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.

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.

Why Does My Dog Eat Lying Down?

If your dog is lying down while eating, it could be due to a medical condition that makes it painful to bend his neck down to the bowl. If it’s a tall dog, it could simply be uncomfortable to stretch his neck down to reach a bowl on the floor. If the behavior started suddenly, you should schedule a visit with your vet to rule out an underlying medical condition.

What To Do Next If Your Dog Eats Lying Down 

As mentioned above, if your dog suddenly starts to eat lying down, you should bring him to the vet to rule out problems such as arthritis or joint pain. If you suspect discomfort may be the issue, you can try to curb the behavior by purchasing a raised bowl that makes it easier for your pet to eat standing up.

If there is no medical condition, is it really a problem if dogs eat lying down? Not usually. In the wild, dogs are often seen lying down why eating prey and domesticated dogs often enjoy a treat lying down.

While eating meals in that position isn’t common, it’s not necessarily cause for concern once a medical condition is ruled out.

How Do You Get A Dog To Stop Whining?

In order to get a dog to stop whining, you’ll need to figure out why he is being vocal. Dogs use whining to communicate, so if you learn what your dog is trying to tell you, you’ll be better able to stop the whining. That doesn’t mean you’ll give him whatever he wants when he whines—that could only make the problem worse—but it means you’ll be able to figure out a way to tackle the issue. 

Possible Reasons Your Dog Is Whining 

There are many reasons your dog may be whining. Here are a few examples of why dogs whine:

He’s not feeling well.

A visit to the vet may be in order if the whining started suddenly. 

He’s in a new environment (i.e. when you first bring a puppy home).

Normally, the whining will stop once the puppy realizes he is safe.

He needs to go outside.

Some dogs whine when they need to relieve themselves.

He wants something such as more food or a treat.

Don’t reward whining with a treat. Instead, wait until your dog is quiet and then give him the treat.

He wants to play or go for a walk.

As with giving food or treats, wait until your dog stops whining before getting his leash or tossing the ball around.

He’s trying to alert you to something.

If he’s whining and trying to lead you to a certain spot, he’s likely trying to alert you to something. Check things out. Once your dog sees you’re not concerned, he’ll probably calm down. 

Keep in mind that whining is communicating. If you can figure out what your dog is trying to say, you’ll be better equipped to stop him from whining. 

How Much Does It Cost To Surrender A Cat?

The cost to surrender a cat varies from organization to organization, but it is typically between $30-$100. If you are considering surrendering your cat to a shelter or rescue, you may want to consider rehoming your cat through a no-cost service and that may also cause your pet less stress.

What alternatives do I have to surrendering a cat I can’t keep?

Rather than bringing your cat to a rescue or shelter, you can post him online to help find a new home! With this option, both you and your cat can remain in the comfort of your home while you search for someone to adopt your cat.

Begin With Your Network

The first step to take is asking people you know if they would like to adopt your cat. Call your friends and family, ask your neighbors, or post to social media to see if anyone is interested in adopting your cat. This option will give you peace of mind, because your cat will be with someone you know and trust.

Create A Profile On Rehome

If no one in your network can adopt your cat, it’s time to make a profile on Rehome! This peer-to-peer service helps you to find a suitable new home for your cat by posting them on Adopt-a-Pet.com for millions of possible adopters to see. Making a profile is quick, simple, and there is no cost. Once you fill out all necessary information, your cat’s profile will be available for people to view.

What happens after I post my cat to Rehome?

Shortly after posting your cat to Rehome, you may see questions coming in. If you signed up for mobile alerts, anytime someone asks a question or applies for your cat, you will be notified, keeping you in the loop. When someone asks a question, you can respond rehome_legacyly so other potential adopters can see the answer as well.

You will also begin to receive applications for your cat. This can sometimes be overwhelming, so you’ll have access to pointers on how to pick the strongest applicants and how to avoid red flags.

Once you’ve narrowed down your applications, it’s time to meet the applicant in person. You’ll also have access to tips on how to set up a successful and safe in-person meeting. From here, you’ll choose a new family for your cat and finalize the adoption. You can sign and access a contract through the Rehome portal as well as transfer all medical records.  

What is the best way to rehome a Yorkie?

The best way to rehome a Yorkie is to find a new owner who will love and care for your dog as much as you did. Of course, you need to be sure that you’re using the right options and methods when it comes to rehoming. Below are some tips that can help to make the process easier, along with some things to keep in mind.

Do You Really Need to Rehome?

One of the first questions that you need to ask is whether you truly need to rehome him or not. Sometimes, what seems like a major problem currently can be handled with a little bit of work. For example, if your dog has behavioral issues that are causing the problem, you could look for a trainer in your area, or you could find online videos from professional trainers that may help.

If you need some help walking the dog and playing with him, you could hire a dog sitter or have someone you know come over and help out. Maybe you have to go out of town for work for a month or so. Rather than rehoming, you could ask a family member to take care of him for that time.

Always take the time to look for some other options that could be better than rehoming. You might be surprised at the resources and choices available.

Family and Friends Could Be a Simple Solution

Just as family and friends may be able to watch your dog when needed, they could also be a good option for adoption. You might have someone you know who wants to adopt a dog. Your Yorkie might be a good option for them, especially if they already know and like your dog. Since you already know the people, it means less rehome_research and less worry on your part. You can be sure they’re a good fit for your Yorkie immediately.

Why Should You Charge a Rehoming Fee?

Another way to rehome your dog is by advertising that he’s available for adoption through online pet adoption sites. You’ll want to find a site that allows for rehoming fees to be charged, or that has them built into the system. Rehoming fees help to dissuade the wrong people from trying to get their hands on your Yorkie. People who have bad intent, such as those who sell animals to labs or those who buy bait dogs for training fighting dogs, don’t want to pay for dogs. Charging a rehoming fee helps to reduce the risk for your dog.

Consider Using the Rehome Platform

Rehome by Adopt-a-Pet.com is a peer-to-peer platform that is free for owners to use when they advertise their dog. You can put up a profile along with videos and images, which are then seen by countless people who want to adopt. They can submit adoption applications, which you can then review to find the best home for your Yorkie. The adopter will then pay a small rehoming fee to the site, which goes back into helping more animals find homes.

How Long Does the Humane Society Keep Dogs?

How long the Humane Society keeps dogs varies depending on multiple factors. The exact hold times differ by location and may depend on factors such as available space and the health and temperament of the dog. Sometimes a stray dog will have a longer minimum hold time than a dog that is surrendered by their owner. That’s because the shelter is required to allow time for an owner to come forward to claim a stray dog. The objective is to find every adoptable pet a home but, sadly, this isn’t always possible.

What Are My Other Options? 

There are multiple options to consider when you need to find a new home for your dog. The first and most preferable option is to keep your pet. For help with how to do this, check out our Keep Your Pet guide.

If you’ve decided that you have no choice but to give up your dog, the Humane Society is of course an option, but you could also try:

  • Asking if anyone you know is interested in adopting your dog.
  • Checking with local rescues to see if they have room to take in your pet.
  • Rehoming your dog yourself to ensure he finds a family that will love and care for him. 

While rehoming your dog yourself may be the most time consuming, it’s an option that gives your dog a great chance at a perfect new home and allows you to have control over where he ends up. 

Not sure how to get started? Start with checking out Rehome, a website that allows you to create a profile for your pet for millions of potential adopters to view on Adopt-a-Pet.com. Plus, Rehome provides valuable resources such as information about how to screen adopters and how to write an eye-catching “bio” for your dog.  

Taking the time to find your dog a good home will give you peace of mind and will give your pet the opportunity to have a second chance at a happy life.