Another interesting fact: Dogs have feelings too, which enable them to pick up on different cues and subtleties. For example, they can sense that a baby is vulnerable and harmless.
Dogs can hear, smell, and see babies, but they don't really know what a baby is, so it is shocking when dogs treat babies differently than adults. While your dog may not care much about adults, you might notice that your dog seems especially interested in babies.
Professor Ruffman states that this indicates the presence of empathy, meaning that the dogs subconsciously felt upset in response to the baby's distress. Canine behavior experts have also stated that dogs pick up on the energy around them and that the energy of a crying baby causes the dog to feel upset.
Generally, dogs will want to sniff the baby and may nudge the baby with their nose or even lick the baby. For the most part, unless the baby was born with a particularly weak immune system or other health concern, these actions are perfectly fine and are a normal investigation process for your dog.
Fortunately, most dogs look upon a baby with curiosity and interest and will show no signs of aggression or other negative behavior. However, some dogs may perceive an infant as a strange mammal or even a potential item of prey. "Dogs that have never seen a baby may not view them as human beings."
When you bring a new baby home, your dog will face an overwhelming number of novel sights, sounds and smells. She may find some of them upsetting, especially if she didn't have opportunities to spend time with children as a puppy. You'll drastically alter your daily routine, so your dog's schedule will change, too.
Dogs may lick a baby's face for a variety of reasons. It may be trying to play with the baby, or, it could be trying to assert its dominance over the child. Either way, this behavior should not be allowed for health and safety reasons. A dog's mouth carries a lot of germs, which can easily be passed to people.
One of the primary reasons dogs are gentle with babies is the size and appearance of infants. Since babies are so small and helpless, dogs do not perceive them as a threat. They will not lash out at babies even if they are upset or uncomfortable.
Dogs have great relationships with children and are often protective of them, so it comes as no surprise that they are just as protective of babies, if not more. This is definitely a behavioral trait that needs to be looked at a bit more closely.
They Lay Near Your Baby
Some cats are more cuddly than others, so it might be difficult to gauge how they feel about your baby when they're not one to snuggle in the first place. Dogs, however, might have a more obvious tell. Either way, if your pet is taking naps by your baby, they're probably in love.
Don't assume that what looks like jealousy, is truly jealousy. Many dogs are not comfortable around babies and may be scared of them. If your dog seems scared, don't force her to interact with the baby.
A newborn brings a whole range of new smells and sounds into your home, and perhaps the most worrying is crying. Remember, your dog picks up on energy, and the energy that your baby is giving off while crying is anything but calm and assertive. Your dog may become distressed, too, whimpering, whining, and barking.
“Your dog is smart enough to pick up on these changes during pregnancy, both in a physical way — which is how your body will be changing, your stomach, your smell — and in an emotional way, such as your feelings and your mood,” she says.
History of Dogs' Memories
Those that remain with their mother for the first 8 weeks tend to remember her (as well as their siblings) in later life. Similarly, females who are with their puppies for 8 weeks and beyond imprint a memory of them, and will show signs of recollection, even once they reach adulthood.
The unusual sounds and unpredictable movements of babies and small children can trigger arousal in any dog and can lead to bites. Even the smallest nip to a baby can be traumatic. Never leave a baby on the floor with a dog, even if you are there next to them. A nervous dog can move very quickly.
Veterinarians say that licking can be a submissive gesture, but that when domestic dogs lick humans, it usually is just what we like to think it is: a sign of affection. If you don't like it, you've got to train your dog not to lick you or your children.
How cute is that? While our dogs may look a little bit different than human children, this study shows that their feelings towards us are similar. Just like human children, our dogs look to their “parents” to provide them with feelings of security and reassurance when exploring their environment.
Your pets probably don't understand that in nine months a new baby will be joining your family, but dogs and cats do detect differences in your mood, posture, behavior, and body chemistry that clue them in to the enormous changes you're going through.
You might see a dog sniff or lick a baby's face or rear end; don't let this behavior scare you as it's their way of checking the baby's health. These are things a mother dog does with her pups. In addition, canines have heightened, powerful senses thanks to their olfactory glands.
It's usually because there is something going on around them that they perceive as a threat. Dogs who are licking their lips are usually sending the message that they are worried. Dogs lick their lips to appease and soothe a person or animal they see as a threat in order to ward off aggression.
"Studies have confirmed this exposure, and it can lead to mouth and gum infections, or even systemic infections," he says. But, germs aside, it's also extremely important, for safety's sake, to help your dog understand that he is not the baby's master or pack playmate.
When your dog seems sad or depressed after you bring home a baby, it's likely due to the fact that the household dynamic has changed. If they stop participating in things they once enjoyed, seem sluggish, or stop eating, drinking, or sleeping, they may be going through a bout of depression.