Bringing home a new baby is a big adjustment for both parents as well as their attention-seeking household pets Nothing will entirely prepare your cat or dog for the big day, but there are some steps that can be taken to minimize the shock.

"Sensitize" your pet to babies. Have friends bring their babies to your house. In order to acquaint your pet with daily life with a baby, it might help to carry around a large doll. Carry, sing to, and walk around with the doll.

If the pet's sleeping arrangements will change after the baby comes, initiate the change early. Similarly, if the pet's food bowl is in a place that a toddler can easily access, it may be a wise to move the bowl to a basement, porch or garage. Help the animal adjust to these changes before the baby arrives.

Train your pet to avoid the baby's room. For a dog a gate may be used. Since a cat may be able to climb into the baby's crib, one may purchase a net to put over the crib.

Make sure that your pet has a complete veterinary check-up. Animals should be flea, tick and worm free. Flea collars with poisonous chemicals and flea bombing should be avoided during pregnancy and with the new baby arrives. Also, be certain that dogs have had their rabies shots.

Above all make sure your pet knows your still love them.