How to deal with jealousy between pets and children at home

How to deal with jealousy between pets and children It is an issue that worries many guardians, especially when animals show signs of stress or altered behavior.

Understanding the Roots of Animal Jealousy

Dealing with jealousy between pets and children is not simple, “tantrums” are a complex emotional response with scientific bases.

Studies in animal cognition show that dogs and cats are capable of feeling secondary emotions, including jealousy and frustration.

In the domestic environment, these feelings arise when the animal perceives a threat to its status or to the resources it considers valuable:

Owner's attention, physical space, feeding times or favorite toys.

A classic example is the dog that always slept in its owners' bed and starts to growl when the baby is placed in the same room.

Or the cat that pees in the newly assembled crib. These are clear signs that the animal is trying to reaffirm its place in the family hierarchy.

The good news? By understanding these mechanisms, we can work preemptively to avoid conflicts.

The secret is to prepare in advance and maintain routines that include all family members.

como lidar com o ciúmes entre pets e crianças — How to deal with jealousy between pets and children

Preparing Your Pet Before Your Baby Arrives

How to deal with jealousy between pets and children at home.

Adaptation should begin months before birth. Animals are extremely sensitive to changes in their environment, and gradual preparation makes all the difference.

Start by exposing your pet to new elements that will become part of their routine:

Play recordings of baby crying at low volume, gradually increasing
Let them smell baby hygiene products
Simulate the new routine with a doll representing the baby

A real case that illustrates this technique is that of the Silva family. They began preparing their Labrador, Luna, three months before giving birth.

They used a doll to simulate diaper changes and breastfeeding moments, always rewarding the dog for calm behavior.

By the time the baby arrived, Luna was already recognizing smells and sounds, making the transition much smoother. This type of systematic desensitization is recommended by animal behavior experts.

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Gradual Introduction Strategies

To deal with jealousy between pets and children, use strategies.

The first introduction between a pet and a baby should be carefully planned. Never force interaction – let the animal approach at its own pace.

An effective technique is “presentation by smell”:

Use a blanket with the baby's scent before arrival
Allow your pet to sniff from a distance
Associate this smell with positive experiences (snacks, affection)

Animal psychologist Dr. Fernanda Oliveira recommends: “In the first few days, keep interactions short and supervised. Never leave the baby and the pet alone, even if the animal has a docile history.”

Remember: each species has different needs. While dogs are generally more sociable, cats may need more time and space to adapt.

The Role of Early Socialization

Proper socialization from a young age can make all the difference in your pet's adaptation to the arrival of a child.

Animals accustomed to different people, sounds and situations from an early age tend to cope better with changes in the family routine.

A study by the University of Lincoln (2023) showed that dogs that had positive contact with children in the first 6 months of life showed 73% fewer problematic behaviors when their owners had children.

However, even pets adopted as adults can learn to live harmoniously. The secret lies in gradual positive conditioning.

Expose your pet to situations similar to those you will face with the baby, always associating them with pleasant experiences.

For example, get him used to sudden noises by offering his favorite treat right away.

The Importance of Environmental Enrichment

How to deal with jealousy between pets and children?

Many jealousy problems arise from boredom and lack of adequate stimulation. Investing in environmental enrichment can significantly reduce unwanted behaviors.

For dogs, consider interactive toys that release treats when handled correctly.

For cats, high shelves and scratching posts in different textures help channel energy positively.

The enrichment routine should be maintained even after the baby arrives. Set aside 15 minutes a day for mental activities with your pet – this short but quality time can prevent most jealousy problems.

Remember: a mentally stimulated animal is a more emotionally balanced animal.

Find out more: My cat wakes me up in the middle of the night every day: why and how can I retrain him?

Maintaining Your Pet's Emotional Balance

After the baby arrives, it is crucial to keep certain routines unchanged:

Tour and meal times
Moments of play and affection
Exclusive spaces for animals

The table below demonstrates how small adaptations can make a big difference:

Change	Potential Impact	Solution
Reduction of walks	Anxiety, destructive behavior	Divide tasks among family members
Change in sleeping location	Territorial stress	Keep the pet's corner unchanged
Less attention	Depression, apathy	Create exclusive moments for your pet

Frequently Asked Questions

1. My cat stopped using the litter box after the baby was born. What should I do?

This may indicate territorial stress.

Keep the box in a quiet place away from baby's noise, and consider adding a second box. Clean it daily and use enzymatic products to eliminate odors.

2. How to protect the baby without excluding the pet?

Use physical barriers such as nets or fences, but allow your pet to observe from a distance. Never completely isolate your pet, as this can increase frustration.

3. When should I really be concerned about my pet’s behavior?

Seek professional help immediately if you notice:

Persistent aggression
Self-harm (excessive licking, hair pulling)
Total refusal of food for more than 24 hours

Conclusion

How to deal with jealousy between pets and children It is a process that requires patience, understanding and planning.

Remember that both your child and your pet are learning to live in this new family dynamic.

The first few months are crucial to establishing a healthy relationship.

With the right strategies – preparing in advance, gradually introducing new children, and maintaining routines – you can turn this challenge into an opportunity to strengthen bonds between all family members.

For more scientific information on animal behavior, see:

Training and Behavior

Eliude Lima

July 3, 2025