Baby & Dog Safety

Welcoming a baby into your home is one of life’s most joyful moments — but it can also be a big adjustment for your dog. To help everyone settle in safely, it’s important to create calm, positive experiences from the start.

Dogs are naturally curious, so when your baby arrives, they’ll want to sniff, investigate and perhaps even lick your little one. Gently move your dog away if they try to lick your baby’s face or hands — this helps reduce the spread of germs while teaching gentle boundaries.

Keep your dog’s routine as normal as possible. Make sure they still get attention, walks and playtime, so they don’t associate the baby’s arrival with loss or stress. Give them safe spaces to rest and always supervise early interactions.

Gradually introduce your baby’s scents and sounds before the first meeting — perhaps by playing recordings of crying or letting your dog sniff a baby blanket. Praise calm behaviour and reward them with gentle fuss and treats when they remain relaxed.

Over time, your dog will learn that the newest member of the family isn’t a threat but part of their pack — to be protected, respected and loved.