Your much-loved family pet has been the apple of your eye for years when all of a sudden there’s a noisy new bundle everyone seems to be far more interested in.

The first few weeks with new babies in the house can be chaotic and unsettling for the whole family, your cat or dog included.

But over the next few months and years your pooch or puss will bring a whole load of joy to your child’s life not to mention teach him how to take care of animals. So it’s well worth making sure the relationship between your new baby and the family pets is a happy one you can all enjoy safely.

Attention deficit

Many dog-owners report behavioural problems and jealousy after the arrival of a baby. Remember they’ve had your undivided attention almost since they were born so jealousy is understandable. Try to make time every day for some pet pampering: a few treats, a little grooming or just five minutes where they have your full attention.

Keep to the routine

OK so your routine’s gone out the window since the baby came along but keeping things normal for your cat or dog is important. Try to feed them the same time as before, in the same place, let them out in the garden if that’s what they’re used to, take them for their usual walk. These events are the highlight of their day and will give them security while everything else seems strange.

Ring the changes early

If you need to make important changes to your pet’s life, introduce them before the birth of the baby. That way, they won’t associate the turmoil with the baby and you might avoid resentment altogether.

A world of smells

Animals experience the world through their nose and your pet will have hundreds of smells he’s already familiar with. Babies bring a whole new palette of pongs – some nice, some not so nice – but to your pet they’ll all be weird and worrying at first. Help him out by introducing him to the baby’s smell before he meets the baby: let him sniff a blanket or babygro you’ve brought from the hospital.

When you do come in to the house carrying your new baby don’t forget to make a fuss of your pet like you normally would. Let him have a little look at the new arrival; gently discourage any licking, pawing or jumping. In a few months you’ll be discouraging your baby from pulling tails and eating dog biscuits. Both of them have a learning curve ahead of them but with your help it can be fun not fraught!