Why is Obesity so Dangerous for Pets?

Purina-Dog-Content-BrandObesity is just as dangerous for pets as it is for humans. The extra pounds weigh on an animal’s cardiovascular and respiratory systems, exacerbating existing problems and causing new ones. Fat cats and dogs are also prone to injury, more at risk in surgery, and predisposed to conditions such as diabetes. And the laundry list of problems doesn’t end there. Decreased stamina, diminished immune function, and digestive disorders are all potential consequences of obesity.

Being severely overweight can significantly diminish your cat or dog’s quality of life. So when your porky pet pleads with you for an extra treat, remember that saying no may be the kindest response.

Why Shouldn't I Leave my Dog in the Car While I Run Errands?

Purina-Dog-Content-BrandDuring the summer months, we try many different things to beat the heat. It’s important for our pets to stay cool, too. For example, pet owners often leave their dogs in the car while running an errand, but during the summer, this can prove fatal. Your car can quickly turn into an oven. In fact, a vehicle parked in the sun can shoot up to one-hundred-twenty degrees in just five minutes. When the inside temperature of the car rises above a hundred degrees, a dog can no longer cool off by panting and may succumb to heat stroke.

So pay attention to your pup’s summertime needs. Keep him clipped, provide him with shade on hot days, and never leave him in a closed car – especially in the summer.

What does it mean to rehome a Yorkie?

When you rehome a Yorkie, you find them a new, loving home where they’ll be safe and cared for by someone who loves them. Plenty of options exist when rehoming your dog. Rehoming is different from surrendering your dog to a rescue or shelter since you’ll have a direct hand in ensuring your Yorkie goes to a good new home.

The process of rehoming will take more time and effort on your part, but most owners still feel that it’s a better option than surrendering their dog. There are a few ways to rehome.

Rehoming with Someone You Know

If you have to give up your dog, who better to become her new owner than someone that you already know and trust? Talk with your family and friends to see if anyone might be interested in adopting. You might find someone who would love to become her new owner. This is one of the best possible scenarios. Of course, we realize that not everyone will know someone who can adopt.

Additionally, if you would still like to keep your dog, but you’re going through some problems currently, you might want to temporarily rehome your dog with family. For example, If you come home from surgery or are ill and need to recover, you may want to have family and friends keep the dog for a few weeks. This will give you time to heal, and then you can take your dog back. The same might be true if you have to travel for a month or so for work. Rather than rehoming the dog, simply hire family or friends to watch your dog while you’re away.

Rehoming to a Stranger

It’s also possible to rehome your Yorkie with a stranger, and this is the route that many people have to take. Online sites specifically for pet adoption are available to connect owners with people who are looking to adopt.

You must choose a quality, reputable site when you’re rehoming. Stay away from the “want ad” sites like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. When you post on these types of sites, you might find some people who decide on a whim that they want your Yorkie. This often means they haven’t thought through what it means to care for a dog.

Also, when using these sites, be sure that you’re charging a rehoming fee. This helps to ensure the people who contact you’re serious about your dog and they’re more likely to take good care of her. Giving away a dog often brings out people who have bad intentions, but charging a fee helps to keep them at bay.

A quality site that’s simple to use and free for owners is called Rehome. It’s from Adopt-a-Pet.com, and it allows you to create a profile for your Yorkie to let potential adopters know all about her quirks and personality traits. Providing detailed information guarantees potential adopters are certain that she’s the right dog for them. You can then check the applications from adopters and determine who should get your dog. It’s a safe and easy to use option for rehoming.

How Do I Give Up My Maltese?

You can give up your Maltese by rehoming or by taking him to a shelter or rescue. However, before you decide on just how you’ll be giving up your dog, it’s important to understand the differences between these options. Ultimately, your goal shouldn’t be just to give up your dog, but to ensure that you find him the best possible home. Below are things to keep in mind.

Consider Ways You May Keep Your Dog

Before you give up your dog, you should make sure that you’ve exhausted every other possibility. Sometimes, you might feel that you don’t have any other choice, but that may not be the case.

If you have a dog with some behavioral issues, such as barking too much or going to the bathroom in the house, training could be a solution. Consider working with a local trainer or behaviorist. If you can’t spend time with your dog during the day, consider doggy daycare. Maybe you can’t afford to have your dog spayed or neutered. Look for low-cost and free options in your area.

Of course, there are situations that won’t allow you to keep your dog no matter how much you might want to. In those cases, there are resources to help you find him a new home.

Allowing Someone You Know to Adopt

A simple and effective solution when you need to give up your Maltese might be to let someone you know adopt. Maybe you have a relative who needs a companion dog or a friend who wants a dog for the family that’s hypoallergenic. There could be plenty of people in your life right now that would love to adopt your dog. You just need to talk with them about it.

However, this doesn’t mean that you should let just anyone you know adopt your dog. You still need to be sure they’re the right fit for him, and that they’ll be capable of providing him with all the care and attention he needs.

Rescues and Shelters

There’s also the possibility of using shelters or rescues when you need to give up your Maltese. Rescues are often full, though, because they have no-kill policies. This means that you might not find a local rescue that can take your dog. Still, they are worth trying when you find yourself limited on choices.

Shelters could work, as well. These facilities only have a limited amount of space, though, and to ensure there’s room for incoming animals, they may euthanize. It’s not something they want to do, but they don’t have a choice.
Whether you choose a shelter or rescue, be aware that you’ll have to pay a surrender fee when you drop off your dog. This fee can vary, so contact the organization to check their prices and policies. 

Use Pet Adoption Sites

Pet adoption sites like Rehome by Adopt-a-Pet.com are another excellent solution. Rehome allows you to create a detailed profile for your dog that is then put in front of the millions of potential adopters that visit Adopt-a-Pet.com every month. They can learn more about your dog and submit applications to adopt. You’ll then review the applications to find the best new home for your Maltese. The site is also full of resources to help you pick the best new home for your dog. It’s an easy and safe option.

How Do I Surrender My Catahoula Leopard Dog?

If you surrender your Catahoula Leopard Dog, it means that you’re giving him up to a shelter or a rescue. The process for surrendering your dog to one of these facilities can vary from one place to the next. You need to understand the policies of the organization you’re considering before you give up your dog.

Check the Site

The first thing you should do is to check the shelter or rescue’s website to learn more about them. Does the shelter have a specific policy on how long they hold dogs before euthanizing them? Does the rescue specialize in certain breeds? Does the shelter offer sales and adoptions? Check out the site to learn as much as you can about the organization and to get their contact information.

Get in Touch

Once you have learned about the facility, it’s time to call them. During the phone call, they’ll want to know about your dog. They’ll need to know things like his health condition, age, temperament, and the like. This will give them a better idea of what to expect with your dog, and they may get a sense of how easy or difficult it will be for someone to adopt him.

Additionally, they may ask you why you need to give up your dog. They want the best for the animal, and sometimes that means keeping your dog with you. For example, if your dog has behavior issues, they may know some trainers in the area that could help. Often, shelters and rescues will have a list of resources that they can provide.

Of course, we know that it’s not always possible to keep your dog no matter how much you love him. Maybe you have to move and the new place won’t allow dogs of his size. There are countless reasons that you might need to give up your dog. In those cases, the shelter can make an appointment for you to drop him off. They’ll also let you know the cost of the surrender fee.

These fees are generally $50 and up. However, just like the policies, they can vary from one organization and location to the next.

Consider Other Options

While surrendering your dog to a shelter or a rescue is a possibility if you don’t have another choice, take some time to think about your other options. For example, you might have people in your inner circle, such as a friend from work or a cousin across town that’s been thinking about adopting a dog. See if they might be interested in your Catahoula Leopard Dog.

Also, you can find online pet adoption sites that help to make finding a great new owner easier. Rehome is part of Adopt-a-Pet.com and could be a great choice. You can create a profile with images, videos, and a bio of your dog. Interested people can then submit adoption applications that you can review. This gives you the ability to choose a great new owner for your dog that will match his needs.

Photo credit: Krystal Hamlin

How Long Does It Take an English Bulldog to Get Used to a New Home?

It will usually take an English Bulldog between one and three months to get used to a new home. However, you also have to remember that all dogs are different and they’ll take just as much time as they need to feel comfortable in your home. The dog’s age can also play a factor. Puppies and younger dogs will usually grow used to a new place and a new owner faster than older dogs.

Those who have owned English Bulldogs also know that they can sometimes be a bit stubborn about things. For this reason, it might end up taking a bit longer for the dog to fully acclimate to a new home and owner. However, when you use a few strategies, you can help to make this transition process easier on your dog and yourself.

Start Slowly 

The first couple of days that your new English Bulldog is in the house, you don’t want to overwhelm her. Give her a few days to acclimatize to the new surroundings. Let her rest and check the place out for herself. You can introduce her to the family members, of course, but you don’t want to have people over who don’t live in the house. It can become too much when she’s just trying to adjust.

Give her a space of her own, such as a doggie bed, along with some toys. When she goes to her space, let her be by herself for a bit, but make sure that she’s always welcome when she does want to come out and visit.

Over time, she’ll start to come around. It might take a while for her to bond with you as she did with her previous owner, but it will happen. Before long, it will be like she’s always been part of the family.

Prepare for Accidents and Escapes

Your new English Bulldog may be nervous in her new home, so you should be prepared for an upset stomach and maybe some bathroom issues during those first days or so. Sometimes, dogs lose their appetite in the beginning, so she might not eat as much. Watch her for signs of any health issues, but it’s usually just an adjustment period causing this to happen.

You should also be ready for any escape attempts. She might try to slip out when you open up the door and try to find her old owner. Make sure you’re aware of where she is when going into and out of the house.

Create a Schedule

It’s also a good idea to create a schedule as soon as possible. This will be for feeding and walks. Getting your new dog onto a schedule is good for her, and it helps to build a routine that she can learn. It also gets her used to her new life a bit faster. Make sure you also have consistent potty breaks for her and have her get to bed around the same time each night.
As long as you’re patient with her, you’ll see that she’ll begin to come around and feel more welcome in her new home. Just give it some time, love, and care. 

Can A Landlord Make You Get Rid Of Your Dog?

Your landlord cannot make your get rid of your dog without going through proper legal channels. Some will try, and many tenants have rehomed their dog because of a threat from a landlord, but make sure you know your rights before making such a drastic decision. You may be surprised to learn how many protections you have under the law. Laws and regulations vary greatly based on location and other factors, which is why doing your rehome_research is a must.

Never Sign A Lease That Specifies No Pets 

You love the apartment, but the lease says “no pets.” The landlord assures you that it’s just an old lease and pets are fine. Do NOT sign that lease. If the landlord changes his mind about pets down the road, all that will matter is what’s in the lease. Insist on only signing an updated lease that states pets are allowed.

Landlord Threatens to Remove Your Pet

Your landlord cannot enter your unit and remove your pet. He has to go through proper legal procedures. Seek legal advice immediately if your landlord has threatened this type of action. 

Service Animals are Allowed

Even if yours is a no-pet building, service animals are allowed, and you cannot be charged a pet fee. If your landlord is threatening eviction over a service animal, get the advice of a local advocacy group or attorney. 

A New Landlord Wants the Dog Gone

In most cases, the new landlord must abide by current leases. There are exceptions, and that’s why it’s important to know your rights and to get advice from your local housing authority. Of course, once the current lease is up, the new landlord can include language that prohibits pets. 

A No-Pet Clause Is Void In Some Cases 

In some locations, a no-pet clause becomes void if a pet has lived openly (not hidden from the property owners) in the rental for three months. This varies by type of unit and location.

What You Can Do to Prevent Issues With Your Landlord 

  • Never sneak an animal into a rental where pets are prohibited.
  • Be very clear about language in the lease as it relates to pets.
  • Provide proper training for your dog so he’ll be well-behaved.
  • Be honest when moving in about what type of dog and how many dogs you have.
  • Don’t add additional pets without checking that it will be allowed.
  • Always pay required pet fees on time.
  • Pick up after your dog in common areas. 

While your landlord can’t usually demand you rehome your pet right away, if he really wants the dog off the property, he will eventually make it happen. As soon as you realize your landlord is not okay with your dog, start looking for a new place. That way when your lease is up, you’ll already have a plan and won’t have to surrender your pet. 

How Do I Rehome My Labrador Retriever?

If you’re asking “how do I rehome my Labrador Retriever,” you’ve likely decided you can no longer keep your pet. Making a decision like this is not easy and you may be unsure on what your next steps should be. You’ll have a few options when it comes to rehoming your dog, including surrendering her to a shelter, working with a rescue, or rehoming her yourself.

Surrendering Your Labrador Retriever to a Shelter 

This is often the first thing that comes to mind because it’s fast and easy—but it’s important to understand all possible outcomes. Shelters work very hard to find homes for all the dogs in their care, but this isn’t always possible. Talk to the shelter operators about their policies before making this choice.

Working with a Rescue

If you can find a reputable private rescue with space for your dog, this is an excellent option. The problem is that great rescues are usually full and can have long waiting lists. Try breed-specific rescues and keep in mind that you might have a better chance if you communicate with the rescue that you’re able to keep your dog until space opens up.

Rehoming Your Dog Yourself 

Rehoming your Labrador Retriever yourself allows you to stay in control of the situation until you find her a suitable new home. Plus, you’re able to choose the home yourself—and who knows where your dog will be happy better than you?

You might not be sure how to go about finding a new home for your pet, but there are many helpful resources available. Rehome by Adopt-a-Pet.com offers expert advice, allows you to create a pet profile (you can even include a video!), collect applications from potential adopters, and more.

Taking the time to find the right home is the best way to ensure both your dog’s happiness and your peace of mind! 

Why Is My Cat Attacking My Other Cat?

There are many possible reasons why your cat might be attacking your other cat including lack of space, social maturity, a medical issue, or environmental changes. Fortunately, solutions can usually be found that allow the cats to continue to live together and to overcome their aggression.

Since you can’t just ask your cats what’s wrong, pinpointing the reason for aggression will usually be a process of elimination that involves simply trying various solutions. Note that if the behavior started after the cats had been together some time, a medical issue may be to blame. When a cat is in pain or uncomfortable, he/she may show signs of aggression, even if he is typically docile.

Once medical issues have been ruled out, there are other things to try to reduce cat to cat aggression.

Give Cats Their Own Space 

Cats like to have their own space and can be quite territorial. Having to share a small space, food bowls, and litter boxes is a common reason for aggression. While you probably can’t expand your home, you can add space for the cats by providing additional perches, kitty condos, or even investing in an outdoor cat enclosure that allows cats to safely spend time outdoors.

Also, place food and water bowls and litter boxes (one litter box per cat plus one additional litter box works best!) for each pet, so the cats won’t have to share. 

Provide an Escape 

If one cat tends to be passive, install a collar-controlled cat door that leads to a quiet room. Only place the collar on the cat that gets bullied. This will allow him a way to get away from the aggressor and give the bully cat a cooling off period. 

Pheromones 

Many cat owners have had great success by using pheromones to stop one cat from attacking the other cat. These products, which come in spray and diffuser form, calm cats and are, in some cases, a very effective way to eliminate fighting.

Time Apart 

Absence makes the heart grow fonder? Maybe not, but it will give you a chance to properly and slowly reintroduce the cats. Check out our blog article Introducing a New Cat or Kitten to Your Cats for more guidance. 

If the methods above are unsuccessful, enlist the help of an animal behaviorist. The good news is that in the majority of cases, with time and patience, the issue can be resolved to the point that the cats will be able to live together peacefully—even if they aren’t the best of friends. 

Why Is My Dog Peeing on My Bed?

Dogs may pee on your bed for many reasons including a medical condition, excitement, leaving their scent, or because they are anxious. While it’s frustrating, it’s important not to yell at or punish your dog, as that isn’t likely to stop the behavior. Instead, work to pinpoint the reason for the inappropriate urination so you can address it properly.

How to Deal With Inappropriate Urination 

So you’ve had to strip your bed more times than you’d like this week, and you’ve considered buying stock in urine odor removal products. Whether a new puppy or a dog you’ve had for years, it’s just plain frustrating when your dog urinates where he shouldn’t—especially when it’s on your bed.

Here are some things to consider:

  • If your dog is a very young puppy, there is a good chance the behavior will stop on its own. Puppies haven’t yet learned to control their bladders, so they may urinate anywhere. As they grow and gain better control, it’s likely to stop.
  • If the behavior started suddenly, see a vet right away. When a housebroken dog suddenly starts peeing on the bed, there is a good chance a medical condition is to blame. Diabetes, urinary tract infections, and spinal injuries are a few examples. You’ll want to make an appointment with the vet as soon as possible.
  • Note what happened just prior to the accident. As mentioned above, there are many reasons a dog may pee on the bed, including anxiety and excitement. Did you come in the room and pay lots of attention to the dog just before he urinated? It’s probably due to excitement. Did something startle or frighten him just before? It was likely anxious or nervous urination.
  • Occasional accidents can happen with any dog. Even a very well-trained dog may have the occasional accident. If it’s just a one off occurrence, you probably don’t have much to worry about. 

If the problem is ongoing, a medical reason has been ruled out, and you can’t find a solution, enlist the help of an animal behaviorist who can work with you to try and stop the behavior. In the meantime, consider locking the pet out of your bedroom, or only allowing the pet in your bedroom while on a leash or in a crate so he can’t get on your bed. This will protect your bedding and mattress until you are able to resolve the issue.