Tag: First Batch

How Do I Surrender My Shih Tzu?

If you’re going to surrender your Shih Tzu, you’ll need to get in touch with a shelter or a rescue first. Most organizations will not allow you to walk into their facilities to drop off your dog without an appointment. They have procedures and protocols that need to be met first, and the first step is for you to learn more about the facility. Keep in mind that while there are similarities between shelters and rescues, they’re quite different.

Surrendering to Shelters and Rescues

A shelter can house your dog for a certain amount of time before they need to make room for other dogs. The amount of time they can hold your Shih Tzu will vary based on a range of factors. Some of those factors include temperament and age. Different locations will have different policies, as well.

Rescues are another option for surrendering. These facilities can keep your Shih Tzu until he’s adopted. However, because rescues are usually smaller and privately funded, they tend to have lower capacity for new dogs. You should still get in touch with any rescues in your area to be sure.

Regardless of whether you’ll be bringing your dog to a shelter or a rescue, you need to understand their procedures. Different facilities have different rules, but you’ll find that they all want you to make an appointment. They don’t want someone to just show up with their dog.

When you talk with the facility, they’ll let you know the paperwork that you need, and they’ll let you know about surrender fees. The cost of surrendering your dog varies based on factors like the facility and the location. Generally, it will cost between $50 and $150.

Once you surrender your dog to the facility, you no longer have responsibility for him. However, this also means that you no longer have rights to him. While these organizations try their best to care for the animals in their facilities, you might want to consider some of the other options.

Alternatives to Surrendering Your Shih Tzu

You may find the best option is to put your dog up for adoption online. Sites like Rehome by Adopt-a-Pet.com make it easy for you to create a profile for your dog that gives potential adopters all of the information they need. You can add information about your Shih Tzu’s personality and quirks, along with any issues he might have. You can also add photos and images.

Rehome then lets you review the adoption applications for your dog. You can determine which of these applicants will be best-suited to adopt your Shih Tzu. This provides you with more control, so you can be sure he’s going to a loving family. Best of all, it’s free for you to use, and the adopters will only pay a small rehoming fee that goes right back into helping more animals get adopted.

An even easier option would be to find someone that you already know who wants to adopt a dog. Maybe you have a family member or a friend that would like to adopt your Shih Tzu. Always take your time to find the best solution for your dog.

What Can I Spray On Carpets To Keep Dogs From Peeing?

There are both commercial and DIY sprays that can help stop your dog from peeing on the carpet. Of course, not all will be effective with every dog, and some dogs will continue to urinate on the carpet no matter what you spray. In those cases, you may find that retraining your dog is a better option.

Commercial and DIY Sprays 

A quick internet search will yield all kinds of options for DIY sprays including everything from lemon juice and water to essential oils. Unfortunately, some of the suggestions include items that could be harmful or irritating to your pet, such as ammonia and certain essential oils. That’s why it’s a good idea to ask your vet before exposing your pet to any ingredients you’re not sure about.

Another option is commercial sprays. Some quality commercial sprays work in two ways:

  1. They contain enzymes that completely eliminate the urine odor and
  2. They contain ingredients, such as cinnamon and lemongrass, which discourage further urination in that spot. 

Those commercial sprays are often quite effective not just because of the ingredients the dogs find unpleasant, but also because they eliminate the urine scent. If that scent remains, dogs are much more likely to urinate there again. It can even attract your other household pets to urinate in that spot.

That’s why, no matter what kind of spray you choose, it’s important to thoroughly clean any accidents and use an enzymatic cleaner to eliminate the scent. It can be difficult to do this with carpet since the odor can become trapped in the fibers. If the rug has been saturated, you may have to replace it to fully get rid of the scent.

What about Retraining? 

If your formerly housebroken dog has started urinating in the house, retraining may be an option, but first you need to figure out if there is a medical reason for the behavior. Diabetes, kidney disease, and bladder stones are examples of medical conditions that can cause inappropriate urination.

Once a medical condition has been ruled out, try going back to the beginning with housetraining including feeding on a regular schedule and letting the dog out every 30 minutes. Remember that it can take up to six months to fully housetrain a dog.

Also worth noting: If the accidents only happen when you’re at work—especially if you work long days—it could be because your pet has trouble controlling his bladder for that long. Consider hiring a dog walker, installing a doggy door, or asking a neighbor to let the dog out at some point during the day. 

How Can I Calm My Dog’s Anxiety Naturally?

You can calm your dog’s anxiety naturally by ensuring your dog gets plenty of exercise, extra playtime, and massages. How well the natural remedies work will depend on the severity of the anxiety and will vary by dog.

Natural Anxiety Remedies

Whether your dog suffers from separation anxiety or behavioral anxiety, finding a solution that calms your pet is a must. No good pet owner wants to see their dog suffer, but reluctance to start your dog on prescription anxiety medication is understandable. If you prefer a natural way to calm your dog’s anxiety, here are a few things to try:

  • Exercise: Make sure your pet is getting plenty of exercise. Take him on at least two 30-minute walks each day. If he’s an active pup, make sure he has the opportunity to run off some energy every day as well.
  • Keep His Mind Busy: Dogs get bored, and that can contribute to anxiety. Keep him occupied by committing to teach him a new trick each week. This not only provides mental stimulation, but it’s also a chance to spend more quality time together.
  • Play Calming Music: Music can be as calming to dogs as it is to humans. Try playing some classical music when you’re away.
  • Calming Products: Calming collars, shirts, and diffusers provide relief for many pets. These products can be found at most pet supply stores. 

Other options, such as oils and massages are also natural alternatives to medicine. If none of these methods work for your pet, talk to an animal behaviorist who may have additional solutions to try before medication becomes necessary. 

What Do You Do When You Find A Lost Cat?

When you find a lost cat, the first order of business should be trying to find out if he is someone’s pet. You can do this by posting about the cat on your local NextDoor page or social media pages, hanging flyers, and letting animal control know about the cat (see a full guide here). Laws vary by location as far as whether you are required to turn the cat over to animal control, but even if you don’t have to, you should provide a picture and description, as animal control is one of the first places most people look when they lose their pet. You can also swing by a local shelter and ask them to scan the cat for a microchip. 

Is The Cat Lost Or Homeless? 

If none of your efforts to find the cat’s owner are successful, you may never know if the cat was someone’s lost pet or if he was abandoned by his owner. It’s highly unlikely that an adult feral cat (a cat who has lived his entire life outdoors and does not tolerate human interaction) would allow you to approach him, so if you were able to do so, it’s probably not a feral cat. 

If you can’t find an owner, you’ll have to decide what to do next. Here are your options:

  • Keep The Cat: Did you find your new best friend? That’s awesome! Thanks for giving the cat a loving home.
  • Surrender The Cat: Bringing the cat to a local shelter may end in the cat finding a new home, but it could also end in the cat being euthanized. If you must surrender him, try to find a no-kill shelter or reputable private rescue.
  • Rehome The Cat Yourself: If you can’t keep him, consider rehoming him yourself. Not sure how to start? Visit the Rehome website for tips and tools to help you find him the perfect new home. 

NOTE: If the law in your area requires a found cat be turned over to animal control, let them know you’re willing to take the cat if he’s not claimed. Once you get the cat back, you can either keep him or find him a good home. 

What is the Best Way to Rehome a Doberman Pinscher?

The best way to rehome a Doberman Pinscher is by taking the time to find him a new home yourself. After all, you want to be sure that he’s going to a wonderful new home where he’ll be loved and cared for properly. Let’s look at some of the most important things you’ll need to do when you rehome your Doberman Pinscher.

Understand What Your Dog Needs 

Before you can find someone else to adopt your dog, you need to know what your dog needs and requires for a happy, healthy life. For example, does your Doberman Pinscher dislike small dogs and cats? Does he bark a lot? You have to think about all of the good things that your dog offers, along with some of the elements that other owners would consider troublesome and need to know about before adopting.

Once you understand your dog, it becomes easier to know what he’ll need from a new owner. This makes it easier for you to ensure you’re finding the best new home for him.

Consider People You Know

A great option for rehoming your Doberman Pinscher would be to let someone you know adopt him. This could be a friend of yours or a relative, for example. Since you already know this person, it becomes easier for you to see whether they’d be a good fit for your dog or not. If they already know and love your Doberman Pinscher, then it might be the perfect match.

Of course, you don’t simply want to give up your dog to someone because you know them. You have to be sure they can properly care for your dog.

Look at Online Adoption Sites

Many people won’t have someone that they know who can rehome their dog. In those cases, the next best option would be to look at pet adoption sites online that let you list your pet. However, you’ll want to be sure that you’re only choosing to work with quality, reputable sites like Rehome.

Rehome is a peer-to-peer platform from Adopt-a-Pet.com that makes it easier for owners to find potential adopters, and for those adopters to find a wonderful new pet to bring home.

When you choose Rehome, you can create a profile for your dog and add photos, videos, and a bio. The bio should be filled with information about your dog, what he’s like, and what he needs to thrive. This would include the information that you thought about regarding your dog’s needs and temperament discussed earlier. The more you put into the bio the easier it will be to find the right owner.

Once you have adoption applications start arriving, you can review them and choose the new owner for your Doberman Pinscher. The service is easy to use, and it’s a safe way to find a home for your dog. It’s also free for owners to use and will only cost a small rehoming fee for those who adopt through the site.

How Long Does It Take a Border Collie to Get Used to a New Home?

It will often take a border collie between one and three months to get used to a new home. Of course, the amount of time will vary based on many different factors, and you’ll want to do whatever you can to help your new dog get comfortable.

Puppies will often adapt to a new home faster than older dogs who are brought into a new space with a new owner. The dog’s personality can also be a factor. Dogs that tend to be more skittish, for example, may have a harder time adjusting.

Tips for Helping the Border Collie Get Used to Her New Home

Ideally, the former owner will provide some items that the dog knows. This could be a blanket, some of her favorite toys, etc. These can help the dog to feel more at ease when they are in a new environment and with a new family. There will be familiar scents on these objects.

During those first days and weeks, you need to be patient with your new border collie. They have had a very different life up to this point, so it takes time for them to adjust. This means that they might be barking more than they normally would. It could also mean that they have some accidents on the floor. Be patient and take the dog outside regularly for the bathroom.

Give her time to explore the yard but keep her on a leash. If she is not feeling comfortable, there’s a chance that she could take off and run out of the yard where she could be injured or become lost. Don’t underestimate the importance of treats, petting, and talking softly to the dog during this transition phase and beyond.

Also, you want things to be as calm as possible when she arrives. This means you shouldn’t have all of your friends and family come over to see the new dog. Instead, it should be only the people who will regularly be in the home. Introduce other pets slowly and observe your new dog’s behavior.

The most important thing that you have to remember is to be understanding. If you’re lucky, she will become happy and comfortable within a week or two. However, prepare for a couple of months before she’s truly at home with her new family.

Learn About Her Before Adopting

When you adopt the border collie, be sure that you talk with the owner about the dog’s personality. You want to know how friendly and outgoing she is and whether she has any issues that you’ll need to know. Learn as much as possible about the dog beforehand.

Make sure that she is the right dog for you before you bring her home. Many people leap at the chance to adopt a dog before fully thinking it through and realizing that it can take time for the dog to adjust. Don’t get a dog now that you want to give up in a week. Always be sure it is the right choice.

Does Pet Supplies Plus Take Dogs?

Pet Supplies Plus does not take dogs at any of their stores. If you need to rehome your pet, you’ll need to find another option. 

How to Find a New Home for Your Dog

If you’re considering rehoming your pet, ask yourself if you’ve done everything you can to keep him.

For example: 

  • If he has behavior issues, have you tried additional training?
  • If he isn’t get along with other pets, have you talked with an animal behaviorist?
  • If you’re too busy, have you considered doggy day care? 

Many times the issues that cause pet owners to rehome their pet can be solved with a bit of effort.

If you’ve done all you can and know that you can’t keep your dog, you have a few options.

Surrender Your Dog to a Shelter

This is often the fastest way to surrender your pet, but there is a major downside: many shelters still euthanize for space. Before you bring your dog to a shelter, make sure you learn the euthanasia rate and understand what his chances are of ever finding a home.

Surrender Your Dog to a Private Rescue

Private rescues will usually do whatever it takes to find dogs in their care a wonderful home, but it can be a challenge to find a rescue with room to take your pet. If you’re willing to keep the dog until a spot opens up in a rescue you trust, this is a good option.

Rehome Your Dog Yourself

Your dog deserves the best chance of a happy home and you deserve peace of mind that will come with knowing you adopted your dog out to a loving family. If you’re not sure where to start when it comes to finding your dog a home, visit Rehome. Rehome has lots of resources and features to help pet owners find their dogs a loving home. Create a profile for your pet, accept applications, download a contract, and much more. 

How Long Does It Take For A Cat To Get Used To A New Kitten?

It can take several weeks to several months for a cat to get used to a new kitten—and even longer for them to become “friends.” Some cats will learn to tolerate a newcomer, but may never be interested in playing or napping together. In other cases, the cat will take to the kitten right away. Each cat’s personality is different, so it’s hard to know what to expect when a new pet is introduced to the home.

Proper Introductions: The Best Chance for Success 

Putting two cats together and expecting them to get along can actually have the opposite effect. Instead, you’ll want to take the time to broker a proper introduction. Doing so gives you the best chance of the cats learning to get along.

To properly introduce cats, you’ll want to implement four steps:

  • Isolation: Put the kitten in a room with their food, litter, and toys. That will be the kitten’s home for a few days. Place the resident cat’s food bowl just outside the door.
  • Introduce through Sight and Scent: Swap the cats blankets, so they get used to each other’s scents. Prop the door open so the cats can see each other, and put one cat in a carrier and put the carrier in a room with other cat.
  • First Meeting: Place your resident cat in the room with the kitten. Stay close by to break up a scuffle, if necessary. Limit the first few meetings to 10 minutes or so.
  • Increase Length of Time Together: Slowly increase the amount of time the cats are spending together. If the older cat gets aggressive, give it a day or two before going back to the prior step and trying again. 

To further increase the chances of success:

  • Don’t expect your current cat to share—it’s not a strong suit of felines. Instead, purchase more litter boxes (the standard is one per cat plus one additional box), another set of food bowls, bed, toys, etc…for the new kitten.
  • Spend lots of time playing with the cats together and giving them treats and attention.
  • Don’t rush things. It can take some cats months to warm up. If they are tolerating each other, consider that a success. 

What Foods Calm Dogs Down?

Several foods, such as blueberries, sweet potatoes, turkey, oily fish, and whole brown rice may help in calming dogs down, but those foods alone will not fix the problem of an anxious dog. That being said, maintaining a healthy and well-balanced diet is important to your dog’s health and mental wellness, so you should discuss your dog’s diet with your vet if you’re not sure you are providing all the nutrients your pet needs.

Calming An Anxious Dog 

A change in diet won’t be the cure-all to your dog’s hyperactivity or anxiousness, but there are other things you can try to calm your dog such as:

  • Increasing Exercise: Some dogs need plenty of exercise, and will be uncomfortable and anxious if they don’t get it. Provide the opportunity for at least two 30-minute walks per day on average. If your schedule won’t allow it, consider hiring the services of a dog walker.
  • Calming Products: Some pet owners find success in the use of calming shirts, collars, and diffusers.
  • More Playtime: Many dogs are social, so they need lots of interaction with their people. In addition to walks, toss a ball around for a bit or find other ways to play and interact with your pet.
  • Background Noise: Playing classical music or keeping the television on can help to calm dogs. 

If your best efforts don’t bring the desired results, or if the anxiety is severe, contact your vet or an animal behaviorist who can work with you to help your dog be happy, healthy, and calm.  

How Do You Calm an Anxious Cat?

You can calm an anxious cat by using calming products, providing more playtime, giving him a quiet space that he can have all to himself where he won’t be bothered by any people or pets like inside a nice closet or a spare room, and offering interactive toys to keep your cat’s brain busy. Some are surprised to learn that cats experience anxiety. Some cats may be naturally anxious, while others may develop anxiety following an injury or a change in routine or household dynamic. Since it can be hard to read cats, the only way to recognize their anxiety is typically through their behavior.

Why Your Cat May Be Anxious 

Even the slightest change can cause anxiety for your cat. Common reasons for a cat to feel anxious include a new family member (either human or pet), rearranging furniture, moving to a new house, or other things that are new. When possible, offering slow introductions can help reduce anxiety.

Signs Of An Anxious Cat 

Some cats spend most of their day snoozing under the bed, and that is not necessarily a sign of an anxious cat—although hiding can be a symptom. Others spend hours darting back and forth from one end of the house to other. Again, that doesn’t necessarily mean your cat is anxious, but it could be a sign. The following behaviors are signs your cat may have anxiety:

  • Failing to use the litter box
  • Aggression towards other household pets or people
  • Excessive meowing
  • Hiding
  • Excessive cleaning (often resulting in bald spots)
  • No social interaction
  • Destructive behavior 

Note that these behaviors can signal something other than anxiety but, no matter the cause, they shouldn’t be ignored—especially if the behavior came on suddenly.

If you suspect anxiety, the first stop should be to your vet to rule out an underlying medical cause. Once that’s ruled out, you can move on to finding a way to help your pet overcome their anxiety. Methods that may bring success include:

Spending More Time with Your Cat

If your cat is a social cat who enjoys interacting with you, spend time each day brushing your cat, playing with him, and cuddling him. This quality time ensures your cat is getting enough exercise and mental stimulation—both of which may help with anxiety. 

Improve The Cat’s Environment

Does your pet have a kitty condo and other place to escape to either up high or under something, and plenty of escape routes from rooms so he doesn’t feel cornered or trapped? Does he have lots of toys, and his own litter box (rule of thumb is one box per cat plus one additional box)? If not, adding these items can help with anxiety. 

Calming Products

Many pet owners have had great success with calming collars and diffusers, which can be purchased at most pet supply stores.

Medication

In extreme cases and when nothing else works, your vet may suggest a medication to help alleviate your cat’s anxiety.    

You may need to involve your vet or an animal behaviorist, but the good news is that with a little patience and some trial and error, you’ll likely be able to find a solution that works for your pet.