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.

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. 

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.  

Am I Allergic To My Cat?

You may be allergic to your cat if you notice symptoms such as swelling and itching around your nose and eyes, congestion, or a rash on your face, neck, or chest. An allergist can diagnose a cat allergy with a skin test. While it is bad news for a cat owner to be allergic to their pet, the good news is that, in most cases, there are simple treatments that will allow you to keep your feline friend in your home.

It’s Not Just The Fur 

You could be allergic to your cat’s fur, but that’s not the only thing that can cause cat allergy symptoms. Your symptoms may also be triggered by:

  •  Cat Dander
  • Saliva
  • Urine 

It doesn’t take a lot of exposure; breathing in or touching pet dander may be all it takes to set off your allergies.

I Think I’m Allergic: When to See a Doctor 

Self-diagnosis is never a good idea, and Dr. Google has led many people astray with either misinformation or improperly applied information. The symptoms of a cat allergy are very similar to those of a cold or other allergies. Rather than rushing to judgement and blaming Fluffy, make an appointment with an allergist. If you are allergic to your cat, the doctor can likely prescribe something to bring you some relief.

If the cat isn’t to blame, the allergist will be able to help you pinpoint what is making you miserable.

Common treatments include:

  • Antihistamines
  • Corticosteroid Nasal Sprays
  • Cromolyn Sodium
  • Allergy Shots 

DIY Treatment 

Many people are opposed to taking prescription medication. If your symptoms are fairly mild, it’s possible to treat your cat allergies by rinsing your nasal passages with saline water or taking over-the-counter decongestant sprays.

If you suspect an allergy to your cat, don’t panic. Visit your doctor to be sure that’s what you’re dealing with, and then work on treatments that allow you to keep your pet without suffering with allergy symptoms. For more help, check out Tips to reduce allergies to pets on our blog. 

Why Is My Cat Suddenly Chewing On Everything?

Your cat may be suddenly chewing on everything due to anxiety, a medical condition, or even just because he realized it’s an activity he enjoys. While adult cats don’t usually chew as much as dogs, it is a normal behavior. Still, depending on what they chew, it can be annoying to you and dangerous to them. That’s why it’s important to redirect their chewing away from harmful objects.

My Cat is Chewing Stuff. Now What? 

If your adult cat was never a chewer and the behavior has manifested suddenly, it’s a good idea to pay a visit to the vet just as you would with any other change in your cat’s habits. Once a medical issue has been ruled out, you can focus on trying to prevent inappropriate chewing.

Redirect the Chewing

When you notice your cat chewing, offer him a toy instead. Many times, the toy will bring out the predator in your cat, and he’ll be happy chewing on their “prey” instead of your belongings.

More Play Time

Your cat could be chewing out of boredom. Try spending more time with your cat playing with and/or grooming him.

Provide Stimulating Toys

Puzzle toys and other interactive options can keep an active cat entertained and prevent boredom. 

Protect Your Pet 

Some items can cause harm to your pet. Until you find a way to curb the behavior, you’ll need to protect your pet from, for example, chewing on wires or items that could cause gastrointestinal upset or electrocution.

Doing so could be as simple as keeping items out of reach, or may be a bit more involved, such as wrapping cords in rubber covers. You can also try bitter sprays and other deterrents (like tin foil) to keep your cat away from items he shouldn’t be chewing.

Also note that if the chewing is obsessive, it could be due to anxiety. In that case, you may try calming products such as collars and diffusers. If that doesn’t help, a chat with an animal behaviorist would be the next step.  

What is the Best Way to Rehome a Great Dane?

The best way to rehome your Great Dane is by vetting the potential adopters to ensure they are the right choice for your beloved dog. You’ll find that there are a few ways to do this and various options for adoption that you can try. Below, we’ll be looking into what you need to know.

What Are You Great Dane’s Needs

You know your dog well, and you know what she needs better than anyone else. You know whether she’ll do well with cats or small children, for example. You know if she has dietary issues or health problems. You know what your dog needs to have a happy and thriving life. Therefore, only you can determine who will be the best new owner for your dog.

Write a list of all of the most important information about your Great Dane, both good and bad, and use that when you are making your rehoming decision. This helps to ensure that she’ll be going to a wonderful new home.

Consider Friends and Relatives

If you have to rehome your Great Dane, talking with friends and family could be a good first step. They may be looking to adopt a dog of their own, or they might know someone who wants a dog. This can be a good way to find a home for your Great Dane with someone you already know, which can provide you with more peace of mind. It’s also easier for you to determine whether they have the capabilities to care for her properly.

Be Sure to Charge a Rehoming Fee

If you will be rehoming your dog with someone you don’t know, you must charge a rehoming fee. These fees aren’t to line the pockets of owners. Instead, owners use the fees to ensure that only the right people with good intentions are adopting their dog. They want to know that the person can afford the dog for starters. They also want to be sure that the person doesn’t have any hidden agenda for getting the dog.

Some people look for free dogs that they can use for fighting rings, or that they can turn around and sell to labs for a profit. Charging the rehoming fee will help to reduce the risk for your Great Dane. The only time you don’t need to charge a fee is when you’re rehoming your dog with someone you already know and trust.

Use an Online Pet Adoption Site

Another good option for rehoming your Great Dane is through a pet adoption site like Rehome. This platform will let you create a profile for your dog that includes photos, videos, and a bio. The bio will let potential adopters know all about your Great Dane. They can then determine whether they might be a good fit. Once adoption applications arrive, you can sort through them and choose the perfect new home for your dog. It’s a simple, safe, and effective method of rehoming.

How Do You Fix Cat Behavior Problems?

Is your cat aggressive, urinating outside the box, and exhibiting other behaviors of which you’re not a fan? “How do you fix cat behavior problems?” is a question asked by many pet owners. While it may seem impossible to change the conduct of your feline family members, there are often simple options, such as adding an extra litter box, which will make a difference. If not, a professional can usually help you get your misbehaving cat back on track.

 Common Problems. Simple Solutions. 

Some of the most common complaints from cat owners include:

Urinating in Inappropriate Places 

If your cat has started urinating outside the box, try adding an extra litter box. As a general rule, you should have at least one box per cat plus one additional one. Even if you only have one cat, adding a box may help the problem. You should also be sure that you are scooping your cat’s litter box at least once per day and replacing litter monthly. If this behavior started suddenly, it is likely due to a medical condition such as a urinary tract infection or potentially a blockage. See the vet right away. Usually once the infection clears up, the behavior will stop. 

Scratching Furniture 

Cats are going to scratch, so it’s up to you to provide plenty of appropriate options. Put a scratching post in each area of the house where your cat spends time. If they don’t seem interested, sprinkle some catnip, or use catnip spray, to entice them to use the scratching posts rather than your favorite sofa. You can also put soft vinyl nail caps on your cat if they continue to scratch furniture.

Aggressive Behavior 

If the aggressive behavior began suddenly, there is a good chance the cause is a medical issue. When cats are in pain, it often manifests as aggression, so a trip to the vet should be the first order of business. If the vet doesn’t find anything wrong, she may be able to refer you to an animal behaviorist. Introducing a new pet can also bring about sudden aggression. Proper introductions can go a long way in helping the two cats get off on the right paw.

Partying All Night 

If it seems like your cat waits until your REM cycle is fully realized to start embarking on loud antics, you’ll need to find a solution that helps to redirect his playtime to more appropriate hours. Try feeding the biggest meal just before bedtime, as cats like to sleep after a good dinner. Also, make sure they have plenty of toys to keep them active throughout the day, and try to engage in play with them, so they will be ready for a nap at night.

If your cat is behaving badly, a solution can usually be found. If the home remedies don’t work, turn to your vet for guidance. In most cases, you’ll be able to curb the behavior you don’t like. 

How much does it cost to surrender a Border Collie?

The cost to surrender a border collie will typically be between $50 and $150, but many factors will dictate the cost. The location of the facility, as well as the type of facility, play a role. So does the age of the pet.

Additionally, you may find that some shelters or rescues will charge less per pet for those who have to surrender an entire litter. Some rescues may not charge any fees when a dog has been surrendered. However, these are rare.

The best way to determine how much you’ll have to pay when you surrender your border collie is by getting in touch with the organization. They’ll likely have information on their website that will let you know the fees, along with the steps that you need to take when you’re surrendering your dog.

Why Do You Need to Surrender Your Border Collie?

When you contact a facility and try to set up an appointment to drop off your dog, they’ll likely ask several questions. They want to get a better sense of your dog, and they want to know why you’re surrendering her. Some of the most common reasons that people surrender their pets include financial problems, behavioral issues, an upcoming move, and not being able to spend enough time with their dog.

Often, the facility will have some suggestions and some resources they can provide that could help with these issues. For example, they could put you in touch with local doggy daycare facilities or with trainers. Ultimately, they want you to find ways that you can keep your border collie rather than surrendering them since it is a better option for the pet.

Rehoming Rather than Surrendering

If you’re unable to keep your border collie, consider the benefits of rehoming instead of surrendering him. When you rehome, you’ll not have to pay a surrendering fee for starters. However, it also means that you’ll be giving your dog a better life since you’ll help to find them a new home where they’ll be loved.

Rehoming can be done on your own. However, when you put your dog up for adoption, you need to be very careful about who gets him. To ensure people have an interest in your dog as a pet and not for nefarious purposes, always charge a rehoming fee. This ensures that they have a financial interest in your dog. Be sure to check references and learn as much as you can about the people who will be adopting your dog.

To make things easier, you might want to consider using the Rehome platform from Adopt-a-Pet.com. It’s free for owners. This site lets you create a thorough bio of your border collie, letting the potential adopters know more about him. It also lets you add photos and videos. Those who are interested in adopting will fill out an application, which you can then review to ensure you’re sending your border collie to a wonderful, loving home.