Tag: First Batch

How Long Can I Crate My Dog?

Most dogs should not be crated for more than 8 hours at a time, and the length of time is shorter for older dogs and puppies. Also, you shouldn’t have your dog spend most of the time in a crate, even if you give him frequent breaks. Dogs are social and need to be around their people, so it’s not ideal to have them crated all the time.

Proper Crate Training Is A Must 

Crates are a great tool when house-training a dog as it draws on their natural instinct to spend time in a den. When proper crate training is implemented, the dog will view the crate a safe and comfortable space. That’s definitely what you want if you plan to crate your dog while you’re away. 

How Much Time is Too Much Time in a Crate? 

If you’re crating your dog while you’re at work all day and then crating him again all night, it’s too much. If you feel you must crate the dog while you’re at work, allow him out once you get home and overnight. Another solution is to bring your dog to doggy daycare during the day so he is supervised, but not confined to a crate or to hire a dog walker or have a friend or family come over to take your dog out for a mid-day potty break.

Crating too much is a quality of life issue for your dog, and his physical well-being and emotional well-being must be considered when deciding how often to crate.

How Long Can Dogs Hold It? 

If you’re wondering how long dogs can go between potty breaks, the average is 4 to 6 hours, but older dogs and puppies may need more frequent breaks. If you’re gone longer than that during the day, consider installing a doggy door and not crating while you’re away, hiring a dog walker, or signing up for doggy daycare.

While there is no hard and fast rule about how long you can crate your dog, one answer is: no more than is necessary. Let your dog be part of the family as much as possible.  

Do I Need a Tetanus Shot After a Dog Bite?

In most cases, your doctor will recommend a tetanus shot after a dog bite if you haven’t had a tetanus shot within the past five years. While there are no statistics on how many cases of tetanus have passed from dogs to humans, and tetanus is rare in dogs, there is still a chance that a dog bite can transmit tetanus to humans. A dirty wound presents a higher risk, but your doctor is likely to order a tetanus shot for any bite that has broken the skin.

When To Get A Tetanus Shot 

Even if you’re able to clean up the wound yourself, you should still visit a doctor immediately after being bitten. Tetanus shots may need to be administered within 48 hours to be most effective. The doctor may discuss whether you need other treatment which may include antibiotics and, in some cases, rabies shots.

Why Do I Need A Tetanus Shot If The Disease Is Rare In Dogs? 

It’s rare—not unheard of. The mortality rate for tetanus is 30% and it’s more than 50% in patients over 60. That’s why administering the shot following a dog bite is standard procedure.

Symptoms of Tetanus 

If you did not get the shot and are worried you may have contracted tetanus from a dog bite, here are some symptoms to look out for:

  • Jaw Cramping
  • Involuntary Muscle Spasms
  • Painful Stiffness
  • Headache
  • Seizures
  • Fever
  • Elevated Heart Rate 

The chances of contracting tetanus from a dog bite are slim, but out of an abundance of caution it is best to follow the advice of your doctor if he/she recommends getting a tetanus shot following a bite. 

How Do I Find a Good Home for My Beagle?

You want to find a good home for your beagle. You love your dog, and it breaks your heart that you have to give him up. It’s even more difficult because you may not have any idea of where your dog should go or how to find a great home for him. We can make things easier for you. Let’s look at some of the things you can do to ensure that you find a great home for your dog.

Shelters and Rescues

They might be the first places you think of, but they might not be the best choice for your beagle.

Shelters work hard to provide a safe place for the dogs to stay while they wait to be adopted, but this doesn’t mean that they are the right solution. Many dogs have a difficult time adjusting to life at a shelter, which can make it hard for them to find a new home. In some situations, shelters still have to euthanize pets that aren’t adopted. Rescues are less likely to have this issue, but they are often full, and they may not be able to take your beagle.

Fortunately, you have other methods are your disposal. You should look to rehome the dog on your own. You can do this by asking family and friends whether they might be interested in adopting, or by using Rehome by Adopt-a-Pet.com. Rehome is a peer-to-peer adoption service that lets you put up a profile for your beagle so potential adopters can see his info and fill out an adoption application if they’re interested.

Consider Your Beagle’s Needs and Personality

When you’re choosing someone to adopt your beagle, you always need to think about your dog’s needs and personality. Make sure that the person who will be adopting her will be able to give her plenty of exercise and will be able to buy her the treats she loves. Make sure that your dog’s personality is suitable for the adopter’s home, as well.

Be Sure to Charge a Rehoming Fee

When you are looking for a new home for your beagle, don’t just give the dog to someone. While this might seem the easiest way to give up your dog, they may not go to a good home. Some people look for free pets online for nefarious purposes. Charging a rehoming fee ensures that they have a financial stake in your dog. They will likely treat her well.

When you use Rehome, as mentioned above, you will find that it won’t cost you anything to list information about your beagle. However, when someone adopts through the platform, they will pay a small fee. This money goes right back into helping to get more animals adopted.

Be Selective and Find the Ideal New Home for Your Beagle

When you are looking at the potential adopters, don’t just choose the first person who responds or provides an adoption application. You need to be sure that they’re the right home. Learn more about their household, their pets, whether they have kids, and so forth. This will help to ensure that you are choosing the perfect home for your beagle.

How Do I Give Up My Mastiff?

You can give up your Mastiff to someone that you know, someone you find online, or to a shelter or a rescue. It’s important to know the options that are available, how they work, and what you need to consider when giving up your dog. 

Do You Need to Give Up Your Mastiff?

One of the first things you’ll want to consider is whether you need to give up your dog at all. Think about why you need to give him up and whether there might be a way to ease whatever problem you might be having. If he has some behavioral issues, for example, working with a trainer could help. If you don’t have time to walk him each day, you could hire a dog walker to help. Try to exhaust all of your possibilities before giving him up. Of course, we know that sometimes you may not have any other choice.

Shelters and Rescues

These organizations are available for those who need to give up their dog. The shelters and rescues will require that you first contact them to set up an appointment. They’ll want to know the temperament of your dog, any medical needs that he might have, etc. Additionally, they may want to know why you have to give up your dog. They want what’s best for him and may have resources that could help you, such as information about low-cost vets, trainers, and more.

If you give up your Mastiff to a shelter or rescue, keep in mind that you’ll have to pay a surrender fee, as well. The price will vary, but it typically starts at around $50 and goes up from there depending on where you’re located.

People You Know

A great option for giving up your dog would be to talk with the people you know, such as your friends, family, and coworkers. Let them know your situation and that you need to give him up. You might find that one of them might be looking for a dog and would love to give him a home. Of course, you need to be sure that whoever you give your dog to can care for all of his needs, whatever they might be. When you give your dog to someone you know, it also gives you more peace of mind.

Online Options for Giving Up Your Mastiff

Another option would be to use an online service like Rehome to find a new owner for your dog. This is a platform from Adopt-a-Pet.com that makes it easy to find potential adopters. You’ll create a profile for your dog, which the adopters can see and review. Those interested in adopting will send applications to you for review. You can then sort through the applications and choose the best new owner for your Mastiff.

It’s an easy to use platform and it’s free for owners to use. The adopters will only pay a small rehoming fee to the site, and the money goes back into helping more animals find a new home.

Photo Credit: Eran Finkle

Are Bark Collars Cruel?

Bark collars are cruel in that they inflict discomfort and/or pain as a method of stopping barking. There are better and more humane ways to deal with barking that don’t hurt your dog and also will address the root of the problem. Bark collars do not address the reason for the barking. Barking is a normal behavior, so punishing your pet for just being a dog is a cruel choice.

How Bark Collars Work 

Bark collars react to the sound of barking or the vibration of your dog’s vocal chords by spraying the dog with citronella, emitting a high pitched sound, or shocking the dog. All of these punishments fail to address the reason for the barking. In the best cases, they make the dog fearful and uncomfortable. In the worst cases, they cause pain.

Alternatives to Bark Collars 

Inflicting pain and discomfort shouldn’t be a method any pet owner is willing to try. Fortunately, there are plenty of humane ways to stop excessive barking such as: 

  • Ignore It: If your dog is looking for attention by barking, ignore him completely. Don’t say “no.” Don’t act annoyed. Just walk away. When the barking stops, give your dog the attention he craves. He’ll learn to associate barking with being ignored and being quiet with getting attention.
  • Find the Cause: If you can figure out what is triggering the barking, you can deal with that directly. For example, if he barks at people walking by, consider keeping him in a back room or blocking the windows during high traffic times of day.
  • Professional Training: If the methods you try at home don’t do the trick, invest in professional training. You’ll learn how to use positive reinforcement to stop unwanted behavior.
    If you suspect the barking is due to separation anxiety, seek the help of a vet or animal behaviorist at once. The problem will only get worse if left untreated. 

Whatever is causing excessive barking, punishing your dog isn’t the way to go. Rather than inflicting pain with a bark collar, find a training method that is positive and healthy and that will bring out the best in your pet. 

Where Can I Put a Boxer Up for Adoption?

You can put a boxer up for adoption both online and locally. If you have a boxer that you can no longer take care of, you might find that putting them up for adoption is the best course of action.

Maybe you will be moving soon, and the new location will not allow pets or larger dogs. You may find that you can’t provide for the dog’s needs any longer. For example, boxers are a fun-loving and active breed, and you may not be able to give them enough exercise. Regardless of why you need to relinquish your pet, it is important that you find the best home for them. Fortunately, there are several that you can consider.

Shelters and Rescues

One of the first places that people consider when they are looking to give up their boxer for adoption is a shelter. Many people choose to visit rescues and shelters when looking for a new pet. Some rescues specialize in boxers, which could be a good fit. While shelters try to provide care for dogs, they are not always capable of ensuring adoption.

Do You Have Friends or Family that Could Adopt?

You might be fortunate enough to have someone that you know in your life already that might be willing to adopt your boxer. If you have a friend or a family member who has room for your dog, and that can properly care for your pet, then you might want to allow them to adopt. If they already know your dog, it can help to make the adoption easier for the pet, and you.

Of course, not everyone will have enough room for a boxer or the ability to provide them with the exercise that they need. You want the best for your dog, and sometimes that means considering other options for adoption, such as Rehome by Adopt-a-Pet.com.

Consider Choosing Rehome When Putting Your Boxer Up for Adoption

Rehome is a platform from Adopt-a-Pet, which can provide you with a safe, effective, and simple way to put your boxer up for adoption. The platform allows you to create a bio for your pet, and to upload photos and videos. You can provide potential adopters with all of the information they need regarding your dog to help ensure a good fit for a new home. If your boxer doesn’t get along with cats, for example, you will want to let people know in case they already have cats in the home.

The system works easily for the owner, as well as the adopter. Additionally, when you are putting your pet up for adoption on Rehome, it is entirely free. The adopter will pay a small fee that is in line with what they would pay at city or municipality shelters.

If you have a boxer that needs to be adopted, take the time to check out Rehome and see just how easy it is. You can find the perfect new home for your boxer.

How Do I Find a Good Home for My Australian Shepherd?

When pet owners decide they can no longer keep their dog, questions like, “how do I find a good home for my Australian Shepherd,” are usually top of mind. While surrendering to a shelter is an option, the best way to find the right home for your dog is to rehome him yourself. It takes a bit of time and effort, but if finding the right home is important to you, this is the easiest way to see exactly where he ends up.

Where Do I Start?

If you’ve never rehomed a dog before, the idea can seem overwhelming and stressful. The good news is an Australian Shepherd will be easier to rehome than some other breeds. Once you get your dog in front of the right people, it probably won’t take long to find him a loving new home.
The more potential adopters who see him, the better the chances of finding a good fit. Here are two things you’ll want to do:

  • Contact breed-specific rescues and ask if they will list your dog as a courtesy listing. These groups may even know people who are actively looking for an Australian Shepherd.
  • List your pet on the Rehome website. You’ll be able to create a pet profile, communicate with potential adopters, upload medical records, and more. This site is a valuable resource for anyone trying to rehome a pet. Your pet will also get more rehome_legacyity than you would with other sites because his profile will be published directly on Adopt-a-Pet.com. Once the bio is live, your dog could be viewed by the millions of people that visit Adopt-a-Pet.com every month.

    Vet References and Rehoming Fees

    Remember that the goal isn’t just to find a home; it’s to find a great home. That means you won’t want to just hand over your dog without learning a bit about the potential adopters. Make sure you:

    • Ask for Vet References: If the adopter has had pets before, ask for vet references. You’ll want the vet to verify that proper medical care was provided.
    • Charge a Rehoming Fee: Giving your dog away as free to a good home is never a good idea. Charging a rehoming fee weeds out people who look for free dogs to resell or use in nefarious ways. It also lets you know they are willing to invest in your dog. If they balk at a rehoming fee, what will they do when a sick dog needs to go to the vet?

      It’s always a sad thing to give up a pet, but taking the time to find him a perfect home at least gives your Australian Shepherd the best chance at a happy future.

      What Happens When A Dog Eats Too Much?

      When your dog eats too much it can lead to bloat, obesity, and, in puppies, skeletal issues. While it’s tempting to give in to those puppy dog eyes and feed your pet as much as they want, it’s not what responsible pet owners do. Instead, feed your pet according to proper guidelines so they maintain a healthy weight and stay on the path towards a long, happy life. 

      Obesity In Pets 

      While all overfeeding won’t result in such an extreme case of obesity, even being slightly overweight can diminish your pet’s health. Overweight dogs are more prone to develop:

      • Heart problems
      • Diabetes
      • Hypothyroidism
      • Joint issues
      • And more 

      Bloat From Overfeeding 

      Bloat is a dangerous condition and one potential cause is overfeeding. Food bloat occurs when the dog’s stomach gets too full, causing it to expand. This puts pressure on other organs and can cause the dog to have difficulty breathing, restrict blood flow to his heart, and cause tears in his stomach lining.

      This condition is potentially life threatening, so see your vet immediately if you notice the following symptoms:

      • A swollen stomach
      • Pacing
      • Restlessness
      • Trying to vomit but not producing anything
      • Rapid heartbeat
      • Shortness of breath 

      How Much Should I Feed My Dog? 

      Many pet owners who overfeed their pets aren’t aware of how much food is a proper amount. While most dog food packages have guidelines printed on them, the best way to be sure you’re feeding your dog a proper diet is to talk to your vet.

      Just as with humans, a healthy diet for your dog is an important key to a healthy, happy, long life. 

      How Do You Get an ESA Letter for Housing?

      To get an emotional support animal (ESA) letter for housing, you must ask your licensed therapist or other medical professional to write one for you.

      Why You Need An ESA Letter 

      While emotional support animals do not enjoy the same broad protections as service animals, there are two areas in which they are protected: housing and airline travel. Having a letter ensures that you’ll be able to meet the requirements to have no-pet policies waived and to find rental housing and bring your ESA on a plane with you.

      Some landlords may not require the letter, but it’s better to have it just in case. For airline travel, all airlines require an ESA letter and some may even ask for vaccination records and other paperwork.

      If a landlord refuses to rent to you once you’ve shown him your ESA letter, he is in violation of the law and you can file a complaint with HUD. Most rentals are included, but there are a couple of exceptions:

      • Single family homes rented out without the help of a realtor.
      • Buildings with four units or less in which the landlord lives in one. 

      It is also of note that the landlord is not allowed to charge you a pet fee for your ESA even if other tenants are required to pay a pet deposit. You can, however, be charged for any damage caused by your ESA.

      It shouldn’t be difficult to find a rental just because you have an emotional support animal, and the law is on your side. Know your rights, secure your letter, and you should have no problem finding the perfect rental. 

      How Do I Give Up My Pit Bull?

      If you’re asking how do I give up my pit bull, you’ve likely made the difficult decision to surrender your pet. There are a few options, including surrendering him to a local shelter, working with a private rescue group, or rehoming him yourself. Below we look at the pros and cons each.

      Local Shelters

      Municipal shelters run by the city or county may not take owner surrenders. Each location is different, so it’s worth checking. Organizations like the SPCA usually do accept owner surrenders.

      Pros

      • It usually only takes a day or two, and some might take the dog right away.

      Cons

      • Some shelters must euthanize pets due to overcrowding and limited resources. Your dog may be at risk for being put down if he ends up at one of these shelters.

      Tips

      • Research the live release rate before surrendering your pit bull (or American pit bull terrier) to a shelter.

      Private Rescues

      Privately run rescues are another option. Here are the pros and cons of surrendering your pit bull to a reputable rescue.

      Pros

      • Rescues usually have stricter adoption policies to ensure pets are placed in homes that fit their needs.
      • Even if your pet does not find a new home, rescues will usually care for your pet indefinitely.

      Cons

      • Many rescues are volunteer run and house pets in foster homes which can be full, so you may have to wait for a spot.

      Tips

      • Look on social media to find reviews of the rescue.
      • Visit the facility, talk to fosters and former fosters, and do as much rehome_research as you can.

      Rehome Your Pit Bull Yourself

      This method allows you to choose the new home and to vet any potential adopters. If you have to give up your pit bull, this route will give you the most control and peace of mind.

      Pros

      • You get to choose his new family.
      • You give your pit bull the best chance at a safe and happy home.
      • Your pet can stay with you in a stress-free environment while he waits to find his new forever home.

      Cons

      • It can take some time to find the right family.

      Tips

      • Never list your pet as free to a good home. People who want dogs for fighting, or otherwise want to harm your dog, often look for ads like this.
      • Always charge a rehoming fee.
      • Rehome by Adopt-a-Pet.com is a free peer-to-peer adoption service that provides information on properly screening adopters, allows you to create a profile for your pit bull, and get him seen by millions of adopters on Adopt-a-Pet.com.

      If you have to give up your pit bull, make sure you’re putting him in safe hands!