ASK DR.MOORE January 02, 2004

Dr. Mark Moore, author of the gender selection book Baby Girl or Baby Boy--Choose the Sex of Your Child, answers readers' questions on pregnancy and pediatrics.

Jealous Pets
Q: We are having a baby soon, and I’m worried about our dog and if he might get jealous of this new family member?

Dr.Moore: Our pet pig “Muffin” was not jealous, but we didn’t take any chances with our rottweiler “Cody”. Mark and Melanie Greene of Country Hill Vet in Prestonsburg, KY recommend "baby training", at mid-pregnancy and then for the last six weeks prior to birth.
Your baby’s room and changing table are already setup and stocked. Buy a life-size baby doll; apply lotion then dress it in a diaper and baby tee. Carry it around as you would your future baby. Lay it in the crib and close off the room for nap time. Man's best friend will learn that there is no threat from this tiny helpless bundle. It will imprint the fragrances of the baby to its memory in a good way. Even still, any pets can be unpredictable, some more than others and close observation should be kept on them at all times. Unsupervised babies and pets do not mix. Check with your pediatrician and vet.

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Readers may send questions to our email address. This column is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional or medical advice.

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