The 'Ick' is real

Real talk: if you are pregnant or recently gave birth and suddenly feel like your pet is the absolute worst, you aren't spiraling. You aren't a bad person, and you’re definitely not a monster. It is actually a documented phenomenon that catches a ton of new parents off guard.

Take Sylvia Luu, for example. Three weeks into her pregnancy, she went from being obsessed with her border collie mix, Ranger, to being physically nauseated by him. She couldn't even stand his smell—it was that deep. This is often linked to the intense hormonal shifts that come with pregnancy, and for about 1% to 3% of people, that can escalate into hyperemesis gravidarum, which supercharges your disgust sensors.

Why it happens

There isn't a ton of official research on this yet, partly because women’s health is lowkey underfunded and the human-animal bond is often trivialized. However, a 2025 survey by ManyPets found that 15% of pet-owning respondents felt a strong aversion to their dogs during pregnancy.

Whether it's the shedding, the constant barking, or just the sound of claws on the floor, it’s giving major sensory overload. Dr. Shelby McDonald, a researcher at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, notes that many parents see their capacity to care for a pet drop significantly once a baby enters the picture.

How to handle the guilt

If you’re feeling this way, the shame is the worst part. You start questioning your entire identity, but experts say these feelings are often temporary. If you're struggling, here is how you can actually cope:

  • Outsource the chores: Get a friend, family member, or pet sitter to handle the walks and the vet trips. You don't have to do it all.
  • Create boundaries: Set up pet-free zones in your home so you have a place to recharge without the animal stress.
  • Use the right tools: Lean into tech—a robot vacuum is a lifesaver for shedding issues.
  • Talk it out: If the feelings of rage or repulsion feel out of control, find a therapist who specializes in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help you process it.

If you find yourself truly unable to provide care, remember that rehoming an animal to ensure its safety and happiness can actually be an act of responsible caregiving. There is no shame in making sure both the baby and the fur baby are in the right environment.

Why it matters

Ignoring these feelings can lead to major burnout, but recognizing that this is a temporary, common struggle can take the pressure off. Most people find that their relationship with their pet improves over time as they adjust to their new life. It’s okay to have less capacity for your pet right now; it doesn’t mean you’ve lost that bond forever.