Introducing New Pets Smart Solutions : Episode SSL-910 -- More Projects »
Veterinarian Bernadine Cruz provides tips for preparing the family and other pets for a new pet.
- The most important thing to remember is patience.
- One of the best reasons to introduce a new pet into the family is to provide companionship for a pet left alone for long periods of time.
- When introducing two cats, give the new cat its own "suite" initially, with its own food and water, bed and litter box. You should be able to close the door to this room. This will spark the resident kitty’s curiosity about what’s behind the closed door. Feedings for both cats should take place in front of the closed door, each on their own side, so the older cat begins to associate the good feelings of food with the closed door and kitty beyond. Open the door slightly for minimal interaction. If there is hissing and unhappiness, close the door and try again later.
- Another way to acclimate cats to each other is to rub a towel over one kitty and place that towel underneath the other cat's food bowl. The cat will come to associate the new cat’s smell with food and positive feelings. Do the same with the new cat, using a towel with the resident cat’s smell under its feeding bowls, too.
- Introducing dogs to each other is a little easier because they are pack animals. The best location for the initial introduction is a neutral area, preferably not in the park where your dog usually goes so it doesn’t feel a sense of ownership. Keep both dogs carefully controlled on leashes, with one person per dog.
- If you are introducing more than one new dog, take them to the old dog one at a time so it isn’t overwhelmed.
- Watch for negative body language. If its ears go down, legs become stiff and body tenses, separate the two dogs and try again later.
- Watch for "the bow," when the front end goes down, the rear is in the air and the tail is wagging. This is a sign the dog wants to play and is a good thing.
- When introducing a puppy to an older cat, the cat is pretty good about getting out of the way, getting up high and swatting the puppy when displeased. The puppy learns quickly.
- When introducing a dog to a kitten, you will need two people. Put the dog on a leash and have it sit. Bring the cat in, in your arms, but don't restrain it (see bottom photo at top). It must feel it can get away or it will get very scared. Let the cat sniff and explore. If the dog gets excited, restrain it. If that’s not working, stop, wait a while and try again later. The dog can easily hurt a kitten, so be sure the kitten always has a safe place to get away.
Guests Dr. Bernadine Cruz
Veterinarian, Laguna Hills Animal Hospital
Laguna Hills, CA
Phone: 949-837-7333
Website: lagunahillsanimalhospital.com Also in this Episode
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