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. 

How Do I Find a Good Home for My Golden Retriever?

You can find a good home for your golden retriever by being patient and taking the time to find the right adopters before rehoming her. Golden retrievers are popular dogs because they’re fun, friendly, and always adorable. While this often makes it easier to find good homes for them, you’ll still have to put in some work to ensure that you find an ideal new owner. Let’s look at some tips on how you can make sure you find her a great new home.

Consider Whether You Could Keep Your Golden Retriever

Giving up your golden retriever is sad, and it’s probably something that you never thought you’d have to do. However, you might feel like you don’t have any other choice. Before you give up hope, consider why you need to give her up, and see if there are resources available that could help you keep her.

For example, if you have to go out of town for work for a month or two, rather than rehoming her, see if you know anyone who could watch her for that time. If she has some behavior issues, consider hiring a trainer. If you’re having financial trouble and worry about caring for her, you can reach out to animal welfare organizations in your area to see if they know of pet food pantries or have other programs for owners facing hardships.

Of course, if you’re in an inflexible situation and you know you cannot keep your golden retriever, you’ll want to put in the work to find her a great new home.

You Know Your Dog Best

You know your dog better than anyone else, so you’ll know the type of home where she’ll do the best. Does she need to get out and get a lot of exercise like most dogs? Does she love spending time in or near water? Does she have any health issues? Maybe she had a bad experience with a cat when she was younger.

Consider all of the facets of your dog’s personality as you look for a potential new home for her. You want to be sure that she’ll be happy and will do well with her new family.

Look to Family and Friends

If you know anyone in your family who might be looking to adopt a dog or someone in your friend group that’s mentioned it, talk with them. They might want to adopt your dog. Golden retrievers have a great reputation as being friendly and great family dogs, so you might have some people already in your life that would love to have her.

Try a Pet Adoption Site

You can also find a range of pet adoption sites that can help you find potential adopters. It’s important that you rehome_research the site you’re considering first, and that you choose an option that won’t require you to pay anything to give up your dog. The rehoming fees should only be charged to those who adopt her.

Rehome by Adopt-a-Pet.com is a reputable and easy to use option. The peer-to-peer adoption service is free to owners and will allow you to post your pet directly on Adopt-a-Pet.com for millions of pet seekers to see. You can create a profile for your dog with a bio, photos, and videos. This will let the potential adopters learn more about her before filling out an adoption application. Rehome allows you to review the applications and finalize the adoption contract, they’ll also provide tips along the way to help you determine whether an applicant is a good fit for your dog. You won’t be left will all the guess work and uncertainty of trying to rehome completely on your own. 

Can You Give a Dog Benadryl? Appropriate Benadryl Uses for Dogs

Is Benadryl safe for dogs? Can I give my dog Benadryl to calm them down? Learn more about safe uses for Benadryl in dogs including tips to calm a dog down.

Benadryl is an antihistamine that can treat allergies, motion sickness, and temporary anxiety in some dogs. It is safe for many dogs when given at the correct dosage, but it is important to consult with a veterinarian before giving it to your dog to ensure it is safe for your dog, especially if they take other medications or have underlying health problems. Benadryl is not a cure for any underlying medical condition and should only be used as directed by a veterinarian.

Like all medications, Benadryl can cause unwanted side effects in some dogs and may cause adverse reactions in dogs with certain underlying health problems. If your dog experiences any side effects such as agitation, diarrhea, or loss of appetite, stop giving them Benadryl and contact your veterinarian.

The good news is that this medication (the generic name for which is Diphenhydramine) is readily available without a prescription in pill, tablet, and liquid formulations, and, most of the time, your vet will recommend that you purchase the same Benadryl used for humans at your local pharmacy. While there are a few dog-specific brands of Benadryl, these may be more expensive or harder to find. So, once you know it is safe and effective in your dog, Benadryl is great to keep on hand as part of your doggy first aid kit.

Benadryl’s Purpose and Calming Side Effect

Benadryl is primarily an antihistamine, which means it blocks the effects of histamine, a chemical released by certain cells of the immune system. The release of histamine triggers many unpleasant effects in the body, including inflammation, itchiness, swelling, and constriction of the airways. Antihistamines like Benadryl block this pathway and reduce those unpleasant effects, with varying degrees of success.

The main reason vets prescribe Benadryl for dogs is to treat allergies and/or itchy skin. It also can be used to reduce nausea and prevent motion sickness due to the effects it has on the brain. There are other drugs that have similar effects and may be more effective in dogs, so your vet may recommend a different antihistamine depending on your dog’s specific condition.

Occasionally, Benadryl is prescribed as a mild sedative or calming agent for dogs because a common side effect of this medication is drowsiness. That can help dogs feel sleepy, for example, during travel. It is not a preferred drug for this purpose because there are many other medications and behavior modification techniques that have specific anti-anxiety effects and are more reliable.

While many dogs will experience drowsiness, Benadryl can also have the opposite side effect and cause agitation in other dogs. If you are planning to try to use Benadryl for its sedating effects, try it at home prior to the event you really need it for to make sure it works on your pup.

Is Benadryl Safe For Dogs?

Many people wonder if Benadryl can hurt dogs, but Benadryl is safe for most dogs at the prescribed doses. While it can cause a number of side effects, most are mild and resolve as soon as the medication is discontinued. It can be more risky for certain dogs with underlying health problems such as dry eye, glaucoma, urinary problems, or seizure disorders since it can exacerbate these conditions. Here are some of the common Benadryl side effects in dogs:

  • Drowsiness
  • Agitation
  • Dry eye
  • Urinary retention
  • Loss of Appetite
  • Nausea/Vomiting
  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea

Benadryl can also be harmful if the dose is too high and/or if a pet parent is using Benadryl to treat a medical problem at home without veterinary guidance. For example, a dog that has a severe allergic reaction with facial swelling and/or hives may not respond to Benadryl alone and likely will need stronger medications to stop the reaction. These reactions can snowball and become life-threatening if a dog develops difficulty breathing, so trying to treat at home with over-the-counter Benadryl could put a dog at risk for serious complications. Any dog who is in distress or develops a new medical problem suddenly needs to see a vet first to get a thorough exam and diagnosis before trying an over-the-counter medication like Benadryl

How often can you give a dog Benadryl?

The Merck Veterinary Manual recommends administering the correct dose of Benadryl two to three times a day, but this dosage can vary depending on a dog’s weight and any other medical conditions they’re experiencing.

How much Benadryl can I give my dog?

A dog’s Benadryl dosage is based on their size and weight and may vary based on the condition being treated, so it is important to discuss your particular dog’s situation with your vet and troubleshoot any issues that may be related to dosing. Typically, dosages start around 2.2 milligrams per kilogram, which is one milligram per pound of body weight. A basic formula to figure this out is to use your dog’s weight in pounds as their dosage — so, a dog who weighs 10 pounds would receive a dose of 10 milligrams.

Can You Give a Dog Benadryl for Anxiety?

Yes and no. Benadryl is not an anti-anxiety medication, so it does not actually help your pup to feel less anxious. For dogs that are drowsy after taking Benadryl, the sleepiness masks their anxiety and makes them too tired to act anxious, but is it not actually helping the underlying problem. This may be fine in a pinch if, for example, you suddenly have to travel with your pet and can’t see your vet in time to get a more effective medication. However, keep in mind that not every dog is sedated by Benadry,l so it may not have the desired effect on your pooch at all.

Anxiety in dogs is a complex issue, just like in humans. It can be triggered by many different things, and dogs often need a multifaceted treatment approach. This may include behavior modification training to desensitize them to their triggers, using exercise and positive reinforcement to provide structure, and prescription medications to actually reduce their anxiety level enough for them to work through these other techniques. A dog with moderate or severe anxiety will not make progress with Benadryl alone. These can be challenging cases and are best treated with the help of your vet and a veterinary behaviorist.

Drug-Free Ways to Calm Your Pet

While many websites talk about how safe Benadryl is, responsible pet parents will always check with their vet before dosing their dogs with any medication. There are times when drugs will be a crucial part of their treatment plan, and for those cases, specific anti-anxiety drugs or sedatives will be the most effective choices. If you have a very active or anxious dog, there are also other important steps to take to work with them on these behaviors. These include:

More exercise

Giving your active dog plenty of time to burn off their energy is a great way to calm them down. Long walks, time at a doggy daycare, trips to the dog park, agility training, or tossing a ball around your yard are a few ways to allow your dog to be more active. Dogs need physical activity just like people, and some breeds need a lot more than others. If you have a high-energy dog, be sure you are giving them constructive outlets to exercise — otherwise, they may find destructive habits that are not to your liking.

Prevent boredom

Giving your dog’s brain a workout is just as important as giving their body a workout. A puzzle toy that makes your pup work for a treat is a great way to engage their brain and help curb boredom. Other ways to provide enrichment include training sessions to teach your pup new cues and tricks, time for socialization with other dogs, and sensory experiences with music, different scents, and/or flavors.

Proper training

One common complaint among dog parents with very active dogs is that it’s difficult to walk them because they are always pulling on the lead or otherwise engaging in unwanted behaviors. This conduct can be modified with proper training. Even the most energetic dogs can be taught to “leave it,” “stay,” and “sit,” and most pet parents are surprised how quickly the training kicks in. Training is also very important for anxious dogs as behavior modification techniques can help your dog overcome fears, desensitize to triggers, and build confidence. Working with a behaviorist or trainer is a good idea in these cases as your dog’s anxiety should be properly diagnosed in order to craft the most effective training approach.

Change their food

This is one option that many pet parents don’t consider, but food can impact your dog’s behavior. It is important to ensure your dog is eating a complete and balanced diet suited to their life stage and needs. Dogs who are not eating an appropriate diet could be at risk for nutritional deficiencies, which can sometimes affect their behavior as well as their overall health. There are even some treats and diets out there formulated to provide calming effects, although many of these have not been rigorously studied to know if they are truly effective. If you’re not sure how to choose the best food for your dog, check out our dog and cat nutrition page or talk to your vet for advice.

Can You Overdose a Dog on Benadryl?

Yes, you can overdose a dog on Benadryl. An overdose can range from mild unwanted side effects to more serious health scares depending on how much a dog ingests.

It is very important to keep this medication, and all medications, safely out of your dog’s reach. Some human medications are highly toxic to dogs and even small amounts can cause fatal complications, so it is good to get into the habit of keeping all medications secured.

Also, be sure that if you are giving Benadryl to your dog, the only ingredient in the product is Diphenhydramine. Some products contain a combination of ingredients such as an antihistamine combined with a decongestant and/or fever reducer, and these other medications can be highly toxic to dogs.

What are the symptoms of Benadryl overdose in dogs?

If you suspect your dog has ingested too much Benadryl, whether by accident or a miscalculation, be sure to note down as much information as possible, including the specific medication your dog received, any other ingredients in the product, the strength of the medication, the formulation (such as pill versus capsule versus liquid), what time you believe the overdose occurred, and how much of the medication you believe your dog ingested. All of this information will help your vet create a treatment plan.

It is best to get your dog to the vet right away if you believe an overdose occurred instead of waiting for symptoms to set in. However, some common symptoms in dogs of an overdose of Benadryl include:

  • Agitation
  • Sedation
  • Excessive drooling
  • Rapid breathing
  • Rapid heart rate
  • Tremors
  • Seizures
  • Vomiting

Commonly Asked Questions

At what age can you give dogs Benadryl?

Benadryl is safe to give to dogs four months of age or older and may be used in younger dogs with your veterinarian’s supervision. Benadryl’s effects have not been thoroughly studied in very young puppies, so it is not clear if it’s completely safe for them.

Can you give a dog Benadryl for itching?

Yes, Benadryl is an antihistamine that is sometimes prescribed to dogs for itchy skin. It is always important to get a diagnosis from your vet first since certain skin conditions can be cured with a specific treatment, and Benadryl just temporarily relieves the itch. Also, some other antihistamines may be more effective in certain dogs.

Can you give a dog Benadryl for allergies?

Yes, Benadryl is an antihistamine that is sometimes prescribed for allergies in dogs. It is always important to get a diagnosis from your vet first since other conditions may seem like allergies but require different treatments. Also, some other antihistamines may be more effective in certain dogs.

Can you give a dog Benadryl for bee stings?

Yes, Benadryl is an antihistamine that can help with mild swelling related to bee stings in dogs. A dog that is stung by a bee and is acting completely fine may not need any treatment at all. A dog that has more severe signs of an allergic reaction, including any swelling of the face or difficulty breathing, needs to see a vet right away for more intensive treatment.

Can you give a dog Benadryl for pain?

No, Benadyl does not provide any pain relief for dogs. A dog that is in pain needs to be evaluated right away by a veterinarian in order to receive medications that are safe and appropriate to treat its pain. As a reminder, many human pain medications are highly toxic to dogs and should never be given to dogs

References

Diphenhydramine Intoxication in a Dog

Oral antiallergic activity in ascaris hypersensitive dogs

The influence of an antihistamine drug on the release of histamine in the unanaesthetized dog

Frontiers in Immunology:

The Role of Histamine and Histamine Receptors in Mast Cell-Mediated Allergy and Inflammation: The Hunt for New Therapeutic Targets

ASPCA Poison Control: Can you give your pets an Antihistamine

ASPCAPro: Antihistamine Toxicosis

Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association: Evaluation of Diphenhydramine as  Sedative for Dogs


Amy Fox, DVM is a small animal veterinarian in New York City. She has worked in many different settings including shelter medicine, emergency medicine, general practice, and animal cruelty and forensics. She is especially interested in nutrition, preventative medicine and care for senior pets. Dr. Fox also enjoys writing about veterinary medicine and teaching. In her free time she loves to cook, garden, and go for long runs.

Do You Have to Pay to Rehome a Catahoula Leopard Dog?

If you’re the owner, you won’t have to pay to rehome your Catahoula Leopard Dog. Instead, the rehoming fees are paid by the person who will be adopting your dog. The only time that an owner might have to pay when they’re giving up their dog would be when taking them to a shelter or a rescue. These organizations will often charge surrender fees. The cost of the fees will vary, but they generally start at $50.

Why Charge Rehoming Fees?

If you’ll be giving your dog to someone you don’t know, you’ll want to charge the new owner a rehoming fee. You might be wondering why you should charge a fee if you’re desperate and need to have someone take your dog quickly. Wouldn’t it just be easier to give your dog away?

When you give away your dog, though, you never know who will come to get him. Although most people don’t like to think about it, some people are looking for free dogs for nefarious purposes. They might want to sell the dogs to a lab. Others might be looking for fighting dogs. When you charge a rehoming fee, it can cut these types of people out of the equation. After all, they don’t want to pay for the animals they get. They’re looking for free options instead.

The rehoming fees are there to help keep your dog safe. If you feel bad about making money when you give up your dog, you can always donate it to a rescue or an animal charity.

Do Shelters and Rescues Have Rehoming Fees?

You’ll find that shelters and rescues that sell or let people adopt charge fees, too. They often call them adoption fees, but they’re the same thing and they serve much the same purpose. Additionally, the fees charged by these organizations are typically used as a way to help the facility stay afloat.

The cost of the adoption fees and rehoming fees can vary based on the shelter. They’ll generally start at $50, but they can be quite high for purebred dogs, particularly those that are still young. If you’re going to rehome your dog on your own, learn what the common rehoming fees are in your area and charge something similar.

Use Rehome to Make the Process Easier?

If you would like to make it faster and easier to rehome your Catahoula Leopard Dog, consider using Rehome. This is an online pet adoption platform that lets you have control over who adopts your dog. You can create a bio, add photos and videos, and upload them to the site. People who are interested in adopting can then check out the site and peruse the profile. If they feel they’ll be a good match for your dog, they’ll fill out an application that you can then review.
The site is free for owners to use, and the adopters only have to pay a small rehoming fee similar to what they’d pay at a shelter or rescue. This way, you aren’t responsible for collecting the rehoming fee. It’s fast, easy, and helps to keep your dog safe. 

Photo credit: John

Why Is My Dog Peeing a Lot?

Common reasons for your dog peeing a lot include diabetes, urinary tract infections, and aging. Certain medical conditions can be treated, which will often alleviate the frequent urination. Other causes, however, such as aging, may not be resolved. The first order of business when you notice frequent urination, or any other change in your pet’s bathroom habits, should be a visit to your vet for a thorough exam. 

Is Frequent Urination Dangerous? 

On its own, frequent urination isn’t necessarily dangerous, but it could be, as mentioned above, the sign of a potentially serious medical condition. Your vet will know exactly what to screen for, so you’ll be able to quickly find out if a particular medical problem is causing the condition.

If it is, treatment may be able to help with the issue. Some conditions may require simple treatment, such as a round of antibiotics for a UTI. Others, such as diabetes, may require ongoing medication and other treatment.

What If The Problem Can’t Be Corrected? 

Many pet owners live with aging dogs and those who suffer incontinence for various reasons. This alone isn’t necessarily impacting the dog’s quality of life, and it’s a pretty easy situation to handle. Solutions could be as simple as installing a doggy door so your pet can go out whenever he needs or just taking him on more frequent walks.

Another option that works for busy pet owners is to purchase belly bands for male dogs and diapers for female dogs. Both reusable and disposal belly bands and diapers are available. While it may take a little getting used to, this is a simple way to deal with living with an incontinent pooch. 

Can An Aggressive Dog Be Rehabilitated?

In most cases, an aggressive dog can be rehabilitated. Even when the aggression stems from long-term abuse, there is still hope with the right treatment.

First Steps in Rehabilitating an Aggressive Dog  

If you’re dealing with an aggressive dog, be hopeful—but don’t ignore the problem. Aggression isn’t going to go away on its own. You need to actively deal with the issue and find the right help from your vet or a skilled, experienced animal behaviorist.

The first thing you need to do is find professional help, and let them guide things from there. Look for someone who specializes in working with aggressive dogs. A general dog trainer may not have the skills to handle the needs of an aggressive dog.

Note that if the behavior came on suddenly, it’s likely a medical issue. In that case the aggression will likely cease once the medical problem is addressed.

Until you can get help, keep your dog away from the situations that trigger the aggression. Also, isolate your dogs from other people, children, and other pets. The last thing you want is for your dog to attack or bite someone. Protecting your dog from situations in which that could happen is the responsible thing to do.

Be patient with your dog, follow the advice and guidance of the animal behaviorist, and give your dog every chance at the happy, healthy life he deserves. 

What Does It Mean to Surrender a Pit Bull?

 If you can no longer keep your pet, you might be wondering: What does it mean to surrender a pit bull? Surrendering your dog means you’re giving up all your rights as the pit bull’s owner and transferring them to a rescue or shelter. Once surrendered, you no longer have a say in what happens to your dog, whether he is put down or adopted, or who adopts him. This can be difficult for anyone who loves their pet, so surrendering your pit bull should be a last resort.

Things to Keep in Mind

While animal welfare organizations do their best to provide the best care for the pets that come their way, your pet may not receive as much attention as you would like. Before you surrender your pit bull to any shelter or rescue group, do some rehome_research and be aware of the limitations some organizations face.

Here are some things to keep in mind when looking for a place to surrender your pet:

  • Does the organization euthanize: Some shelters have very high intake rates and low resources, which can cause them to run out of kennel space quickly. When organizations run out of space, sometimes even healthy adoptable dogs are put to sleep. Euthanasia rates are often available to the rehome_legacy. Be aware of an organization’s policies before you decide to drop off your pet.
  • Your Pet’s Personality: Even if you have the friendliest dog in the world, your pit bull may not feel like himself in a shelter. The loud and crowded shelter environment can make your dog become anxious or aggressive and he may be labeled unadoptable. Consider how you pit bull might react to this type of situation before surrendering.

Other Options

If you find that your local shelter may not be a safe place to surrender your pit bull consider other solutions:

Keeping Your Dog

Are you giving up your pet because of behavior issues? In many cases, these are easy to solve with the help of a vet or trainer. Many behavioral issues stem from a medical need that can be addressed by a veterinarian. Others can be remedied with the support of a qualified animal behaviorist. Give your dog every chance to stay in your family by trying to work through his issues.

Private Rescues

Reputable, privately run rescues are a wonderful option—if you can find one with a spot for your dog. This can be difficult, but excellent rescues will usually work hard to locate a perfect home, so it’s worth the trouble.

Rehoming Your Dog Yourself

This option will probably take the most effort, but it also lets you decide what happens to your pit bull. Rehome by Adopt-a-Pet.com provides valuable advice and tools to make the process easier and to ensure you find the best possible home for your dog. You can even post your adoptable pet for free to be seen by millions of pet adopters on Adopt-a-Pet.com.

]Knowing what it means to surrender your dog might make you change your mind about going through with it. If so, it’s good to know there are other options and resources to help you. 

How Can I Find a Home for My Mastiff?

You can find a home for your Mastiff by talking with people you know and using adoption sites on the Internet. Of course, before you choose a home for your dog, you need to be sure it’s a suitable home and the owner can provide her with all of the attention and care that she needs.

When you’re looking for a home for your Mastiff, write down a list of the things that she needs. This could be a medication that she has to take, for example. Maybe she doesn’t do well when she’s left on her own or maybe she chases cats. Think about all of the things that your dog does or needs that a new owner will need to know so they don’t have an unwelcome surprise after bringing her home. Once you know what your dog needs, it becomes easier to know whether someone will be a good match for her or not.

Finding a Home with People You Know 

Let people in your life know that you have to give up your dog. It can be hard to bring up this conversation with people because you never imagined that one day, you’d have to give her up. However, you want to be sure that she finds a great new home, so you need to be honest. You may find a friend or a family member that would like to adopt her from you. If they already know her and have bonded with her, this can be a good and easy way to rehome your Mastiff.

Of course, you still need to be sure that the new owner, even though you know them, will be capable of providing for her properly. Mastiffs are large dogs, and they’ll need to have more space than other dogs because of their size, for example.

Rehoming Using an Online Service

The Internet has helped to make it easier to find people who are willing to adopt your dog. However, if you’re advertising online, you need to be sure that the people who want to adopt have your dog’s best interests in mind.

A good way to do this is by charging a rehoming fee. It not only ensures they’re willing to invest in your dog, but it helps to reduce risk to your dog. Some people look for free dogs online that they then use for fighting or to sell to labs. They don’t want to pay, so the rehoming fee acts as a preventative measure.

You could also use a site like Rehome, which is a service geared toward helping owners and adopters come together. The site is free for owners to use and they only charge a small rehoming fee to the adopter. You’ll set up a profile for your Mastiff on the site that can include photos, videos, and a detailed bio. The adopters can choose to apply to become her new owner. You will review the applications and then determine who will be the best fit for your dog. It’s a safe and easy way to find a home for your dog.

Photo Credit: Marcia O’Connor

What Does It Mean to Surrender a Rottweiler?

When you surrender your rottweiler, you’re giving up your legal rights to her and handing her over to a shelter or a rescue. Of course, there’s a lot more to it than just bringing the dog to the shelter. You’ll have to understand what to expect and what you’ll need to bring.

The Shelters and Rescues

Keep in mind that all shelters and rescues will have their own set of rules and policies that you’ll need to follow. You can’t simply walk up to the door with your dog and drop her off. First, it’s always a good idea to explore their website. This is true whether it’s a shelter or a rescue. These sites will typically provide you with a good idea of how the facility operates, what it looks like, etc. They will often have at least some of their policies listed on the site, too.

You’ll then want to get in touch with the facility by phone. They’ll let you know about the process of bringing in your dog, along with the surrender fees. These fees are used to care for the animals in the facility, and you’ll find that all facilities charge something. The cost can vary, though. In some cases, it might be as low as $50. Other times, it could be as high as $150 or more.

When you speak with the personnel at the organization, they’ll want to know more about your dog. What’s her personality like? How old is she? Does she have health problems?

They’ll also want to know why you have to get rid of her. They aren’t trying to pry into your life. Instead, they’re looking for potential means for you to keep your dog. For example, they might be able to put you in touch with trainers if your dog has some behavioral problems.

If you still have to give up your rottweiler, they’ll then make an appointment for you to drop her off at the facility.

Other Options to Consider for Your Dog

You might find that you don’t like the idea of bringing your dog to one of these organizations. If that’s the case, you can always opt for rehoming instead. There are multiple ways that you can do this. One of the easiest is talking with people you already know to see if they might be interested in adopting. You might have a friend that knows and loves your dog and would love to be her new owner.

You can also find pet adoption sites on the Internet, such as Rehome by Adopt-a-Pet.com. This platform from Adopt-a-Pet.com will provide you with an easy way to find a new home for your rottweiler. This site is free for owners like you to use, and the adopters will only have to pay a small adoption fee. This money goes right back into helping other animals get adopted.

When you fill out your dog’s profile for the potential adopters to see, be sure you’re honest about her and that you don’t only talk about her good qualities. Adopters need to know they’re getting the right dog for their family, even if she isn’t always perfectly behaved.

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.