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10 Tips for Bringing New Puppy Home to Cat

The big question is, can a dog and a cat get along? Short answer – yes. If you follow the tips in this article and introduce them slowly, and carefully there’s no reason why your new pup won’t get along with your cat . They might even become playmates within a few weeks. But you don’t want to rush them because their bonding could need more time.

Bringing new puppy home to cat can be worrisome, but the most important thing is to supervise their initial contact and allow them to get used to each other at their own pace. That said, before their bonding, you need the following tips for bringing new puppy home to cat.

How to Introduce a Dog to a Cat

There are several dog and cats’ friendship, and they are beautiful to watch. A lot of them usually have a rough start, so don’t get worried if your puppy and your cat don’t seem to get along.

Usually, dogs have the strong urge to chase cats, so you should be ready to teach your dog to be calm around kitties. Never allow your pup to chase your cat, regardless of how amusing it may seem. Also, you’ll have to steal your puppy’s attention whenever the cat is around.

While it takes time for the two pets to get along, it is always worth it. And as soon as they start tolerating each other enough to be up close, you’ll watch an unbroken friendship form. But first, let’s take it step by step.

Here are the necessities for bringing new puppy home to cat

1.    Set up Confinement for Your Cat or Dog

Both your cat and your puppy need individual spaces to allow them to adjust. The last thing you need is to force their meeting. Even though they are both aware of each other’s presence, give them separate attention for a couple of days. 

However, the new pet should be the first to be confined. That means keep the pup in a separate room and don’t just allow her to roam around the house.

Also, ensure to stock the room with enough toys, water, and food. Spend time with your new pup so she can get used to you.

2.    Switch Confinement Between the Two

Since your dog has to get familiar with the house, you’ll have to alternate which animal is confined. You can’t keep the pup confined forever, so when she’s out, take your kitty in, at least for the first few days.

That doesn’t mean you’re delaying confrontation; it just gives both pets enough time to get used to each other’s smell first. It allows them to get a little bit used to the idea of their presence, especially if you use the same confinement for them.

You can rotate their shifts every couple of hours. It is crucial that the new pup gets enough chances to explore the house a little. Dogs are more playful than cats, and they sure would want to explore every corner of their new abode. However, your pup should be monitored during her first days, even if the cat isn’t around. Allowing her to roam free will interfere with her potty training. Also, watch the dog for signs of toileting.

3.    Exchange their Scents

It is vital that the kitty and the pup get familiar with each other’s scent. Animals will always react when they perceive strange scents, especially around their home. So, even if you’ve had a new dog in the house for weeks if the cat doesn’t get accustomed to the dog’s scent, vice versa, an unpleasant clash is inevitable.

You can exchange tiny bits of beddings, like blankets or pillows. You can as well swap their toys. Also, try putting one pet’s towel under the food dish of the other. Animals hold food dearly, and this practice will give either of them the sense that the other pet means no harm.

And, no – it doesn’t make the owner of the towel smell like food. That’s ridiculous.    

4.    Keep Both Pets Confined While No One is Home

Never leave your new pup and cat home alone. Even if they both seem less concerned about each other’s presence when you’re around, it doesn’t mean they are suddenly ‘dorm mates.’ Even if they get along fine when you’re around, as long as you just got the pup, don’t leave them home alone.

It takes time to be certain that they’ll be fine alone. If they’re already playmates, still give them a week or more just to be sure. You can confine the dog and allow the cat to move freely. You can also try a little experiment by leaving both of them in a room and watching them from another.

5.    Your Pup on a Leash for Keep the First Introduction

First, don’t attempt an introduction when your pup is all fired up and excited. Timing is important, and the best time to introduce both of them is when your puppy is calm and on a leash. Hold the leash tightly and allow the both of them enough time to study each other. You never know; your puppy might be graceful enough to allow your cat to come close for a sniff.

However, don’t be surprised if you notice aggression or fear from either or both of them. If your cat welcomes her new flatmate with bats and hisses, or the pup looks stiff and growls at the cat, just say to the both of them, “Meeting adjourned!”

Alternatively, you don’t have to separate them immediately. You can distract your pup with her favorite toy or treat. This is more likely to work with your doggie and not your cat because, well, you know, curiosity kills…

Bringing New Puppy Home: How to Adjust

Whether you have a cat at home or not, there are some things you need to know when bringing new puppy home. Puppies are often shy in their new home for the first few days, and they often need your help to settle in.

Also, living with a puppy can be a little demanding, so what next after bringing new puppy home?

●      Introduce Your Puppy Gradually

Experts have let us know that it can take several months for our pets to feel comfortable in a new environment. Even if your pooch is still little, she still needs to get used to where she’s going to know as home. She also needs time to get accustomed to those she’ll be living with.

Furthermore, pups aren’t babies; they don’t need a ‘puppy party.’ So, if you’re looking to invite friends over for one, you’d be doing it for yourself and not your dog. Having so many people around will only scare your new puppy and not the other way around.

●      Get Ready for Chewing

Before bringing new puppy home, know that you’re welcoming a chewing volunteer. Pups and even some adult dogs can’t help the urge to chew on anything close when they’re bored. They’ll move from your furniture to anything dangling in the house.

The best solution to this is stopping by the store to get dogs’ toys before bringing new puppy home. Also, you can prevent them from destroying your couch by keeping a close eye on them when they aren’t playing. Pups that are just teething are more likely to do this when they are bored. So, don’t leave them around the house when you’re out.

Choosing the right chew toys for your new puppy

●      Train Your Pup with Food

Food is what new dogs listen to, not your commands, your belly rubs, or whistling. Dogs will always answer the person with the food. So, you have to make food a currency for them. You’ll need enough time and irresistible dog treats for maximum results.

The reward system is what professional dog trainers use to make dogs familiar with commands and quit bad behavior. So, when your new pup does something bad, scold her, and if she listens to you, reward her with treats. Repeat this in as many situations as possible, and you’ll have yourself a lovely and loyal furry companion.

●      Make a Potty Plan

Generally, dogs need a potty within 15 minutes of eating, exercising, or waking up. Pups can hold their poop or pee for about an hour for any month of age. But some pups can sleep for close to seven hours without going for a potty break.

So, if you can time when your pup needs to do her business, you can use a specific command each time until she’s used to it. And after her business, reward her with a nice treat. If you can’t track when your dog needs to use the toilet, you can watch out for signals like sniffing or circling a particular area. Nonetheless, if she does her business around the house, don’t shout at her. It’ll make her hide when next she wants to do her business.

Final Thoughts

Puppies aren’t problematic; they just want to play, eat and sleep. So, bringing new puppy home should cause less worry. It will take time for your new pup to adjust and move around comfortably, so there’s no need for any rush. Just feed the dog and allow her to roam in her space.

However, bringing new puppy home to cat is a completely different game. Sometimes, dogs and cats never get along, no matter how hard you try.

But with the tips in this post, your dog and cat can become cute buddies, and you’ll forever be proud knowing you did that.

If your cat is really struggling to adjust or is really unhappy about the situation, maybe you could try some CBD oil to thier diet to help with anxiety as they adjust to a new friend.

We use Petals and tails CBD oil for cats. A proper dose added to Pizza’s wet food, has been beneficial to our current living situation.

peeing in the house

Why is my dog peeing in the house suddenly?

When an adult dog has an accident after being house trained, there is usually an underlying reason. Your pet could be experiencing new stresses, excitement, fear, or a urinary infection. Whether it is a physical or emotional response it should be investigated, a quick resolution is a lot less pain and stress for the household.

Yikes! It looks like someone had an accident in the house again. It is always a surprise when an adult dog that suddenly starts peeing inside the house. If your dog is over 8mos, has been housebroken but is now having problems there can be several reasons. It is important to watch your furry friend and determine why your dog is peeing inside the house all of a sudden.

Possibilities for new accidents in the house

Change of environment– this alteration can cause extra nervousness together with the need to mark the surroundings. This behavior is carried out especially by males who want to make every corner of the house their own.

A Change in the household– Did a new family member move in? (or out ), Is there a new pet? This can shake up the routine and upset your dog until he gets used to the changes. Some people don’t like change, neither do some dogs. The good news it this is usually temporary and can be resolved with time and patience.

Attention- Sometimes dogs will urinate inside as a form of complaint. If they are spending excessive hours alone, without some love and attention, sometimes they look for ways to get noticed. Like small children, negative attention is better than no attention. With some redirections this can be corrected as well.

Not enough walks or walks at random times. This can’t always be avoided. However, in this case, the dog is not all guilty. Remember dogs need to relieve themselves at least three times a day. Routine is good, inconsistency is not.

Stress– Dogs can react to excitement or stress or fear by peeing. They can exhibit submissive peeing when afraid of unknown noises, or feeling intimidated.

Have you considered trying CBD Oil for anxiety ?

Does it require a vet visit ?

Unfortunately in some cases peeing in the house can also be a sign of illness. Sometimes it is as simple as a urinary tract infection, or an irritated bladder. However, it can also be the first sign of something more serious. If it becomes a constant unresolved issue it could mean you need to take Fido to the vet. A veterinarian may be able to offer more advice or insight into the issue. Age can also play a factor.

Are you sad your dog is getting older?

Ruling out illness, here are tips to get your dog to stop peeing inside.

It is best to re-establish a daily schedule in the morning, afternoon, and evening. Put your dog on a schedule to ensure he gets adequate time outside after he wakes in the morning and after he eats. Regular walks and positive reinforcement when your dog goes pee outside encourage good behavior. (It is no longer recommended to punish accidents by rubbing noses in messes. It instills fear and submission which can lead to continued fear-based urination accidents. Positive praise for good behavior is most effective.)

Add a few extra minutes of playtime into your schedule. Life is hectic. However, a few extra minutes spent with your best fur friend may be beneficial. Your dog misses you when you are gone. A solid ten or fifteen minutes a day of play, when you get home after a long day, would do you both good. If boredom or loneliness is the root of the accidents on the new carpet, this will help.

Leaving out entertaining toys for your furry friend may help keep them happy and stimulated while you are gone. Again sometimes a dog peeing in the house suddenly is a way they’re way of trying to tell you something like I’m sad and bored.

If your adult dog is newly adopted and was “housetrained’ before, it still takes an adjustment period in new surroundings. Additionally, we don’t know what life his former owners gave him, so patience, affection, and discipline are the fundamental ingredients for these furry ones. Sure, you need a little more time, but it will be worth the effort.

When behavioral changes don’t work, there are still options to stop sudden peeing in the house.

Using products to remove the stain and smell can deter your dog from peeing in the same spot. To remove stubborn stains and scents, I particularly like Rocco & Roxie Supply Professional Strength Stain and Odor Eliminator. It is highly effective in removing odor and stains. I also like that Rocco & Roxie is a small family-owned business its products are made in the USA. It is a great product for both dog OR cat problems.

Sadly in some instances such as territorial male dogs, neutering may be the best solution. In these cases, it is best to speak to your vet. It is not a guaranteed way to fix the issue, however, if Fido’s motivation is to mark his territory, this will help.

In conclusion, although it is alarming to have your dog start peeing suddenly in the house, there is usually a fairly easy way to fix it. Once medical reasons are ruled out, patience, consistency and some extra bonding time with your dog is the fastest and most efficient way to move past this issue.

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Should I Microchip my dog and cat?

Certainly, YES! It is a foolproof way to identify your pet, provided you have registered your current contact info with the correct registry. Veterinarians have universal scanners to I.D. the chips. Unlike a collar, once a chip is inserted it rarely gets lost, even if it does most likely it can still be scanned. When you microchip your dog it holds the key to a quick reunion with your little buddy.

What exactly is a microchip?

  A microchip is a small 12mm chip about the size of a grain of rice. The microchip itself has a unique identification number and phone number of the chip registry embedded into it. The chip uses radio frequency technology to hold information.  A veterinarian or animal shelter volunteer can use a microchip scanner to retrieve the information linked to it… Most use a universal scanner that can detect multiple types of chips. It is very important to register your current contact information with the national  Pet chip registry. This is the most comprehensive database for the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. You should microchip your dog or cat as soon as possible.

Most importantly, registering your current information with a pet microchip registry, is the only way the chip can get your information. Your contact information gets linked with the chip’s unique identification number. There are different brands of microchips that use different frequencies depending on where you are in the world. Fortunately, a vet’s universal scanner can read the most different frequencies. It is not a perfect system, but regardless it is immensely valuable. Registries do their best to work with shelters to provide universal scanners.

Are you ready to microchip your pet ?

Your veterinarian or local shelter tech can do the procedure safely and quickly. For your little buddy, it is a quick procedure that usually doesn’t even require anesthesia. It is similar to getting a shot or vaccination. A veterinarian uses a needle to insert the small microchip under the skin, between the shoulder blades. The chip doesn’t emit a signal and is harmless to the animal. It is permanent and stays with your pet for his entire lifetime. In most cases it doesn’t shift and it easy to find and scan.

Here is Southern California, when adopting from a local shelter, microchipping is included, (and required), as a part of the adoption fees. Although, if your new family member doesn’t already have a chip, most vets offer this service for $40-$65. Protecting your pet from harm is an owner’s responsibility. In other words, keeping your pet safe is an important part of pet ownership. Discovering that your dog is missing can be heartbreaking, however, a dog or cat that had a microchip has a better chance of a safe return. In conclusion, microchipping offers peace of mind and extra insurance of seeing your pet again should they wander.

In a study of animal shelters, only 22 percent of dogs without microchips were reunited with their owners, while 52 percent with microchips returned home.  cats without microchips had even lower return rates: just two percent made it home, compared with 39 percent of microchipped felines. Why did some pets with microchips fail to be reunited with their owners? The owner’s information either was never registered or it wasn’t current. “VetStreet

Does a pet chip track my dog or cat ?

No, a microchip is not a pet tracking device. In other words, it can not tell you where your pet currently is or where they have been. Fluffy will have to share his adventures upon his safe return. In conclusion, a microchip only has your valuable contact information. An active dog can’t lose or break it, unlike a collar with pet tags attached. Microchips are a reliable dog identifier even without a collar.

Senior dogs can get lost or disoriented and wander out of the yard without their collar

Imagine yourself, being your curious pet, running free and then realizing you can’t find your way home? What if you lost your collar with id tags during your great escape? What if you are now thirsty and hungry and unfamiliar with this new neighborhood you discovered? Without the collar, no one knows your name or where you live. No one knows who your human family is, or how to let them know where to come to get you. It was fun at first, but now you really could use a familiar loving face. Gratefully, your owners had you microchipped and they filled out their information and on a pet microchip registry. They kept it accurate and updated with every move. Thanks to their thoroughness, soon you will be reunited with your family.

Shelter reunited beloved cat three years later thanks to MIcrochip !

As you can see, it is important to have both a microchip and collar with a current I.D. tag, for your beloved pets. August 15 is National Check your Chip day. Pizza and I recommend you take a moment to verify your information. Certainly, pets are a special part of the family. The should be home with the family, but accidents do happen. A pet with both a collar with a pet id, microchip, and your current info on a pet microchip registry your dog or cat should have better odds in getting home quickly.

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