Summer Pest Woes for Pets: How to Be on Guard
A few years ago my dog Buster and I were running around in the backyard when all of a sudden I heard him yelping and saw him running in circles, his entire body covered with wasps. I was horrified to say the least. Read more
Dog Days of Summer
No doubt many of you are feeling the dog days of summer heat. With the summer sun come unwelcome guests like pollen, fleas, and mosquitoes making their presence painfully known to us and our pets. Read more
Your Pet and Heat Exhaustion…
Are you feeling uncomfortably hot this summer season? Now try to imagine how your dog feels. A dog’s internal temperature is actually higher than humans. Just like humans, dogs are also susceptible to heat exhaustion. As a responsible pet owner it is important to ensure that you know what the signs of heat exhaustion are and what to do should it happen to your pet. Read more
Tell Tail Signs: Communicating with Your Pet
Have you ever looked into your pet’s eyes and wondered what they may be feeling? Read more
Diet Impacts Your Pet’s Behavior
Could you imagine eating the same meal for breakfast, lunch and dinner, day in and day out, 365 days a year? I think that if my dog Buster or your cat Sylvester had a voice, they would ask us just that very question. Read more
How To Avoid Separation Anxiety with Your Dog
Quick and Easy Dog Treats
Looking for quick and easy dog treats to mix up for your favorite pooch? This two-ingredient canine cookie recipe is just the ticket. Read more
Pet Adoption: Three Simple Tips for Successful Integration
Getting ready to bring another pet into your home? Good for you. There are plenty of lovely animals out there in need of a great home. A word of advice? Involve your current pet(s) in the process if possible. Here are three simple tips for making pet adoption go smoothly.
Bring your other pet along for the initial meet.
Since we have a dog, I’ll use that as an example. If going to the home of the pet being put up for adoption, I would bring our Labrador Maggie along for the introduction if possible. It’s a simple way to see if the pet personalities are going to mesh before taking things to the next level.
A play date in the park.
Is there a dog park or other common meeting place where you and the owners of the other dog can meet for a structured play date? Not only will it give the two animals a chance to bond further, you will get a first hand look at any public behaviors that might prove to be more than you bargained for.
Arrange a test visit.
If the family is open to it, have them bring the adoption ready pet to your home. It’ll provide an excellent opportunity to see how your current pet(s) feel about the reality of sharing their space with another. Meeting for play dates is one thing. Having their new furry friend move in is quite another.
In the end, it’s your call, and obviously shelter adoptions only allow for tips one and to happen in a reasonably simple manner. The overall concept however is worth considering. Many people make the mistake of picking up new pets as though they were fashion accessories, and find themselves surprised and frustrated when home flow and family dynamics are thrown for a loop. Have any great tips of your own for incorporating pets into your lifestyle? Feel free to sound off in the comment section below.
Related Readings: Ten of My Favorite Pet Hacks, Three Easy Pet Tips to Help Out on the Home Front, this set of resources for pet travel and our own pet related section right here on We Be Sharin’.
Photo Credit: Itinerant Tightwad
