August 2023
Bringing a New Dog Home
Aug17,2023 Filed in: Dogs
So, you're ready to introduce your new furry friend to your current pup – that's awesome! The key here is to take it slow and steady. Dogs are like people; they need time to get to know each other and build a positive relationship.
First things first, pick a neutral and calm location for the initial meeting. This could be a park or a quiet area where neither dog feels territorial. Before the big day, make sure both dogs are up to date on their vaccinations and are in good health. Safety first, right?
When you're ready to meet, keep both dogs on leashes initially, allowing them to see each other from a distance. This gives them a chance to sniff around and get familiar with each other's scent. Keep the leashes loose and stay relaxed yourself. Your calm demeanor will reassure them that everything's cool.
As they start to show curiosity without aggression, you can let them approach each other more closely. Still, maintain those loose leashes, just in case. Watch their body language – wagging tails, relaxed ears, and play bows are positive signs. If either dog seems tense, give them more space and try again later.
Once things seem to be going well, you can take them for a short walk together. Walking side by side can create a sense of camaraderie. Remember to reward them with treats and praise for good behavior throughout the process. Positive associations work wonders!
And hey, don't rush it. Building a strong bond takes time. Allow them to have separate spaces for a while, ensuring both dogs have their own comfy spots and personal belongings. Over time, their relationship will hopefully blossom into a beautiful friendship.
So there you have it, a laid-back approach to introducing your new pup to your old pal. Patience, positive vibes, and a sprinkle of treats – you've got this!
First things first, pick a neutral and calm location for the initial meeting. This could be a park or a quiet area where neither dog feels territorial. Before the big day, make sure both dogs are up to date on their vaccinations and are in good health. Safety first, right?
When you're ready to meet, keep both dogs on leashes initially, allowing them to see each other from a distance. This gives them a chance to sniff around and get familiar with each other's scent. Keep the leashes loose and stay relaxed yourself. Your calm demeanor will reassure them that everything's cool.
As they start to show curiosity without aggression, you can let them approach each other more closely. Still, maintain those loose leashes, just in case. Watch their body language – wagging tails, relaxed ears, and play bows are positive signs. If either dog seems tense, give them more space and try again later.
Once things seem to be going well, you can take them for a short walk together. Walking side by side can create a sense of camaraderie. Remember to reward them with treats and praise for good behavior throughout the process. Positive associations work wonders!
And hey, don't rush it. Building a strong bond takes time. Allow them to have separate spaces for a while, ensuring both dogs have their own comfy spots and personal belongings. Over time, their relationship will hopefully blossom into a beautiful friendship.
So there you have it, a laid-back approach to introducing your new pup to your old pal. Patience, positive vibes, and a sprinkle of treats – you've got this!
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Dogs, Cats and Cannabis
As cannabis use becomes legal in more states, I thought it would be a good time to take a look at the potential dangers and health risks for your pets if they gets into your stash of cannabis flower or edibles. Because of the endocannabinoid system, a biological system in the body that helps regulate and balance key bodily functions, cannabis affects dogs and cats differently than humans and it can lead to toxic reactions. Here are some of the dangers:
- Toxicity: Dogs and cats are more sensitive to the psychoactive compounds in cannabis, like THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). Ingesting cannabis can lead to THC toxicity, causing symptoms such as lethargy, unsteadiness, vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, and in severe cases, seizures and coma.
- Increased Heart Rate and Blood Pressure: Cannabis can lead to an increase in heart rate and blood pressure, which may be harmful, especially for dogs and cats with pre-existing heart conditions.
- Respiratory Problems: Inhaling cannabis smoke can irritate your pet’s respiratory system, leading to coughing and difficulty breathing.
- Loss of Coordination: Your pets may lose their coordination and balance, making them more prone to accidents and injuries.
- Central Nervous System Depression: In larger quantities, cannabis can cause depression of the central nervous system, leading to potential loss of consciousness.
- Unpredictable Reactions: The effects of cannabis can vary widely from one pet to another, making it challenging to predict how a particular pet will react to the substance.
- Hypothermia: Cats and dogs exposed to cannabis can experience a drop in body temperature, leading to hypothermia, especially if they become lethargic and unable to regulate their body heat properly.
- Longer-lasting Effects: The effects of cannabis can last longer in pets compared to humans, leading to prolonged discomfort and symptoms.
If you suspect that your dog or cat has ingested cannabis, it's crucial to seek immediate veterinary care. Even small amounts of cannabis can be dangerous, so prompt treatment is essential.
To prevent such incidents, always keep cannabis products and edibles safely stored out of reach of pets, and be cautious when consuming them around animals to avoid accidental ingestion. Responsible cannabis use and proper storage are essential to keep your pets safe.