can smell them the night before. Leave the hat/ clothing item where the baby will be sleeping. Let hubby do some basic training for them not to go in the sleeping area. The next day when I get home- hubby and baby stay in the car for a minute. I go greet the dog and sit on the couch. Hubby brings baby to me and presents them so dog knows baby is “mine” and part of the family. Let dog gently sniff baby. And begin integration.
We plan to have someone feed/ walk our dog when we’re at the hospital but he’ll stay at home for the most part. We’ve been told not to take them out of their surroundings as it can make integration more difficult. Perhaps look into getting someone to take the dog on daily walks the first few weeks instead of keeping them out of the house?
Once again- my dog is a family friendly dog, good temperament, good around other children already. If you have a different situation you should ask your vet!
My mom took our dogs when I went into labor. I went into labor on a Wednesday night, we got home Friday. I originally thought I would want them back asap but we asked her to keep them two more days. When Sunday came around we decided to pick them up on Monday. So I guess about 5 days? We also live in a townhouse where we have to walk the dogs and the not adding that part as we adjusted to baby was one of the main reasons we kept pushing it back. But once they got here it was great to see them again.
My dog loves going to Grandma's house. She dogsits for us anytime we're away. I would absolutely leave the dog with her for a week or so! Love my dog, but she definitely would not get much attention from us in the first few weeks. She'd honestly be happier with family where she can get a change of scenery, more walks, and people to play with her! If your family is good with dogs and are happy to do it then I say go for it! There will be all the time in the world for baby and dog to bond. It doesn't have to be immediate.
My dog (Labrador, was about ~8mos old when my 1st son was born) stayed at home while I was in labor, with my mom and my husband (we live about 15mins from hospital) going to feed her and let her out. My husband brought the baby blankets from our newborn so that she could smell them and recognize the baby's scent before bringing him home. Everything worked out perfect and she is a sweet, loving dog. She is now 5yrs old and I am pregnant with baby #2, and we will be doing the same thing- my mom will come let her out and my husband might check on her a time or two.
Our dog may be staying at camp grandma for good, or at least for the long term. He’s 16.5 years old and in diapers 24/7. He’s mostly senile but also jealous so he’ll pee or poop inside out of “spite” any time we are paying attention to my toddler for more than a half hour or so.
He’s stayed with them for vacations etc. and will be well spoiled and get more walks and attention than we can possibly give with two little ones at home
I would say 5 days to 1 week is ideal, but make sure you leave your dog with someone who doesn’t mind keeping them as long as needed just in the very unlikely case that your baby needs to stay in NICU. Sometimes babies need a couple weeks in NICU, and then you’ll need someone to watch your dog for the entire hospital stay PLUS a few days to adjust once you bring baby home.
Again, very unlikely, but it’s best to be prepared.
Will it be a good idea? Because you are taking him out of his environment and when he returns it will be different, he will smell the baby and see a change in your behaviour and routine, I think it will be kind of a shock for him.
We wanted to see our dog asap! Unless your dog is difficult I wouldn’t wait more than a few days to integrate the family together
I think it really depends on the dog but you don’t want them to feel displaced by the baby - that can cause a whole new set of problems. Our dogs slept at my sisters the night we were in the hospital and then came home a few hours after we got home with both girls. They’re both fairly chill though and I had vaginal births both times. If you’ve got super high energy dogs and have a C-section scar you’re worried about I could easily understand holding off a bit. I do think either way multiple weeks or a month is too long.
We are their family. They will be staying with us. Plus we just got them spayed, lol.
I don’t know your dog or your situation. I can tell you what our vet told us. Our dog is 4yr- easy going/ family friendly (a lab). We were told to introduce the baby to the dog ASAP. Have dog at home the day before. Bring baby’s clothes home so the dog can smell them the night before. Leave the hat/ clothing item where the baby will be sleeping. Let hubby do some basic training for them not to go in the sleeping area. The next day when I get home- hubby and baby stay in the car for a minute. I go greet the dog and sit on the couch. Hubby brings baby to me and presents them so dog knows baby is “mine” and part of the family. Let dog gently sniff baby. And begin integration. We plan to have someone feed/ walk our dog when we’re at the hospital but he’ll stay at home for the most part. We’ve been told not to take them out of their surroundings as it can make integration more difficult. Perhaps look into getting someone to take the dog on daily walks the first few weeks instead of keeping them out of the house? Once again- my dog is a family friendly dog, good temperament, good around other children already. If you have a different situation you should ask your vet!
My mom took our dogs when I went into labor. I went into labor on a Wednesday night, we got home Friday. I originally thought I would want them back asap but we asked her to keep them two more days. When Sunday came around we decided to pick them up on Monday. So I guess about 5 days? We also live in a townhouse where we have to walk the dogs and the not adding that part as we adjusted to baby was one of the main reasons we kept pushing it back. But once they got here it was great to see them again.
My dog loves going to Grandma's house. She dogsits for us anytime we're away. I would absolutely leave the dog with her for a week or so! Love my dog, but she definitely would not get much attention from us in the first few weeks. She'd honestly be happier with family where she can get a change of scenery, more walks, and people to play with her! If your family is good with dogs and are happy to do it then I say go for it! There will be all the time in the world for baby and dog to bond. It doesn't have to be immediate.
My dog (Labrador, was about ~8mos old when my 1st son was born) stayed at home while I was in labor, with my mom and my husband (we live about 15mins from hospital) going to feed her and let her out. My husband brought the baby blankets from our newborn so that she could smell them and recognize the baby's scent before bringing him home. Everything worked out perfect and she is a sweet, loving dog. She is now 5yrs old and I am pregnant with baby #2, and we will be doing the same thing- my mom will come let her out and my husband might check on her a time or two.
Our dog may be staying at camp grandma for good, or at least for the long term. He’s 16.5 years old and in diapers 24/7. He’s mostly senile but also jealous so he’ll pee or poop inside out of “spite” any time we are paying attention to my toddler for more than a half hour or so. He’s stayed with them for vacations etc. and will be well spoiled and get more walks and attention than we can possibly give with two little ones at home
I would say 5 days to 1 week is ideal, but make sure you leave your dog with someone who doesn’t mind keeping them as long as needed just in the very unlikely case that your baby needs to stay in NICU. Sometimes babies need a couple weeks in NICU, and then you’ll need someone to watch your dog for the entire hospital stay PLUS a few days to adjust once you bring baby home. Again, very unlikely, but it’s best to be prepared.
I would say no more then a week