The Comfort of Having a Dog During IVF (and What I’ve Noticed Since)

After everything that unfolded in 2025, I decided to make a few changes. The first was my job. The role itself had become too much, along with the daily travel. So I resigned. Fortunately, I found a work-from-home role that gave me some time back each day.

Now that I was working from home, I also made another big decision — I adopted a dog. I had wanted one for a while. But working full-time, combined with the commute, meant I wasn’t home for most of the day. I also don’t have a fenced yard. So a dog wouldn’t have been able to move in and out freely. It just wasn’t practical at the time. Now that I was home, I finally could — which I was thrilled about.

It all happened in a very organic, meant-to-be way as well. I’m very pro-shelter and had intended to go down that path. However, that’s not how things unfolded.

Around that same time, my mum mentioned that a neighbour was looking to rehome their small dog. She wasn’t getting the exercise she needed due to their work commitments. They felt it was for the best. I happened to bump into them one day. They mentioned they had just found new owners who were driving an hour and a half to pick her up. So I didn’t think much more about it.

Fast forward three days, and I received a call from that neighbour. The new owners wanted to return the dog because she cried too much. I don’t know if sometimes people expect that dogs will just take to a new home, but that’s not the case for every dog. I’m certainly not the dog whisperer, but I do think they need time, with some ups and downs, before they settle.

Anyway, it all happened very quickly. I had been set on adopting from a shelter. So I felt some guilt about not going that way. But I decided to meet her and see how it felt. She came over the following day and, well, that was it. She’s been part of the family ever since.

She loves her daily walks and has a funny little personality, which I love. She can be a bit naughty at times, but I don’t mind the occasional cheekiness. Overall, she has settled in so well. She has really made this house feel like a home — just the two of us.

I have to say, she’s been one of the best things I could have done for my emotional wellbeing, especially during IVF. This time around, I felt calmer and definitely had less anxiety. And on the days when I wanted to pull the doona over my head, she had other plans. We were going for a walk.

Now that I am pregnant, it’s been interesting to notice some small changes in her behaviour. I’m nearly at the halfway mark. I said to my Mum a couple of weeks ago that Missy, my dog, seems more protective these days. She’s also more alert to sounds. She’s always been aware, but this feels heightened. It’s just something I’ve noticed.

I ended up googling dog and pregnancy to see if there was any connection — and apparently, there can be. From what I read, dogs can pick up on hormonal changes, shifts in scent, and changes in routine or behaviour. Changes in dog behaviour during pregnancy can sometimes show up as increased protectiveness, affection, or simply being more aware of what’s going on around them.

I thought that was really interesting.

It also made me start thinking about how she might go with a new baby in the home. So I did a bit of research on how to prepare a dog for a baby. There’s a lot of helpful information out there. From what I read, a lot of it comes down to preparing your dog gradually, rather than expecting them to adjust overnight.

Things like getting them used to new routines ahead of time, setting boundaries around certain areas of the house, and slowly introducing them to new sounds and equipment all seem to help. Even something as simple as letting them become familiar with the pram or the baby’s things beforehand.

I also came across the idea of introducing your dog to the baby’s scent before they meet. For example, bringing home a blanket or clothing that has been in contact with the baby. It seems like a small thing, but one that can help make that first introduction feel a little less unfamiliar.

There was also a strong focus on keeping things calm and supervised once the baby arrives — not forcing interactions, and giving your dog time to adjust in their own way.

It made me realise that, like most things, a bit of preparation now will likely make that transition smoother for both of us.

Anyway, I just wanted to share something that sits alongside IVF — not part of the medical side, but still very much part of the experience.

I’ve included some links below if you’re interested, including reading more about preparing your pet for a new baby.

Pregnancy, Birth and Baby: Getting your pets ready for baby to arrive – Read More
Mother&Bay: Can dogs sense pregnancy in humans? – Read More
healthdirect: Health benefits of having a pet – Read More