Atlanta Humane Society Blog

Overheating and animals: How to keep your dog safe from the heat this summer

Posted on May 11, 2012 by ahspr

We all love to let our dogs hop in the car, drive to the nearest park, and watch them run around on beautiful summer days. However, it is important that we protect our canine friends from overheating in these extreme temperatures. Summer can be a lot of fun, but also dangerous for your little (or not-so-little) ones if you aren’t careful! Fortunately, there are several ways to prevent overheating and heat stroke with your pets, and also indicators to look for if you suspect your dog may be suffering from these conditions.

Prevention:

One of the most important factors when trying to keep your dog hydrated is having a constantly available water source. Since cooler water is even more desirable, we suggest bringing along a frozen plastic water bottle when you take your dog on any outing in hot or humid weather. As the water gradually melts, you can give your dog small amounts to keep them cool and hydrated.

Secondly, allow your dog to become acclimated to the outdoor environment. Their first few ventures outside while being active outside should remain relatively short until you feel your dog has adjusted to the heat.

Finally, if you feel too hot, you’re dog is likely hot as well! They do sport a beautiful fur coat on their bodies, after all. If you feel that temperatures are simply too hot, bring your dog (and yourself) into a cooler, air conditioned environment. And don’t be fooled! Just because your dog is swimming doesn’t mean they cannot get overheated. Water temperatures can reach 75 degrees in some areas if the dog is working hard enough!

Signs of overheating:

There are several signs to look for if you think your dog may be overheated. Be especially aware of these indicators if your dog is running outside for a prolonged period of time:

-heavy panting

-deep breathing

-increased salivation early then dry gums as the overheating progresses

-weakness

-confusion or inattention

-vomiting or diarrhea

-sometimes bleeding

If you notice any of these signs, immediately remove your dog from the environment and allow them to rest. It is best to try to cool your animal with cool water rather than extremely cold water, and if icepacks are available place them where circulation is good, such as the armpits or neck.

Once your get your animal comfortable, be sure to bring them to your local vet office. If your dog suffered a heat stroke, there are often delayed complications that can be serious if not cared for.

If you have a cat or another pet, remember that the signs and prevention for overheating and heat strokes are generally similar, but be sure to do your research! Education is the most important preventative measure to avoid serious risks to your pet. If you have further questions on how to protect your animal, feel free to contact us directly at questions@atlantahumane.org. We wish you and your pet a safe and happy summer!

Author: Julie Holkeboer

Categories: About Animals, Animal Cruelty, Education, Tips and Advice, Wellness Hospital | Tags: cool, dogs, exercise, health, heat, heat stroke, hot, hot temperatures, HOTlanta, overheating, pet safety, prevention, safety, stroke, summer, sweat, sweat glands, water

From the President:

Posted on April 30, 2012 by ahspr

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Atlanta Humane Society Response to Fox 5 Story

April 30, 2012

As President of Atlanta Humane Society, the health and well-being of animals is of utmost importance to me. I have been an animal lover my entire life, and I assure you I would not be involved with Atlanta Humane Society if the best interest of animals was not our number one priority.

Over the past few weeks, FOX 5 Atlanta’s I-team has conducted an investigation into Atlanta Humane Society based on allegations made by three former employees. The allegations include: a Parvo epidemic at our shelters, improper reporting of contagious diseases to the Department of Agriculture and the intake of animals from outside Atlanta.

Atlanta Humane Society would never knowingly offer sick animals for adoption. Animals that come into the shelter are tested in order to prevent the spread of contagious diseases, including Parvo. It saddened me to hear about Daisy as I watched the I-team Investigation as it does each time I learn of one of our beloved animals becoming sick or unhealthy following adoption. Pets become part of our families, and we extend love and compassion to them as we would any human being.

Inaccurately reporting contagious diseases to the Department of Agriculture was never the intention of Atlanta Humane Society. All missing reports from 2011 and 2012 were hand-delivered within 24 hours of learning they had not been received. We are taking the proper steps to evaluate operational policies and update all procedures to ensure we comply with the Department of Agriculture and Georgia’s State Veterinarian Office.

Additionally, animal welfare has no geographic boundaries. We strive to help as many animals in need as possible. Being one of the largest shelters in the Southeast, Atlanta Humane Society has resources to help other local and regional shelters that adhere to our Partner Protocol. In 2011, we received animals from 45 other different shelters, which would not be possible without our generous donors. In fact, many of our donors specifically choose to support initiatives assisting with missions outside the Atlanta area. In the past two months alone, we have reached out to offer assistance to 60 animal welfare groups throughout Georgia.

From adult dogs and cats to puppies and kittens, it is beyond unfortunate that so many deserving pets are orphaned. Animals have no voice and being homeless is not their fault. They just want to be adored and cared for by someone. Our goal is to find loving, forever homes for as many of these animals as possible. In 2011, nearly 5,500 animals were adopted from the Atlanta Humane Society and almost 3,000 animals have already been adopted this year.

Atlanta Humane Society takes the above allegations very seriously and we are working diligently to remedy any problems. Rest assured, animal welfare continues to be our number one priority. This will never change! If you have questions or comments, please direct them to me at questions@atlantahumane.org. I will respond as promptly as possible.

Sincerely,

William Shaheen

President

Categories: Uncategorized

Providing For Your Pet – Now and Later

Posted on April 23, 2012 by ahspr

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Pet Provisions in Wills and Other Legal Documents

Pets have become important parts of families’ lives, and owners these days are taking things a step further when it comes to caring for their beloved animals. Just as one would assign a guardian for their child in the event of their passing, people are now naming caregivers for their pets and are even including “pet provisions” in their wills.

Preparing for your animals’ futures doesn’t seem so inane when you consider that the prospects can be grim for pets that outlive their owners. In the best-case scenario a friend or family member will volunteer to care for the pet. In others, the animal is taken to a shelter or even euthanized. Thinking about adding a pet provision to your will now? Here are some things to know, and some things you should do, when it comes to providing for your pet’s future.

Choosing a Caregiver

A permanent caregiver for your pet should be identified in your will. The most preferable person should be familiar with your pet, have experience caring for pets, and most importantly understand the responsibilities you are entrusting them with and the specific needs of your pet (feeding and care instructions, the name and number of your veterinarian, etc.). Once you select him/her, be sure to keep in touch and update them regarding any changes to your pet and his/her needs (new foods, medications, etc.)

Considering a Temporary Caregiver

It can sometimes take weeks for a will to be probated so you may also want to consider choosing a temporary caregiver – a friend, neighbor or relative who will be responsible for the short-term care of your pet. You should provide them with keys to your home, and information regarding the permanent care you have set up for your pet. (This person can also be responsible should you have an unexpected emergency and must be hospitalized for a few days, for example, and need someone to feed and care for your pet until you can return home.)

Setting Up a Trust

Legally, courts consider pets to be “property,” in which case you can’t actually leave money or property to them. And while changing legal standards are making it easier and more enforceable to do so, if you want to allocate funds to go towards the care of your pet it is suggested that you set up a pet trust. A trust can become effective immediately upon passing, and it also allows you to be more detailed as to the future care of your pet. For example, you can structure the trust it in a way that the money is to be distributed over time – monthly, annually, etc.

Providing Sufficient Funds

You should sit down and actively try to figure out how much money you spend on your pet (including food, medical bills, grooming, daycare, travel arrangements, etc. and take into account their likely life span – and higher medical costs as they age) so you know how much money is actually needed to continue its same level of care. Some choose to include additional money for the caregiver themselves as a thank you for agreeing to take on this responsibility. And for security measures, you should always name someone other than your designated caregiver to be your trustee responsible for dispensing the money.

You can go to http://www.gftpln.org/Home.do?orgId=5870 that goes into the matters mentioned here extensively should you seek more information about planned giving. And while you can find forms for setting up a will or trust yourself online, it is strongly suggested that you discuss your wishes for your pet’s future with a pet-friendly attorney or estate planner and retain their services to ensure your paperwork is prepared correctly. Feel free to contact the Atlanta Humane Society to speak with someone regarding planning for the future of your pet.

Author: Jaime Lin Weinstein

Categories: About Animals, Education, Tips and Advice | Tags: cats, dogs, legal, owner, pet care, pets, trust, will

Leashes: The best (and worst) for your dog – continued

Posted on April 16, 2012 by ahspr

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If you have not read our article “Leashes: The Best (and Worst) for your dog”, then please go back and read it before this one, where our Behavior and Training Manager, Mailey McLaughlin, explains the dangers of retractable leashes. If you have your heart set on one though, please continue reading. Below is a brief review of the “LeashLocket” lead, as I got the chance to try one with my pup. These are the results I found:

With a retractable leash, dogs sometimes have a dangerous amount of room to run, which can be a disaster on a busy road, or somewhere that you would need control. With the LeashLocket, the lead doesn’t allow enough space for your dog to get into trouble, but it gives them enough room to enjoy, making it safer for them and easier for you.

For an absent-minded dog-owner, I tend to lose my pup’s leash almost every time I put it down, making it a sad day for her when the walks are shorter so Mommy can put on a search. That isn’t to say I never lost the LeashLocket (I swear I could lose an elephant if I owned one), but the red color made it easy to spot and the small size allowed me to hang it on the coat rack.

My little one is great with commands, but occasionally gets over excited and forgets her training. If you take your pup to the dog park, take this with you. With the snaps on the collar, this leash allows you to attach it to your pup, making it safer and easier to regain control in a potentially dangerous situation (please remember not to get involved if your dog starts to tussle with another, as it is very hazardous. Stay tuned for tips on avoiding and breaking up a negative interaction).

Like anything, it isn’t flawless, and I wouldn’t suggest it for a tugger (I would suggest obedience school for them anyway). Because it is so small and compact, it is hard to fit all that heavy duty material in there to keep it perfectly locked despite great force, but for a small pup or a well-behaved dog, it is great.

Overall, it achieved exactly what it wanted to in providing the ease and efficiency of dog-walking. My suggestion is, as always, do your research and make sure you are getting the best leash for you. While this one is a great fit for some, it may not be for all. If you have your heart set on a retractable leash and it sounds like the kind of thing you need, check it out! Don’t be afraid to make that purchase. The L.L. company offers a 100% money-back guarantee for 30 days so its worth a try!

Good luck, and happy “dogging”!

Categories: Uncategorized

A 55-pound, fur-lined cannonball

Posted on April 11, 2012 by AtlantaHumaneSociety

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Meet this year’s Pet Parade Grand Marshal

He was a 55-pound, fur-lined cannonball with a beaming grin cut into its face, barreling around the house with the agility of barcalounger. This was him at his most excited state. An eruption of excitement and energy affectionately referred to as “the butt-tuck thing”, and if you had ever seen this spectacle, you would have agreed that there has never been a more perfect name for anything in the entire world.

You see, Bear’s hind legs stubbornly believed he was made backwards, so every chance they got, they would try to outrun their forward mounted counterparts in an effort to right this egregious error. This would cause his butt to tuck underneath himself as he ran, hence the name “butt-tuck thing.”

The race between front and back was so close at times we felt as if at any moment his rear end would tuck so far underneath the dog, he would simply flip completely over.

Sadly, Bear’s back legs won’t get another chance to compete in this futile contest. Because on April 22, 2011, two days before Easter, Bear suffered a ruptured disk in his back. Emergency surgery at Auburn’s Small Animal Clinic was the only recourse, but it proved ineffective. The damage was done. And just like that, the curtain fell on the butt-tuck ballet.

From the day we brought Bear home from the Atlanta Humane Society, in November of 2006, until the day of his accident, Bear was about as perfect as a dog could be. Aside from a slight propensity for destroying every single, solitary toy that has ever been laid in front of him, Bear has been a joyous addition to our lives.

But it wasn’t until the days, weeks, and months following the accident that we came to truly appreciate what a special animal we had in Bear. Oh sure, we knew he was sweet, obedient, and down-right adorable. But we failed to notice Bear’s finer qualities. His strength. His courage. His patience. Oh, his patience. The good lord gave him the patience of job because he knew it would take Bear’s humans forever to figure out how to express a dog’s bladder. (Still haven’t quite gotten it down yet, but be patient. We’re getting better.)

Bear’s story is far from over. His life is just as full and satisfying as it was before his accident. The only difference is now he has to take his time over speed bumps. Bear continues to bless our lives, and we have AHS to thank for bringing us together. We are so appreciative of their service to the community and to animals that need their help.

Bear is honored to be the Grand Marshal of the 2012 Pet Parade. Since he was notified of his commendation he has begun a tireless training regiment. Long walks in his “wheels” (aka dog wheelchair), followed by hours and hours of deep meditation (aka sleeping). He looks forward to leading off this fabulous event, and looks forward to the ones that follow in the many years to come.

If you would like to donate to Bear’s Pet Parade fundraising page, please click here.

Categories: Events | Tags: Atlanta Humane Society, atlanta humane society pet parade, handicapped dog, handicapped pets, pet parade, pet parade grand marshal, special needs pets

Facebook: No More Puppy Mill Ads!!

Posted on April 3, 2012 by ahspr

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Facebook recently changed their advertising policies to prevent the listing and sale of puppy mill puppies on their site. Kudos to Facebook!! ASPCA’s No Pet Store Puppies Campaign is to thank for their partnership with Facebook and Oodle, a Marketplace affiliate, that will raise awareness of puppy mills. Educating people about the horrible conditions these dogs have to endure is very important, and will undoubtedly lead to more adoptions and less demand for these corrupt breeders.

According to ASPCA President and CEO Ed Sayres, “removing an online platform for the cruel puppy mill industry sets a positive example of corporate citizenship and will help improve the lives of countless dogs.” As he mentions, “most consumers are unaware they are perpetuating animal cruelty by purchasing a puppy online, and given the visibility of Marketplace on Facebook, this move has the potential to raise critical awareness about unscrupulous online breeders.”

This is a giant step in the fight for animal welfare. Facebook is a networking giant and with their public reproach of puppy mill breeders, animal rights activists and rescue groups are better equipped to influence the public.

Sadly, due to lax regulations, there are too many loopholes that allow these breeders to continue their practices. If a breeder sells directly to the public (as they do with online transactions), they are exempt from any strict parameters so they are able to continue business without a hitch. Thanks to Facebook, the ASPCA, and Oodle, over 10,000 of the targeted breeder’s advertisements have been removed from the Marketplace.

Not only do online breeders practice inhumanely, they very often scam their buyers by sending unhealthy animals. “Consumers who purchase a puppy from a website run the risk of acquiring an unhealthy animal and often end up with expensive vet bills and broken hearts,” said Cori Menkin, Senior Director of the ASPCA Puppy Mills Campaign.

What can you do about preventing the inhumane treatment of these animals and stop the sale of puppy mill puppies? Spread the word! Talk to your friends about it and inform the people you know that are looking to buy a dog. Encourage them to adopt, not shop. You can also visit www.NoPetStorePuppies.com to help the ASPCA’s campaign.

Thank you to the ASPCA (http://aspca.org/news/facebook-rejects-puppy-mill-ads-for-good) and Alicia Graef (http://www.care2.com/causes/facebook-bans-puppy-mill-ads.html) for this information!

Categories: Uncategorized

Leashes – the Best (And Worst) for Your Dog

Posted on March 26, 2012 by ahspr

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Just as the relationship between man and dog has grown and evolved over time, so has the leash. While at its heart a simple invention designed to keep dogs within range – and out of trouble – there are many different types available to the modern day consumer boasting a range of features that claim to offer the greatest functionality and performance.

But which leash, or type of leash, is really best? I asked Mailey E. McLaughlin, M.Ed., the Atlanta Humane Society Behavior & Training Manager, and a Certified Dog Trainer through the International Association of Canine Professionals, to give us some professional insight into the best (and worst) leashes for dogs.

Material

Leashes are commonly available in nylon, cotton, leather and chain metal. Mailey endorses those leashes made of leather, nylon, cotton, “or any comfortable material that will not cut or burn you if you have it gathered up and the dog bolts.”

Length and Width

A leash should give you the ultimate control over your dog, but you still want it to allow your pet the freedom to move around. Keeping this in mind, Mailey suggests 6-foot leashes, “with the smallest width that you feel comfortable using on your dog when he’s grown. This will ensure that the leash is not overly bulky and the clasp is the right size. A good leash feels lightweight to the dog (and to you).”

Slip Lead Leash

At the Atlanta Humane Society, staff and volunteers use what is known as a slip lead leash. These leashes are designed as a leash and collar in one, able to slip over the dogs’ heads, adjusting to the size of any dog. Slip leads are “great for newly-adopted dogs because it’s hard to know how they will be on the leash until they’ve settled in,” explains Mailey, “and it will keep them safer than a leash that clips onto a collar (especially the collars we give out with our dog adoptions, as they tend to adjust themselves too large and can slip off over the dog’s head).” Another note about collars from Mailey: “Until the dog is trained to walk nicely on leash and you know he is not prone to ‘slamming on the brakes’ and stopping, you want his collar and leash to keep him safe. His collar should only allow 3 fingers between it and his neck.”

Retractable Leash

Retractable leashes have become very popular in recent years. These leashes can be shortened or lengthened at the owner’s will, allowing the dog a great amount of freedom when extended to the full length. According to Mailey, these leashes allow dogs “too much freedom, the room to tangle themselves on people and objects, and they can cut through to the bone if they get tangled around body parts. People have had serious injuries, including severed fingers! They also encourage the dog to pull on the leash, because they always have a bit of tension on them. They cannot stop a dog from stepping into the road if he is out in front of you. You cannot quickly bring the dog to your side if he is in harm’s way, and if you drop the leash, it will ‘chase’ your dog away from you! They allow dogs to get too close to other dogs and people who might not want them in their personal space.” In sum, retractable leashes are very dangerous and should not be used on untrained dogs (if you “simply must have one”, stay tuned for our review of The Leash Locket).

For more information on leashes you can contact the Atlanta Humane Society and we also encourage you to visit the Pet Boutique at AHS to purchase your dogs’ leashes (all of the proceeds go to benefit the Society pets at the shelter).

Author: Jaime Lin Weinstein

Categories: Uncategorized

Destructive Dogs: More from our Smart Heart series!

Posted on March 5, 2012 by ahspr

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I’m sure from the article “Crate Training” you remember the story of my beloved, but somewhat destructive rescue, Kimba. She never destroyed the house (or anything except her hedgehog toy) while I was around, so the damage caused when I wasn’t sent up quite a few red flags.

With help from Mailey McLaughlin, who I introduced last time as our Behavior and Training Manager, I got a grasp on the situation and what I could do. Once again, she saved the day (and my apartment) with this information:

The most important step to training your destructive dog, we will call him Destructo, is to find out WHY. When you have identified the reason for your dog’s behavior, then you can take steps to change it. It is important to remember that “the more time dogs spend alone, the harder it is for them to understand and remember the rules.” The likelihood is that, if your dog is chewing up everything in sight, it never really learned the rules in the first place, or they weren’t reinforced.

Dogs need rules, direction, and praise. Destructo cannot know how to behave if you don’t teach him an alternative to the bad behavior. You have to be the leader and you have to establish that relationship with the dog. Always remember to be positive and never use punishment to establish dominance. If you don’t know how to create that positive relationship,Mailey McLaughlin, AHS’ fabulous Behavior and Training Manager, will help you do just that! Also, always follow these four rules:

- Be positive and patient.

- Be consistent! Stick to your rules and make sure the whole family does as well.

- Be attentive and calm.

- Don’t get frustrated when your dog makes mistakes. Remember, Destructo really wants your approval, so don’t discourage him or make him anxious.

Most destruction comes from bored or anxious dogs; so make the most of your time together! Establish a routine of feeding, walks, exercise and play. Releasing that anxious energy is important and will reduce the likelihood of destruction. In relation, having a routine will prevent unnecessary anxiety, so Destructo isn’t left wondering what will happen next.

Taking responsibility is another important step in reducing the destruction. While you can’t be expected to lock away your couch and rug every time you are away, make sure that inappropriate chewables are out of reach. You can even provide appropriate chewables as alternatives. From the very beginning, you can teach Destructo the different between what should and should not be picked up. If he grabs an inappropriate chewable, remove it with a firm “DROP IT!” Make sure to immediately praise him when he does, and offer him an appropriate chewable. Make sure there is always one available for him to chew so that he doesn’t just go after the first thing he can find when he gets the urge.

Do you have a new puppy and aren’t sure what appropriate chewable to give him? He may experience discomfort from teething which can be pacified by a homemade chewable. Soak a washcloth in chicken broth; twist and freeze. Keep a few in a plastic bag in the freezer and take one out to give to your pup to gnaw on. Be sure to supervise your pet so he doesn’t shred or eat the washcloth and take it away when it thaws.

What about those items that you cannot remove from temptation (the walls, back steps, heavy furniture)? There are two choices for those: make it unattractive, or inaccessible. To make them unattractive, cover exposed wood with heavy plastic, aluminum foil, hot pepper sauce, or commercial “anti-chew” products. Make sure to test it first and supervise initially to ensure no harm to the dog or the furniture. Sometimes the only option left is to restrict access to the dancer zones. This is where our previous “Crate Training” article comes into play!

Remember that your dog needs rules as well as an obvious leader. To make Destructo a well-adjusted and non-destructive dog, consider obedience class to establish your relationship. Try exercise, and firm training as well as patience. Destructo really wants you to approve, so give him the tools to do so!

To get more details on correcting destructive behavior as well as other pet tips, visit our website, atlantahumane.org, for information or come in to one of our campuses for our brochures, including those on crate training, general pet care, and bringing home another pet.

Categories: About Animals, Adoptions, Dog Training, Education, Tips and Advice | Tags: anxious, chewing, destruction, dogs, furniture, house, training

Crate training your pup

Posted on February 16, 2012 by ahspr

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The first time I left Kimba, my four-year-old, newly adopted rescue dog alone in the house, it was a disaster. She didn’t seem too upset when I left (aside from her wet, pleading eyes), but the scene upon which I opened the door showed me just how bad an “dog whisperer” I was. My curtains had not only been torn off the wall, but ripped to shreds so that the only remnants were tiny little specks all over the place. The aluminum blinds on the living room window, the porch door, and the master bedroom had all been destroyed beyond recognition and, as my guests liked to point out, verged on unintentional artistic genius. My initial reaction was shock and anger, which soon turned to amusement as I realized how ridiculous the ordeal actually was. I knew it was my fault and instead of getting mad, I got a solution…a crate. Thanks to our very own Behavior and Training Manager, Mailey McLaughlin, I learned all sorts of wonderful things about it and would soon have the problem fixed.

According to Mailey…

Crate training is probably the best thing you could do for your dog and yourself. It is a method of teaching your dog good manners, proper housetraining, and a comfortable routine. The kind of dog that is crate trained is one that is well adjusted and secure, and one that will trust you as the “leader of the pack.”

Why a crate?

At home, the crate allows your dog a sanctuary for unpleasant situations, and it also allows you to keep him confined in a comfortable setting should he need to be (and most need it more than you’d think, especially if they are newly arrived in your home). This does not mean that Fido will live in a cage! He needs a positive place to retreat and you need a way to confine him in potentially harmful situations (household cleaning and chemicals are among these). You can think of your dog’s crate as your favorite room in the house. Sometimes we all just need to get away from the craziness, as do dogs. That area provides both of you a way to feel safe. Be careful not to ever consider crating as a punishment, because it will not work if you do. You do not want your dog to associate it with trouble, but safety.

I have a crate, so now what??

While it is important to get a crate that “fits” your dog, the most important part is training your pup to accept it as a safe zone. Like training a human to face their fears, you progress very slowly. This will take time, so BE PATIENT! Your dog will not get it in a day and it will take time. Don’t get frustrated or try to rush him along. Below are the steps to getting your dog to associate the crate with positivity:

- Make a habit of spending time with Fido in the safe zone, having fun. Make sure he can associate it with positive memories.

- Place Fido’s food bowl in the open crate during mealtimes.

- Make sure that Fido has at least one safe toy available in the crate when you can’t supervise.

- Never force Fido into the crate. You can coax with a treat but do not push.

- After a few minutes of being closed in the crate, let Fido out to play. Make sure that this is a moment when he is not crying. We do not want to associate crying with getting let out.

- Each day, increase the amount of time that your pup is in the crate and behaving well. Soon they will be very comfortable with it!

- To go a step further, as I had to with my pup, try leaving the house, starting with 2 minutes and increasing the increments. This will reduce the separation anxiety and get your dog more comfortable with being in the crate unsupervised.

Even if they are housetrained and not destructive, getting your dog used to the crate is important for their all-around happiness and safety. My four year old has now been crate trained and not only does she not mind the crate, she chooses to sleep in it at night. It makes my life, as well as hers, a lot easier knowing that she has learned enough independence to be alone for a while.

To get more details on crate training as well as other pet tips, visit our website, atlantahumane.org, for information or come in to one of our campuses for our brochures, including those on destructive dogs, litter box blues, and bringing home another pet.

Author: Rabon Major

Categories: About Animals, Dog Training, Education, Tips and Advice | Tags: behavior, comfort, crate, crate training, destruction, destructive dog, dogs, healthy pet, pets, training

The age old question: cats vs. dogs

Posted on February 6, 2012 by ahspr

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Cats and dogs are the most popular pets in the United States, but most people are pretty obstinate when it comes to their preference. Dog owners typically argue that their canines are more friendly and playful, while cat owners argue that their feline companions can be just as sociable, while requiring much less work. But in the endless debate over household companions – does one animal truly make a better pet than the other?

First, the facts. According to the American Pet Products Association 2011-2012 National Pet Owners Survey:

There are approximately 78.2 million owned dogs in the United States (21 percent of which were adopted from a shelter)
Thirty-nine percent of U.S. households own at least one dog
There are approximately 86.4 million owned cats in the United States
Thirty-three percent of U.S. households own at least one cat (21 percent of which were adopted from a shelter)

So cats are the winners in terms of popularity by the numbers, but dogs have permeated a larger percentage of the actual households in America. A new Associated Press-Petside.com poll took their cat versus dog analysis a bit further and asked pet-owners as well as those without pets how much they actually like dogs and cats. Participants had the options to respond with “like a lot,” “like a little,” “neither like nor dislike,” “dislike a little,” or “dislike a lot.” While 74% of respondents said they like dogs “a lot,” only 41% said they like cats a lot. And while only four percent responded that they dislike dogs “a little” or “a lot,” 26% claim to dislike cats a little or a lot.

According to the poll, dogs seem to have gotten some of the loyalty that they are said to offer their owners back in return. But this so-called man’s best friend might not actually make the best companion for everyone. The bottom line is that cats and dogs are each unique in their own way, and there are a variety of factors to consider when deciding which animal is right for you and your family.

Sociability

Dogs are highly social animals, having been derived from the gray wolf, a pack animal. Thus dogs tend to thrive on human companionship, and have a lot of love and affection to share. Still, some breeds are known to be more independent than others. Cats, while often perceived to be solitary and even distant animals, can express great affection toward their human companions, too, especially if they are treated with constant care.

Training and Housebreaking

While dogs are able to be trained with more ease than cats, dogs actually require more training in order to be a good, disciplined pet. When it comes to housebreaking, this can mean a long – and messy – process for dogs, which means a lot of patience – and forgiveness – for their owners. When housetraining dogs, it is recommended that they are taken outside several times a day and confined to a “safe zone” such as a crate or a chosen room between outings, until they learn when, and where, to relieve themselves.

Cats, on the other hand, have an innate desire to bury their waste and look for a litter-like surface to do so. Thus, housetraining cats generally will only involve showing your cat where the litter box is and they will use it (as long as you keep it clean).

Exercise

Daily activity and exercise is essential for dogs’ bone and joint health, and lung and heart function (and to keep them resting calmly at home). If you don’t have a large, fenced yard for exercise, you will need to consider finding a nearby dog park or committing to long walks around your neighborhood. Cats require physical exercise for their own well-being too, and this can generally be accomplished with the use of toys involving feathers on a string, or balls and fluffy toys on the end of a fishing rod. They are designed to imitate the natural prey such as mice and birds that outdoor cats love to chase.

Cleanliness

Cats are known for their cleanliness, and spend hours licking their coats each day. Cats’ tongues contain spines called papillae, which act like a hairbrush to help them clean and detangle their fur. Despite this natural grooming behavior, it is recommended to brush cats regularly, especially those with longer hair, to help prevent mats, knots and hairballs. Dogs need to be groomed regularly, too, and in addition to brushing, monthly bathing should be employed. Some owners choose to keep long-haired dogs’ coats cut short also to help the dog stay cleaner, and easier to groom.

Service

Dogs may require more service from you in terms of training and cleaning, but they also offer more service in return. Dogs are natural born protectors, which allows them to fulfill the role of “guard” in addition to companion. And their trainability allows them to offer additional services from tidying up their own toys to bringing in the newspaper from the lawn. Cats are not known to be quite as obedient, but they can lend their services in the area of eliminating household pests.

Cats and dogs have individual personalities, just like people do, and the way an animal behaves can have just as much to do with heredity and breeding as with upbringing and training. They do have certain basic needs from their owners, so be sure to do your research to make sure you are able to provide those needs, and that the animal you desire will fit in with your lifestyle.

Author: Jaime Lin Weinstein

Categories: About Animals, Adoptions, Education, Tips and Advice | Tags: advice, cats, cleanliness, companion, dogs, exercise, groom, pets, service, social, training

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