Banfield Pet Hospital® Offers Royal Family Tips On Acclimating Cocker Spaniel, Lupo, To The Future King Or Queen

PORTLAND, Ore., Dec. 5, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- A new royal baby announcement has the world congratulating William and Kate, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, on their upcoming bundle of joy.  However, the parents-to-be may discover there is one family member who might struggle with the news more than anyone else. Banfield Pet Hospital, the world's largest veterinary practice with more than 800 hospitals nationwide, is offering the royal couple valuable advice for bringing their baby home in just a few months, and acclimating the family dog, Lupo, to the daily changes that will take place. Lupo, a black Cocker Spaniel puppy, was brought into the royal household last January.

"There are certain tips we recommend to pet owners before the baby's arrival, as well as when the baby is actually brought into the home, to ensure a seamless transition for both the baby and the pet," said Dr. Ari Zabell, director of client advocate support for Banfield Pet Hospital. "Introducing the pet to changes associated with the baby on a gradual basis rather than all at once, is the first step to ensuring a family lives a happy life together!"

Royal or Not – Here Comes Baby!
According to Banfield, implementing household changes, including baby-proofing, or changing the home routine for the pet in any way prior to the baby's arrival, is vital to the success of integrating the newest member of the family to the beloved four-legged family member. Banfield also encourages the royal family, as well as any family bringing a new baby home, to ensure the pet has a safe zone which the baby will not be permitted to enter. Pets should also be acclimated to sounds of crying babies via recordings, paired with exposure to play time or treats for positive reinforcement.

Introducing the pet to the new baby while the dog is on a leash is the best way to ensure safety and monitor for signs of aggressive or unacceptable non-aggressive behavior, Banfield experts say. As important as it is to know what to do, Banfield Pet Hospital also encourages being aware of what not to do when introducing a baby to the family pet.

"It's important to avoid ignoring or constantly scolding the pet around the baby or leaving the baby unattended around the family pet," said Dr. Zabell. "It's also imperative to never forget about the pet's healthcare—with a new baby in the home, it's as important as ever to make sure the pet receives appropriate preventive care to prevent against disease transmission to the whole family."

For more information about Banfield Pet Hospital, or acclimating the family pet to new family members, visit www.Banfield.com.

About Banfield Pet Hospital^®
Founded in Portland, Ore., in 1955, Banfield is the largest general veterinary practice in the world. In 2007, Banfield joined the Mars, Inc. family of businesses, and today we are more than 800 hospitals strong in neighborhoods across the United States. More than 2,600 veterinarians at Banfield are committed to giving pets the highest quality of veterinary care. Banfield hospitals offer a full range of comprehensive medical services, computerized medical records, preventive care plans for pets and extended operating hours. Banfield Pet Hospital helps extend the lives of millions of pets each year through Optimum Wellness Plans^®. For journalists seeking more information, please visit our press room at http://www.banfield.com or contact our Media Hotline at 888-355-0595.

SOURCE Banfield Pet Hospital