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How Do I Know If My Dog Swallowed Something?

Signs that your dog swallowed something include vomiting after eating, bloated stomach, and refusing food. Some blockages are an emergency, but you should always visit your vet if you suspect your dog has swallowed a foreign object and they are displaying symptoms or acting abnormally. A bloated stomach in particular needs immediate attention, but any blockage caused by swallowing a foreign object could be life threatening.

Waiting For The Object To Pass Could Be Deadly

It’s true that in some cases the object will pass safely, but you’re taking a big chance by waiting instead of visiting your vet. Sharp objects can pierce the bowel, toxic items can cause poison to spread, and string can become tangled around the intestine.

Another potential side effect is that a blockage can restrict blood flow and cause bowel tissue to die. This condition, called peritonitis, is often fatal.

Instead of taking chances, let a vet assess the situation and advise on the best course of action. The vet may be able to remove the object with an endoscope. In some cases, surgery may be required to safely remove the item.

Prevention Is The Best Medicine

Some dogs are cautious about what they eat while others just wolf down anything and everything: gravel, socks, pennies, etc…

It’s impossible to watch your dog 24/7, but you can help to prevent issues by keeping the areas he frequents free from objects he may swallow. Do a quick check of the yard every morning, and make sure trash, clothing, and other items in the home aren’t easily accessible.

When it comes to dog toys, choose tough toys that aren’t easily torn into many pieces. Also, supervise play time and once a toy it damaged, throw it away.

If you suspect your dog has swallowed something, get to the vet as soon as possible. The sooner treatment is given after your dog swallows a foreign object, the better his chances for a full recovery.

Why Do Dogs Chew Up Kleenex?

Your dog chews up Kleenex because he finds the texture appealing, and holding down the tissue box while he shreds what’s inside may make him feel like he is killing his prey. Aside from it just being fun, dogs may engage in destructive chewing because they are bored, stressed, or anxious. No matter the cause, this behavior can cause issues, so pet owners need to find ways to address it.

Is Chewing Kleenex Dangerous?

If your dog swallows a small amount of Kleenex, it’s not likely to hurt him. Larger amounts, however, can cause serious blockages. Also, if your dog gets used to chewing clean tissues, he’s more likely to chew dirty tissues.

Stopping the Behavior

The easiest way to stop your dog from chewing Kleenex is to limit access. Simply moving your tissue boxes to a higher shelf may be all it takes to solve the problem.

Of course, you can’t rely on only prevention, and that’s why proper training is so important. A strong “Leave it” or “No” command should be all it takes for your dog to drop what he’s chewing. If that’s not the case, you should revisit training for his safety.

You’ll also want to provide alternatives, which means buying lots of chew toys in various sizes and textures. Replace them as they become damaged, so your dog always has something new and interesting to destroy.

Chewing Kleenex is a common behavior, but because it poses a potential danger to your dog, it’s a behavior you should work to stop in order to prevent a blockage or other issue that will land your pet at the vet.

Does Animal Control Pick Up Cats?

In most locations, animal control will pick up stray cats. Whether or not they accept owner surrenders varies by location. If you’re considering giving up your pet to animal control, it should be with the understanding that they may be put down. If you’re calling about stray or feral cats, that fact should be a consideration as well.

Pet Cats

If you need to rehome a pet cat, animal control should be a last resort. While most facilities do their best for the animals in their care, many still euthanize healthy animals because they simply do not have the space to care for them. If you can’t keep your cat, he deserves a chance at a happy life with another family.

Instead of surrendering him to animal control, consider finding him a new home yourself. The Rehome website can help you do this. You’ll find lots of expert advice and tools that simplify the process of finding your cat a loving new home.

Stray Cats

A stray cat is one that lived with humans at one point, but is now either lost or abandoned. You can tell if a cat is a stray because he will allow you to approach him, may meow or purr, and might beg for food. Depending on where you live, it is required that stray cats are reported to animal control. Even if it is not a requirement, it may still be a good idea to let them know, as many pet owners who lost their cat turn to animal control first.

If you are willing, let animal control know that you are able to care for the cat should no owner come forward. That way, you can ensure the cat winds up in a safe situation.

Feral Cats

Feral cats are cats that were born outside and are not socialized. This means they will usually not make good house pets. Some people find feral cats to be a nuisance and call animal control about them. If they are picked up, they are almost always put down immediately as they are not considered adoptable.

As a humane alternative, consider these options instead:

Get in touch with a local TNR group (trap, neuter, release) to see about having the cats fixed. This prevents the population from growing while allowing them to live out their lives.
Research humane methods of deterring cats from coming on to your property. Ask the TNR group about this too, as they will likely have lots of advice.

While animal control may pick up cats depending on your situation and location, it may not be the safest solution for the animals. Whether you need help rehoming a pet or assistance with feral cats, help is out there in a way that is safe for the cats.

Where Can I Put a Dog Up for Adoption?

You can put a dog up for adoption on free pet adoptions sites, such as Rehome, which provides a platform to connect with a wide pool of potential adopters. You could surrender your dog to a rescue or shelter, but many responsible pet owners look for ways to find a new home for their dog in a manner that allows them to make a decision about who adopts the pet.

Taking the Time to Find the Right Home

If you’ve come to a decision that rehoming your pet is the right thing to do, it’s important to take the time to choose a home where your dog will be safe and happy. Committing the time and energy to find a new home for your pet is best for your dog. Getting your pet in front of as many people as possible is the key to garnering a lot of interest in your dog, and the website Rehome helps you do just that without charging you a fee for any of the services.

You’ll be able to create a detailed profile of your dog and then anyone with interest in the pet can submit an application right through the site. Rehome provides detailed guidance about what to look for in potential adopters, so you’ll have confidence in your decision. Once you’ve selected a home for your dog, the adopter will pay a rehoming fee directly to Rehome, and 100% of that fee will be donated to helping more animals get adopted.

I Don’t Want to Find a Home Myself

If you don’t want or cannot to take the time for find the perfect home for your dog, there are other options including surrendering the dog to a shelter or finding a rescue that is willing to take the dog. Locating an organization that has the space and resources to find your dog a good home is the better choice. Some shelters still euthanize for space, while rescues keep the dog for as long as it takes to find new home.

If you must put your dog up for adoption, there are resources to help you find a home where your dog will be happy, so you can have peace of mind that you did the right thing by your pet.

Does Ammonia Keep Dogs Away?

Ammonia is an effective way to keep dogs away, but it should be avoided as it can also be harmful to pets. Dogs’ sensitive noses are irritated by ammonia, which is why it’s an effective repellent—but it’s not just irritating. If consumed, it can cause damage to the throat and stomach.

Safer Alternatives For A Dog Repellent

Would you like to keep your dog away from your garden, stop him from going to the bathroom near your car, or keep him off the new sofa? Avoid potentially harmful ammonia in favor of safer alternatives including:

Vinegar: A simple spray made from a 50/50 mixture of vinegar and water is often effective in keeping dogs from digging or frequenting certain areas of the yard.
Citrus Peels: Citrus peels are another effective deterrent for use outdoors. For the best results, pulse the peels in a food processor or slice them in order to release the oils.

What If Nothing Seems to Work?

Some dogs are more persistent than others when it comes to getting what they want. If none of the repellents you try are doing the trick, you may have to install a gated fence around your garden or install a dog run in the section of the yard you want him to play in. Also, your dog may respond to additional training to teach him to respond to commands like, “No!” and “Leave it!”

Whether your dog is a puppy just starting to figure things out or you’re dealing with an old dog who doesn’t want to give up his old tricks, with some patience and trial and error, you’ll find an effective way to keep your dog away from forbidden areas.

What Do I Do With A Pregnant Stray Cat?

If you find a pregnant stray cat, you should help it if possible. What that means exactly will vary based on your own knowledge of cats and your resources. Leaving them on their own to give birth outside could be dangerous for the mom and is almost always dangerous for at least some of her litter.

Helping A Pregnant Stray

The first thing you may want to do, especially if you do not have experience with pregnant cats, is contact a local cat rescue for advice on your best options. Prior to calling, note the difference between stray (a cat that once lived in a home and became lost or was abandoned) and feral (cats who were either born outside or spent so much time outside that they do not tolerate human interaction.) This will be an important factor in the advice the organization offers to you.

If the pregnant cat is a stray and you are determined to help her finish out her pregnancy and give birth, the shelter or rescue should have plenty of advice and resources for you. Once her babies are born and weaned, the mom and her babies can be placed up for adoption. When you get to this point, you can work with the rescue or shelter to figure out the best solution for the mama cat and kittens. If you want to rehome the cats yourself, visit the Rehome website to create profiles for the cats. You’ll also find lots of valuable information about finding a suitable forever family.

How Do I Get My Cats To Like Each Other?

In order to get your cats to like each other, start with a proper introduction. This includes four steps outlined below. After that, or if the cats have already been introduced, there are some tips you can try to help them get along. It might take some time, but if you’re patient and persistent, your cats can most likely learn to be friends.

Four Steps To A Proper Introduction

Isolation

Place the new cat in a room with everything they need including a litter box, food, water, and toys. Feed your other cat on the other side of the door. Over a few days, move the food bowls closer to each side of the door until they are right up against it.

Sight/Scent

This step involves sub-steps. You shouldn’t move on to the next step until the cats seem okay with the current step.

Swap out the blankets between cats, so they will get used to each other’s scents.
Prop the door open just enough for the cats to see each other.
Put one cat in a carrier and place it in a room with the other cat.
Confine the old cat in the isolation room and let the new cat explore the house.

Initial Meeting

Allow your cat to enter the isolation room with the new cat. Be there to observe, and be prepared to intervene in case a catfight breaks out. Offer treats and have lots of toys on hand. If either cat becomes aggressive, it’s time to stop for the day. Don’t worry, you can try again tomorrow! After about ten minutes, wrap up this first meeting.

Increase Time Together

If things are going well, slowly increase the amount of time the cats spend together by adding 5 or so minutes each time. If at any point the cats fight, separate them and then give it a day or two before trying another meeting.

After The Introductions Have Been Made

Whether you just introduced a new cat or you’re trying to get two cats you’ve had for a while to get along, here are some tips that might help:

Cats Like Their Own Spaces And Their Own Stuff: Try having two of everything including food and water bowls, litter boxes (one per cat plus one additional box), beds, etc… If they have their own, they won’t have to fight over them. Also, don’t force them to be in the same space. Let them come and go and be sure that each has a favorite comfy spot where they can steal away for a catnap.
Ease Congestion: Are there spaces in your home where your cats tend to bump into each other and get into a tiff? If so, add kitty walkways or tubes along the walls to avoid that situation.
Lots Of Playtime: Spend time playing with your cats to burn off energy and relieve stress. Playtime should be separate until they are getting along and then you can play with both cats together.
Some cats take months—or even longer—to warm up to each other, so be patient. Even if they’ll never be best friends, most cats will at least learn to tolerate each other.

What States Have the One-Bite Rule?

Sixteen states currently have the one-bite rule: Alaska, Arkansas, Idaho, Kansas, Maryland, Mississippi, Nevada, New Mexico, New York*, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota**, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, and Wyoming. The one-bite rule states that a dog’s owner will only be liable for injuries caused by the dog if the owner knew the pet had aggressive tendencies. It’s sometimes called the one-free-bite rule.

More About The One-Bite Rule

The one-bite rule was once standard throughout the country. Over time, however, many states have amended their laws to state that the owner is fully responsible even if their dog had never shown signs of aggression in the past.

The list above is accurate as of this writing, but laws are always changing so you should verify the current law in your state.

States Without The One-Bite Rule

If you do not live in one of the states listed above, then you are under strict liability laws governing dog bites. This means that if your pet bites another person or pet, you can be held both criminally and civilly responsible even though there was no reason for you to think the dog was aggressive.

As with any law, how it is applied depends on your state and the circumstances surrounding the bite. Also, if the plaintiff can be showed to have provoked the dog, this can negate the owner’s liability.

Since there are so many variations in these laws, it’s important to learn the specifics of the laws in your state.

*If you live in New York, the one-bite rule applies to criminal charges, but you can still be held responsible in a civil court.

**South Dakota, the one-bite rule applies unless the dog was running at large or the owner had not kept reasonable control over the pet.

Do You Have to Pay to Rehome a Corgi?

If you’re the owner and looking to rehome your corgi, you don’t have to pay. However, if you’re someone looking to adopt, you can expect to pay a rehoming fee. You must understand the types of fees that are charged whether you’re adopting or you’re the owner.

Why Use Rehoming Fees?

Some people don’t like the idea of rehoming fees. They mistakenly believe that the fees are charged by owners who want to make money off their animals, but this isn’t the case. The reason rehoming fees are charged is to show the owner that the person who wants to adopt is willing to invest in the dog.

Even more importantly, it helps to keep your dog out of the hands of people who might want to do her harm. Some look for cheap or free dogs that they resell to labs or use as bait for fighting dogs. Rehoming fees are important.

Do Shelters and Rescues Charge Rehoming Fees?

Even though they might not call them rehoming fees, you’ll find that these facilities still charge when people use them to find a new dog. When someone adopts a Corgi through one of these facilities, they’ll have to pay an adoption fee. These fees serve the same type of purpose as rehoming fees that individuals would charge. They help to keep the dogs safer.

If you’re an owner and you need to surrender your Corgi to one of these organizations, you’ll need to pay what’s called a surrender fee in most cases. This fee is also used to help care for the animals in the facility. The cost of the fee can vary, but you’ll find that it’s usually at least $50.

Rehoming Using Online Sites

One of the best options to find a new home for your Corgi today is to use online pet adoption sites. These sites help to bring adopters and owners together. These sites can result in faster adoptions since you’ll have a number of people looking at the animals.

If a site requires owners to pay when listing their dog, you should choose a different site. Using Rehome from Adopt-a-Pet.com is a good solution. The service is free for owners to use. You can list your Corgi and build a profile for her on the platform. This can include videos, pictures, and a bio. Those who want to adopt can look at this information and have a better idea of whether they want to adopt your corgi. If they do, they’ll then apply.

You can review the applications for your Corgi and then determine which of the potential adopters is the best fit. It gives you a lot of control over who gets your dog, so you can be sure that she’s going to a great home.

Those who adopt using Rehome will pay a rehoming fee to the site. This is a small fee that’s similar to adoption fees charged by shelters and rescues. The money will be used to help other animals find permanent homes.

How Do I Surrender My Bull Terrier?

You can surrender your bull terrier to an animal shelter or a rescue in your area if you have to give him up. However, it’s important to understand how to do this properly, and to look at other options that may work better for your dog. If you’re going to surrender your bull terrier, you’ll need to get in touch with the facility first.

What Can You Expect from a Shelter?

When you contact the shelter, the staff will make an appointment for you to drop off your dog. They’ll let you know all of the information that you’ll need to bring along with you, as well as the cost of the surrender fee. This fee will vary from place to place, but it’s typically anywhere from $50 to $150.

The shelter will ask questions about your dog, as well. They’ll need to know about his health, his temperament, his age, and similar facts. Additionally, they may ask you why you need to give your dog up. In some cases, they could have some resources that make it possible to keep your dog. This might include low-cost vet services, dog sitters, walkers, etc.

What Can You Expect from a Rescue?

You’ll find that rescues have similar operations to shelters, however, these are no-kill facilities. The surrender fee to these locations will generally be the same as what you would pay to a shelter. However, some facilities do not charge you a fee for bringing in your dog.

The staff will also ask similar questions about your dog’s temperament and health. They want to know whether he’ll get along with the other dogs at the facility or not. They may also have some resources that would help with certain issues you might be having, such as training for behavior problems. Like the shelters, they want what’s best for your dog, and that could mean staying with you.

Other Options for Rehoming

Keep in mind that shelters and rescues aren’t the only options available for giving up your bull terrier. You could also find someone you know, such as a coworker or relative that’s been looking to adopt a dog. They might be a good fit for your bull terrier. Giving your dog to someone you know and who you’re sure can provide him with a good life will give you some peace of mind.

You may not know someone who is looking for a dog, and that’s okay. There are still other options you can consider, like Rehome by Adopt-a-Pet.com. The site is free for owners, lets you create a profile for your dog, and will guide you through the adoption process. You can add videos, pictures, and a bio for your dog.
You must be honest and thorough with the bio, so potential adopters know all of the good and not-so-good aspects of your bull terrier. If he doesn’t like small animals, for example, they’ll need to know before they bring him into a house with cats.

Once people start to fill out the adoption applications, you can go through them and then choose the perfect new home for your bull terrier.