Month: January 2024

How Can I Find a Home for My Pit Bull?

If you’re asking how can I find a home for my pit bull, you’ve likely made the decision to give up your pet. Coming to this conclusion is not easy and figuring out the next step can cause anxiety. One of the best ways to put your mind at ease, and ensure your pit bull ends up in the right home is to rehome him yourself. There are other options, but this one lets you choose your pet’s new home and make sure he finds the right fit. You might not know where to start, but there are available resources, such as those on the Rehome website to help you every step of the way.

Giving Your Dog a Second Chance at a Forever Home

There are many reasons people choose to give up their pit bulls, including everything from allergies to behavior problems. In many circumstances, these issues can be resolved with additional training, a trip to the vet, or other professional help. If possible, see if there are other steps you can take to keep your dog home with you.

If you find that giving up your dog is the only option, be sure to give him the best chance at happiness in a new home. Here some tips to keep in mind:

  • Don’t List Your Dog Free to a Good Home:Instead charge a small rehoming fee of at least $50. This will eliminate people who search through online classifieds looking for pit bulls to use for dog fighting, or other ill intentions.

  • Be Realistic When Surrendering to a Shelter: While most shelters do their best to find homes for every dog they take in, the sad reality is some dogs become permanent residents or have to be put down.
  • Seek Help from Animal Welfare Professionals: Private rescues are unlikely to have room to take your dog in, but some will do courtesy listings to help you find a good home for your pit bull. Pet adoption experts, like those behind Rehome by Adopt-a-Pet.com, can also help get your pit bull in front of potential adopters, and provide guidance on properly screening adopters.

Rehome Your Pit Bull Yourself for the Best Results!

It’s not an easy decision to give up your pet, so make the most of a difficult situation by looking for the perfect home. When you create an online profile for you pit bull on Rehome, you’ll be able to accept applications, get tips on how to choose adopters, and much more. It’s the safe, reliable, and free way to ensure your pit bull is adopted into a loving home where he will be well cared for.

Yes, it will take some time, but it will be so worth it when you’re able to hand your pit bull over to a family that you know will give him the love and care he deserves.  

What Does It Mean When Your Dog Barks at You?

When your dog barks at you, it means he is try to tell you something. What that something is will vary. He could be demanding food, asking for attention, being protective, telling you he is in pain, or alerting you to what he perceives as danger.

Should I Feel Threatened When My Dog Barks at Me? 

Dogs bark for many different reasons, so the fact that he is barking at you is usually no cause for concern. If the bark is low-pitched and accompanied by growling, that can be a sign of aggression. Keep in mind, however, that aggression is often caused by pain or an illness—especially if it comes on suddenly and isn’t normal for your dog. So putting aside aggression, here are a few things your dog may be trying to tell you:

“I’m Hungry”

If your dog is barking at you and it’s past his dinner time, there is a good chance he’s hungry. He’s just offering a gentle reminder that he has no intention of missing a meal.

“Put Your Shoes On and Take Me for a Walk” 

Dogs need their exercise and they also appreciate routine. If you normally walk him morning and night, you can expect to hear about it when it doesn’t happen.

“My Toy Is Stuck Under the Couch” 

Often a dog barking means he isn’t getting something he wants. If the barking is accompanied by scratching around a couch or other piece of furniture, there is a good chance that a favorite toy is hiding underneath.

“I Want Attention” 

Barking may be a cry for attention, but it should be ignored. If you respond to barking with pets and cuddles, you’re encouraging the behavior. Instead, ignore your barking dog and when he calms down reward him with the attention he wants.

While you can’t speak canine, you can often look for clues that will help you understand what it means when your dog barks at you. 

Why Do Dogs Stare At You While You Eat?

Dogs stare at you while you eat because they want what you’re eating. In the wild, dogs stare at the pack leader as he eats. This is how they let him know they are hungry and hope to get his scraps. You’re the pack leader, and they are hoping you’ll share your meal.

How to Curb Staring During Meal Time 

Because this behavior is a natural instinct, curbing it completely can be difficult. You can, however, take steps to not encourage staring.

NEVER Feed Your Dog from the Table 

Unless you want your dog planted next to your seat at the dinner table for every meal for the rest of his life, do not toss him a treat from the table. Even if you only do it once, he’ll never forget. He’ll spend the rest of his life waiting patiently for a repeat. If you want to share your table scraps, you need to take your plate away from the table and put some space between the dog staring and you giving him the food so he doesn’t associate the two.

Ignore Him 

You can’t say “bad dog!” enough to eliminate a natural instinct. Instead, completely ignore his staring. Over time, this may help minimize the behavior.

Feed the Dog First 

Some pet owners have had success with feeding their dogs before they sit down for a meal. If your dog is full, he may be less interested in whatever is on your plate. Of course, some dogs can never get enough, so don’t expect this to be 100% effective.

Why do dogs stare at you while you eat? They want your food! If it really bothers you, or if you’re having company, simply crate your dog (if he is crate trained) during mealtime to eliminate the problem. 

What Can I Spray To Stop My Dog From Digging?

Vinegar and citrus oil are two things you can spray to stop your dog from digging. Commercial dog repellent sprays are also available. These methods will not work for all dogs, so it may take some trial and error to discover what works for your dog. Whether you choose a homemade or commercial product, such sprays are a good starting point for pet owners who want to curb this behavior.

Why Dogs Dig 

The reasons dogs dig are as varied as the methods to try and stop it. If you know why he is digging, you may be able to prevent the behavior even without the use of sprays. If your dog is digging, he may be trying to:

  •  Escape the Yard: If digging is along the fence, it’s pretty obvious what your dog is trying to do. This is one of the most troublesome types of digging because it puts your dog in danger. If your dog is digging to escape, block the area around the fence with chicken wire or rocks to prevent him from getting out of the yard while you work on stopping the digging. 
  • Cool Off: Digging holes and then resting inside them means your dog is digging to cool off. Aside from not leaving your pet outside on hot days, you can also be sure to provide adequate shade and plenty of water.
  • Hunt Prey: If you see signs of burrowing pests near the spots where your dog digs, he is likely hunting. Call a humane exterminator to safely move the gopher, mole, or other animal out of your yard.
  • Relieve Boredom: Digging is fun! At least some dogs think so. If your dog is digging as a game or to relieve boredom, introducing lots of new toys and additional playtime may curb the behavior. 

Are Commercial Sprays More Effective than Homemade?

Not necessarily. Just like humans have different tastes, so do dogs. The spray is simply adding a repellant to the area, and what will repel one dog may not repel another. If you don’t want to spend money for a commercial spray, try the homemade sprays first to see if you get the desired results. 

There are many things you can spray to stop your dog from digging, you just need to find what works best for your pup!  

Why Do Cats Suddenly Attack Their Owners?

There are many possible reasons why cats suddenly attack their owners including misguided play, a show of dominance, fear, or a medical issue. The good news is that, with time and patience, the issue can usually be corrected.

Dealing with an Aggressive Cat 

While a cat doesn’t apply the same lethal force as a large dog, their attacks can be scary, painful, and leave their owners bloody. In other words: Cats attacking their owners isn’t something that can be ignored. The first step in correcting the behavior is discovering the cause. Possible reasons include:

Misguided Play

Cats and kittens love to play, and they need to be taught what kind of play is acceptable and what kind is not. Make sure your cats have plenty of toys, and toss new toys into the mix on a regular basis so your cats won’t get bored. 

Fear 

When a cat is afraid or stressed out, they may attack just because they don’t know what else to do. One way to help your cat deal with fear is to make sure they have access to a place that makes them feel safe. This may be a perch atop a kitty condo, an enclosed bed, or even access to a rarely used room. If their fear seems extreme, consult a vet for advice.

You’re the Prey 

Cats are hunters. It’s a natural instinct. This is similar to play, but look at it more like practice. They are honing their skills for when they are ready to chase their next insect or rodent. Encourage them to stalk other items, such as the dot from a laser pointer or a toy mouse tied to a string. Redirecting this behavior may help to turn their attention to their toys, rather than your legs, the next time they want to practice hunting.

Medical Issues 

If your typically docile cat is suddenly aggressive, there is a good chance that a medical issue is to blame. When cats are in pain, they often show signs of aggression. If you suspect this may be the cause, a visit to the vet should be a priority.

There Is Hope 

 If you can pinpoint the cause of a cat suddenly attacking their owner, a resolution can often be found either on your own or with the help of a vet or animal behaviorist. This isn’t usually behavior that will go away on its own, so deal with the issue head on as soon as possible for the best results. 

What is the Best Way to Rehome a Bulldog?

The best way to rehome a bulldog is with someone that you already know and that knows your dog. This helps to reduce the anxiety and fear of a transition since he is familiar with the other person’s scent. It could be a good solution for both of you. Most consider this to be the best option for rehoming not just a bulldog, but any type of dog.

Is There a Way to Keep Your Dog?

Consider why you need to give up your dog. You might find that there are solutions that will allow you to keep your pet. If you need help to pay vet bills, you could check out RedRover.org to learn more about financial aid and assistance across the country. If you can’t afford to spay or neuter your pet, you could check out the ASPCA to learn more about low-cost providers near you.

Perhaps you have trouble with your dog’s behavior. There is a veritable cornucopia of information online, as well as trainers that you can find and hire to help with these issues. Always take the time to look at some of the other potential solutions, and you may find that you don’t have to rehome him at all. Of course, that’s not always the case. Sometimes, things are out of your hands and you have no choice.

Fastest Doesn’t Mean Best

Keep in mind that there is a difference between the best way and the fastest way to rehome a dog. The fastest way is to surrender your bulldog to the shelter. However, it’s not the best. The shelters do what they can with the dog, but because of a lack of space and funds in many facilities, it does not provide them with the quality of life they deserve. Shelters don’t want to euthanize the pets that are there, but they often have no other options. A shelter should be the last resort.

Why Choose Rehome?

You could also opt to rehome with people that you don’t know. In the past, this was often done online through sites like Craigslist. However, those types of sites can provide more problems than solutions. It’s difficult to know who you’re dealing with and if whether have your dog’s best interest in mind or not.

A better solution, which is even easier, is to use Rehome from Adopt-a-Pet.com. This is a peer-to-peer platform that will provide you with a means of connecting with people who are looking to adopt. You can upload pictures and videos of your bulldog, along with a bio that will give the potential adopters all the information they need. Once they fill out an application, you can review it, meet with them, and determine who gets to adopt your dog.

The platform won’t cost the owners anything to use. The adopters will pay a small rehoming fee, which is then used to help care for animals. It’s a simple and easy way to rehome your bulldog.

Why Is My Dog Suddenly Chewing Everything?

If your normally well-behaved dog is suddenly chewing everything, it is likely because he is bored, stressed out, or anxious. If there has been a change in the dog’s environment or routine that could also trigger the sudden chewing. You can try a few things to curb the behavior, but if it doesn’t work, you’ll want to enlist the help of your vet or an animal behaviorist.

Tips To Stop Destructive Chewing

You come from work to find yet another dog bed has been shredded, your favorite pair of shoes has been destroyed, or the sofa you saved up for is now down a cushion. Your dog’s sudden chewing is frustrating for sure, but it can also be dangerous as he could swallow materials that may cause an intestinal blockage or other issues.

Here are some things you can try to stop the behavior:

  • Buy Some New Toys: Provide appropriate chew toys for your pet and redirect them to those toys any time you catch him chewing. Toss toys once they are damaged and refresh the stash with new toys regularly to keep your dog interested.
  • Doggy Day Care: If your dog is chewing everything when you’re away, he could be bored or lonely. Consider sending him to doggy day care, especially if you work long hours. If that’s not possible, hiring a dog walker is another way to break up your dog’s day.
  • Treat For Separation Anxiety: Anxiety is a very common cause of destructive chewing—and it will not get better on its own. Treatments will vary based on the severity of the anxiety, but the first step is to talk with your vet or an animal behaviorist to work out a treatment plan.
    If your dog is chewing everything, don’t just ignore the problem. If simple DIY fixes, such as buying new toys, don’t help, talk to your vet. It might take some trial and error, but with a little patience you’ll be able to correct this behavior and help your dog to be happy and healthy.
  • Preventative Measures: It is also important to keep items your dog may chew out of your dog’s reach. When you are not around to supervise him, keep your pup in a chew-safe area. 

 

How Do I Rehome My Beagle?

You can rehome your beagle using several different options. Of course, some of those options are better than others are, so you will want to learn more about them. This will help to give you a better understanding of what will be best for your beagle.

Do You Need to Rehome?

Rehoming is an option, but it is not always necessary. It’s always best to try to keep your beagle with you, of course. Just because there might be a problem right now, doesn’t mean there aren’t other solutions than just rehoming. For example, if you worry about health issues with your beagle, consider getting pet insurance. This can help to reduce your costs greatly.

If your beagle has behavior issues, you could always find training courses and trainers that can help to correct the behavior. Maybe you worry that you aren’t able to spend as much time with your dog as you would like and that you can’t walk them enough because of work. There are options for this, too. You could always hire someone to dog-sit during the day or take them to a doggy daycare facility.

There are often options available when you have these types of problems. Of course, that’s not always the case. Sometimes, as much as you might love the idea of keeping your beagle, you can’t. It might be due to having allergies, moving to a home where dogs aren’t allowed, etc. In those cases, you will need to find ways to rehome your beagle.

Shelters and Rescues

One of the first things that many people consider is taking their dog to an animal shelter. While it is an option, it shouldn’t be the first on your list. Although shelters want to take care of the dogs long-term, it’s often not possible. They don’t have the room, and they may have a policy on euthanizing the animals.

Rescues could be a good option since they’ll keep the animal indefinitely. However, there is no guarantee that your beagle will be adopted from a rescue either. Also, many rescues are always full and will not have room for your dog.

Rehoming with Family and Friends

One of the best options to consider is to rehome with people that you already know. Maybe you have a coworker or a family member who wants to adopt a dog. Maybe they already know and love your beagle and would enjoy being her new family. This is often an ideal solution, but we know that not everyone knows someone ready and willing to adopt.

Using the Rehome Platform

In those cases, you can always consider choosing the Rehome platform from Adopt-a-Pet.com. This site makes it easy for you to create a profile for your beagle, add a bio, photos, and more to ensure plenty of potential adopters see them.

Once people are interested in adopting, they will fill out a form for adoption, which you can then review. This allows you to ensure that you are choosing only the right family for your beloved beagle.

How Long do Dog Bites Take to Heal?

A dog bite can take anywhere from several days to several months to fully heal. The length of time depends on the severity and location of the bite. Treatment may include home care as well as treatment by a doctor. The exact treatment will depend on many factors and will be determined after carefully evaluating the patient. Preventing infection is of the utmost importance in order to speed healing and to avoid secondary issues.

Dog Bite Treatment 

For minor dog bites, some prefer home treatment, but it’s always recommended to see a doctor anytime the bite punctured the skin. That’s because the doctor may need to prescribe antibiotics, a tetanus shot and, in cases of a dog with an unknown history, rabies shots.

Keeping the wound clean and dry will help speed healing and prevent infection. For minor wounds, you may be able to do this yourself. For more serious bites, wound care may have to be performed by a professional.

It’s worth repeating that you should visit a medical professional any time a dog bite breaks the skin. If possible, bring the dog’s medical records to show the doctor. This may eliminate the need for rabies shots and can help guide treatment.

Since dog bites range from mild to life threatening, it’s not possible to make a general statement about how long dog bites take to heal. Following all directions from the doctor will help to speed healing and is a must in order to ensure proper healing and minimize the chance for infection. 

Will Mothballs Stop Dogs From Digging?

Mothballs may act as a deterrent to stop some dogs from digging, but they are toxic to dogs and should not be left in a place where a dog can access them. Instead, find a repellant that isn’t potentially harmful to your pet. In order to effectively stop digging, you should first try to figure out the reason for the behavior, as that will help you address the cause rather than the digging itself.

Mothballs and Dogs 

Mothballs are poisonous to moth larvae (that’s kind of the point!), but they are also harmful to dogs and cats. Symptoms include:

  • Vomiting and Diarrhea
  • Lethargy
  • Fluid Accumulation
  • Tremors
  • Seizures
  • Excessive Thirst
  • Loss of Appetite 

In the most severe cases, death can occur. This is obviously not something you want around your dog. Instead, here are a few tips to help you stop your dog from digging:

  • Boredom is a common cause, so make sure your dog gets plenty of walks and playtime.
  • Some dogs dig to cool off. If your dog must be left outside in the heat (which is never ideal,) make sure he has access to shade and plenty of water.
  • Have you seen signs of burrowing animals in your yard? If so, your dog may be digging to hunt. Call a humane exterminating company that will safely remove such animals from your yard.
  • If your dog is digging around the fence, he’s probably trying to escape. In this case, you need to keep him safe by either not leaving him alone in the yard or by shoring up the fence with chicken wire or by burying it one to two feet beneath the ground. 

Mothballs are not the answer, but there are many other ways to stop your dog from digging. Don’t give up! With a little patience, you’ll find the solution that works for you.