Archives for New Adopter Packet

Housetraining Your Puppy

Housetraining Your Puppy

February 15, 2018 | Comments Off on Housetraining Your Puppy

Housetraining a puppy requires time, vigilance, patience and commitment. Following the procedures outlined below, you can minimize house soiling incidents, but virtually every puppy will have an accident in the house (more likely several). Expect this—it’s part of raising a puppy. The more consistent you are in following the basic housetraining procedures, the faster your puppy will learn acceptable behavior. It may take several weeks to housetrain your puppy, and with some of the smaller breeds, it might take longer. Establish a Routine Like babies, puppies do best on a regular schedule. Take your puppy outside frequently, at least every
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Cat to Dog & Dog to Cat Introductions

Cat to Dog & Dog to Cat Introductions

February 15, 2018 | Comments Off on Cat to Dog & Dog to Cat Introductions

Many dogs and cats get along very well, especially if they’ve grown up with each other or have prior experience living with the other species. When bringing a new dog home to meet your resident cat, or bringing a new cat into your home to meet your dog, there are a few steps you can follow to make those introductions as successful as possible. First impressions are important, so you’ll want to set up introductions carefully so that both animals feel safe and have a pleasant experience getting acquainted with one another. Good canine candidates for living with cats: Puppies
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Dog-to-Dog Introductions

Dog-to-Dog Introductions

February 15, 2018 | Comments Off on Dog-to-Dog Introductions

Adding another dog to your household can bring you and your current dog more fun and companionship. However, it is important to realize that your current dog will need time to adjust to a new sibling. In the long run, things will probably work out fabulously, but in the beginning, it is very important to take a few extra steps to make everyone is comfortable with the new arrangement. This article provides some guidelines for smooth and safe introductions to ensure that your dogs’ relationship gets off to a great start. Maximizing the potential for a great relationship between your
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Bringing your new dog home

Bringing your new dog home

February 15, 2018 | Comments Off on Bringing your new dog home

Congratulations on your new dog! Below is some need to know information that will help you transition your new dog into your home and family. The Initial Adjustment Period The First Three Days During the first 72 hours of having your new dog home he or she will be in a heightened state of stress. This is similar to the stress a person might have from getting a new job. Though it’s good stress, it’s still very stressful and consistency, stability and predictability are key to helping your new dog feel comfortable in his new home. During this time, avoid
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Upper Respiratory Infections in Cats (Cat colds!)

Upper Respiratory Infections in Cats (Cat colds!)

February 10, 2018 | Comments Off on Upper Respiratory Infections in Cats (Cat colds!)

Upper Respiratory Infections in cats are caused by a complex of viruses, just like the common cold in people. These airborne infections are only contagious between cats and kittens. Signs include sneezing, discharge from the eyes and/or nose, lack of appetite, fever and lethargy. Antibiotics are prescribed only when there is a secondary bacterial infection, as there is no treatment for the viral part. Some cats and kittens will stop eating when they are congested so feed fishy foods such as Fancy Feast or 9-Lives. Good nutrition is a key part of fighting the URI. If you cat refuses to
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Kennel Cough (Dog colds!)

Kennel Cough (Dog colds!)

February 10, 2018 | Comments Off on Kennel Cough (Dog colds!)

Kennel cough is a highly contagious yet common canine disease caused by a complex of viruses and the bacteria known as Bordetella. Kennel cough is irritating to dogs and to owners but it is not fatal nor is it contagious among animals other than dogs. Dogs that have been boarded, groomed, or have spent time at a shelter or a Humane Society may contract this annoying disease. Newly adopted dogs and puppies are very likely to catch it. Symptoms The main symptom is a dry, hacking cough followed by a gag. The cough sounds like your dog is trying to
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