Postpartum Pet Aversion: Why You Hate Your Pets After a Baby

Although the birth of a child brings many joys, for some new parentsHaving a pet at home is not one of them. “If you didn’t like your pets after having a baby, when did you start liking them again?” wrote one Reddit user on thread. In another threadanother user asked: “Hating my dog ​​after birth?? This is fine??”

This is what happens when new parents have a change in their relationship with pets after having a baby, otherwise known as “postpartum pet aversion.” But because having a baby can be a difficult transition for everyone, including the pet owner. And pet – It's important for parents to handle these new changes with compassion and grace.

To provide some clarity on why you might feel more irritable or frustrated with your dog or cat after having a baby and what you can do to cope with those feelings, experts discuss below.

Experts featured in this article

Katherine DenchDVM, Veterinarian and Chief Veterinary Consultant at Paw Origins.

Jessica Friedman is a dog trainer at Sublime K9 Dog Training.

Why do I hate my pet after having a baby?

You may have a postpartum aversion to pets and feel more frustrated with your pet after the baby is born because he has started exhibiting bad behavior. Pets are very sensitive to changes in the home, says veterinarian Dr. Catherine Dench.

Dog trainer Jessica Friedman adds that many new parents don't realize that pets need an adjustment period to adjust to children. “[New parents] I think the dog will just readily accept the new crying person without any change in behavior,” says Friedman. And this is not always the case.

For this reason, when a baby is brought home, the pet may “act out due to less attention, disruption to routine, or jealousy,” explains Dr. Dench. “This can manifest itself in behavioral problems such as excessive barking, chewing or even accidents inside the house.” This, of course, might give vent to some mom is angry.

It's also possible that you're simply feeling more irritable. Most new parents focus their energy on their baby, which often makes them more anxious, tired and busy. When a parent is already feeling tired or stressed, it is more difficult for them to be patient or give the pet as much attention as they want.

Luckily, acknowledging that you may be feeling this way is a good sign, and there are things you can do to deal with these feelings.

What to do if you have a postpartum aversion to pets

Get back into a routine. “Dogs value predictability, and regular feeding, walks and play can help alleviate anxiety-related behavior,” says Dr. Dench. In other words, try to keep your pet on a consistent daily routine where he walks and feeds at the same time every day.

“Just as you have to adjust to your new life, so does your puppy.”

Spend time together. Even if it's only for a short time, playing fetch, cuddling, or riding in the car with your furry friend may be all they need to calm down. “Spending quality time can go a long way toward helping your pet take his place in your family and reducing feelings of neglect or jealousy,” says Dr. Dench.

Encourage safe interactions between your pet and your child. “Start by introducing your pet to your newborn through short, controlled interactions,” recommends Dr. Dench. “This helps build a positive bond and comfort level between your pet and baby, laying the foundation for a strong bond.” It is also important to provide positive reinforcement when your dog acts calmly around your child. You can do this verbally by saying “good boy (or girl)” or by giving your dog a treat.

Hire a dog trainer. “They can offer personalized strategies to address specific issues and improve the overall dynamic between your pet and newborn,” says Dr. Dench. Although Friedman says it would be better if families took part in the training. to After the baby is born, there are still options for those seeking help and guidance afterward.

Bottom line: we get it. Raising a child while your pet is naughty is not a task for the weak. But just like you, your puppy has to adjust to his new life. By implementing these strategies into your daily life, you (and your dog) will feel better in no time.

Taylor Andrews is a senior editor at PS magazine, specializing in topics related to sex, relationships, dating, sexual health, mental health, travel and more. With eight years of editorial experience, Taylor has extensive experience in content creation and storytelling. Before joining PS in 2021, she worked at Cosmopolitan.