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15 Tips for Socializing Your Puppy

Welcome to part 3 of our 4-part series on pet adoption!

Part 1: Should I Adopt a Puppy or an Adult Dog?
Part 2: 4 Important Decisions to Make Before Adopting a Dog

Coming Next:

Part 4: 6 Steps to Introduce a New Dog to Your Current Dog


Pandemic Puppies: 15 Tips for Socializing Your Puppy in a Socially Distant World | atlanticvetseattle.com

Think about all the ways a child learns to socialize with others from birth through the middle school years.

Now think about a puppy. One month of a puppy’s life is equivalent to approximately one year of a human child’s life. That’s why it’s critical to prepare your puppy to interact with people, other animals, and new situations when they are 8-to-14 weeks old.

Pandemic Puppies: 15 Tips for Socializing Your Puppy in a Socially Distant World | atlanticvetseattle.com

We can successfully help our pups learn socialization skills. We just have to be intentional about it. Similar to homeschooling our human children, we need to homeschool our puppies.

Think of it as “puppy pre-school.”

Here are 15 fun and easy ways you can socialize your puppy during that critical age of 8-to-14 weeks, to help them develop into a happy, confident, well-mannered dog.

Sight experiences

With face masks still being worn by many, it’s important to get your pup accustomed to seeing humans wearing masks. Inside your home, put on your mask, praise and treat your puppy, and then take off your mask. Repeat until your puppy is unfazed by face coverings.

In addition to practicing with face masks, train your puppy to interact with a “stranger” by wearing different hats, gloves, sunglasses, and clothing in the house and yard (do these things one at a time, not all in one day!).

Sound experiences

Pandemic Puppies: 15 Tips for Socializing Your Puppy in a Socially Distant World | atlanticvetseattle.com

You want your puppy to remain calm when out in busy, loud public places where sudden sounds are likely to occur. Gradually expose your puppy to a variety of everyday sounds:

  • phone ringtones
  • electronic devices
  • hair dryer
  • vacuum cleaner
  • pots and pans clanking
  • shower or bathtub (running water)
  • microwave
  • radio and TV
  • various forms of music
  • doors opening and shutting
  • doorbell
  • garbage trucks
  • traffic sounds

Watch for signs of stress, and make each new noise exposure experience as positive as possible by rewarding your pup with a treat and acting calm and happy around the sound.

Tactile experiences

Pandemic Puppies: 15 Tips for Socializing Your Puppy in a Socially Distant World | atlanticvetseattle.com

Expose your puppy to a new tactile experience each day by introducing them to a variety of surfaces. Never force your puppy to step on these surfaces – allow them to take their time approaching and stepping on new surfaces, and reassure and reward them often.

  • Concrete
  • Linoleum
  • Hardwood
  • Dirt
  • Sand
  • Carpet
  • Rubberized doormats
  • Grass
  • Leaves
  • Mud

Of course, go for a walk in the rain so your pup gets accustomed to walking on wet surfaces.

Set up a simple “obstacle course” and encourage your puppy to walk over, under, and around objects with different textures, such as a pillow, cookie sheet, cardboard box, or skateboard.

Video

This video includes practical tips for creating fun socializing events.

Experiences with humans

To help your puppy get used to meeting new people, try these strategies:

  • If you live with others, encourage every member of your household to spend one-on-one time cuddling, feeding, grooming, and playing with your puppy.
  • Prepare your puppy for the different ways people will pet them. Pat them on the head. Scratch under their chin. Pet them against the grain of their fur, praising as you pet. If your puppy gets anxious, stop and try again later.
  • Go for regular, short car rides to get your puppy used to traveling in a car.
  • Drive to a local strip mall and sit in the parking lot. Give your puppy treats as you watch the action.
  • Walk them around in the parking lot or on a sidewalk. When someone approaches, praise and give your puppy a treat until that person passes.
  • Briefly stop and talk with others, while maintaining a safe distance from each other.

Experiences with animals

After two years of social distancing, we all know what that means for humans. Practicing social distancing when encountering other dogs is also ideal for your puppy, because you don’t want your pup to have a close encounter with an aggressive dog.

When you take your puppy for a walk and they spot another dog and want to stop and watch that dog walk by, let them. This helps your puppy understand that seeing other dogs is normal.

Practice walking past dogs in fenced yards who bark or run along with you. Watch your puppy’s reaction. Reassure your puppy and give them bits of food to reinforce appropriate behavior.

If there are dogs in your neighborhood that you trust to be well-mannered with your puppy, arrange short, positive doggy play dates while maintaining a safe distance from the other owner.

Alone Time

Pandemic Puppies: 15 Tips for Socializing Your Puppy in a Socially Distant World | atlanticvetseattle.com

Learning to be without people around is as important as learning to be with them. While you may be working from home now, if you anticipate returning to a job outside the home, it’s important to create structured alone-time by crate training your puppy.

To help your puppy feel safe and less anxiety when you’re away, get an appropriately sized crate or set up a gated area (here’s a helpful article on how to crate train your dog in 9 easy steps).

Put your puppy in their crate or other safe area for a total of at least 2-4 hours a day. During that time, you and other household members should be in another part of the house.

Snuggle time

Most puppies love to be held, petted, and snuggled. Get your dog used to different types of handling by gently touching and examining their paws, nails, eyes, ears, mouth and tail several times each week (this will prepare them to visit the vet, too!).

Groom your puppy with a dog brush for 3-to-5 minutes per day.

Petting your puppy not only helps them feel more bonded to you, but it’s good therapy for you, too!

Routine

Puppies, like humans, thrive on routine. Make sure that your puppy eats, plays, and naps around the same time each day. These routines will prepare your puppy to face the world with confidence.

4 Important Decisions to Make Before Adopting a Dog

In Part 1 of this 4-part series, we explored whether to adopt a puppy or an adult dog.

We asked several questions to help you assess the type of canine companion that will best fit your lifestyle, energy level, and schedule.

Whether you welcome a puppy or adult dog into your family, your new pet will likely be scared, anxious, or cautious. During the transition period, be extra patient and be prepared to do extensive training (or retraining).

Put yourself in your dog’s shoes – er – paws.

Imagine that you’ve just moved into a new home in a place you’ve never been before, and are being cared for by people you’ve never met. That scenario is both exciting and stress-inducing.

Resist the temptation to invite your family and friends over to meet your new fur baby, as this can overstimulate and overwhelm your dog. Instead, give your dog time – anywhere from days to weeks – to get used to the new sights, smells, and sounds and to bond with you.

The settling-in period will be exhausting for your dog, so give them a quiet, private place to take extra naps and get comfortable with their new surroundings.

Before your dog comes home, make the following four decisions:

 

1. Where will my dog sleep?

 

Create a safe, cozy doggy den dedicated solely to your dog. This may be a blocked-off area, room, or a sofa. It may be a crate.

About half of all pet owners share their bedroom or bed with their dog.

While your dog will likely be delighted to co-sleep with you, before establishing that habit, understand that it may aggravate your allergies.

Dogs are lighter sleepers than humans with an average of three wake/sleep cycles per nighttime hour. Humans, on the other hand, have one sleep cycle every 24 hours. Co-sleeping with your dog, while comforting to both of you, may negatively affect the quality of your sleep.

2. Where will my dog eat and drink?

 

Designate a feeding area that is not a high-traffic location – perhaps near your dog’s crate or in a quiet corner, away from children and other pets. Dogs can be protective of their food, and you don’t want them to become aggressive about guarding it.

Since dogs are messy eaters, it’s wise to feed them in a non-carpeted area. Put an easy-clean mat beneath their food and water bowls.

After your dog finishes eating, remove and thoroughly clean the feeding dish. Be sure to replenish the water bowl with fresh water throughout the day.

3. Where will my dog go potty?

 

Whether you adopt a puppy or adult dog, expect accidents during the first few weeks. Sudden dietary changes, combined with the stress of a new environment, may cause an upset stomach or diarrhea.

Your new dog will likely need house training or re-training. They will need to go after waking, eating, playing, and getting excited. During the adjustment period, take your dog out more often than usual to decrease the likelihood of accidents.

Puppies and younger dogs may need to go every hour at first, and they’ll want to defecate 5-to-30 minutes after eating.

By the age of three or four months, most puppies will be able to make it 7-8 hours without a bathroom trip.

All dogs should have a bowel movement at least once a day – many have them three times a day.

Whenever you take your dog on a potty walk, bring waste bags and promptly clean up their mess.

If you have a specific spot you want your dog to use as a toilet, take them on a leash to that spot and say a cue word. Stay with your dog in that spot until they go, and then offer a reward.

4. Where will my dog play?

 

Depending on their size, dogs generally need between 30 minutes and two hours of active playtime and exercise each day. Active play keeps your dog’s heart and brain healthy, lubricates joints, and improves balance and coordination.

Like humans, each dog has preferences about the way they play.

Before your new dog comes home, invest safe dog toys. KONG and West Paw both make a wide variety of chew toys, including balls, flying discs, squishy, squeaky, floppy, knotted, plush, durable bones, dental, teething, tug-of-war, fetch-and-retrieve, and more.

Designate a doggy play area, whether that’s a room in your home, a hallway, and/or your yard or an off-leash dog park (this article includes links to some local dog parks).

Dogs thrive on routine, so choosing a consistent time to sleep, eat, take potty breaks, and play will help your furry family member feel secure and welcome in your home.

Coming Next in Our Series on Dog Adoption

Part 3: 15 Tips for Socializing Your Puppy
Part 4: 6 Steps to Introduce a New Dog to Your Current Dog


Should I Adopt a Puppy or an Adult Dog?

This is Part 1 in a 4-part series on pet adoption.

Coming next:
Part 2: 4 Important Decisions to Make Before Adopting a Dog
Part 3: 15 Tips for Socializing Your Puppy
Part 4: 6 Steps to Introduce a New Dog to Your Current Dog


family hugging dog

Bringing a furry friend into your family is a fun and challenging adventure.

No matter what their age when you adopt them, all dogs require lots of care and attention. Particularly if you’re a first-time dog parent, it’s important to know what’s realistic, in terms of the time you must devote to training, socializing, and exercising your dog.

Puppies require round-the-clock care

The first year and a half of a dog’s life is equivalent to humans from birth to age 18!

puppy shredding toilet paper

Like human toddlers, puppies seem to be everywhere at once. These active balls of fur are easily distracted. They are messy. They have accidents. They may whine, howl, bark incessantly, and chew things. They need frequent potty breaks, feeding, playtime, and walks throughout the day.

Dogs are mentally and emotionally immature until age 2 or 3. It’s critical to make sure your young dog receives constant attention, ongoing socialization, training, and plenty of exercise during this developmental period.

If you work long hours, are rarely home, or you travel often (without your pet), it’s best to adopt an adult dog (or none at all).

Which is the best choice for you: a puppy, adult dog, or senior dog?

The information and questions below will help you assess the type of canine companion that will best fit your lifestyle, energy level, and schedule.

Size

large mixed-breed dog

Mixed-breed puppies can present you with some interesting surprises. What you had assumed would be a smallish lapdog may grow (and grow, and grow!) to monstrous proportions.

Question to ask yourself:

Am I emotionally prepared to parent a dog that grows much larger (or shaggier) than what I expected?

Temperament

shy dog

Similar to a dog’s size, you can’t predict how a puppy’s temperament may change as she matures. When your new pup first enters your family, she will likely be nervous. After all, she has just been separated from her mom and siblings – from everything she’s ever known.

In the same manner, when you adopt an adult dog from a shelter or a rescue foster home, it can take anywhere from days to several weeks for your dog to acclimate to her new home and develop trust in you (longer, if she is coming from an environment where she was neglected or abused).

Question to ask yourself:

Am I willing to devote whatever time, training, and loving attention it takes to help my dog adjust to her new home?

Health

shelter dog

When you adopt either a puppy or an adult dog from a shelter or a rescue organization, you should expect potential health issues:

  • inherited or undiagnosed conditions or behavioral problems
  • inadequate pre-natal or post-natal care
  • lack of veterinary care and routine vaccinations

Questions to ask yourself:

  1. Am I prepared to deal with unexpected behaviors and/or medical issues that may be a result of my dog’s history?

  2. Have I been made aware of any known medical issues this dog has?

  3. When was the dog’s most recent wellness exam?

  4. Has the dog received necessary vaccinations and parasite treatment?

  5. Have I budged appropriately for immediate, ongoing, and emergency veterinary care throughout the life of my dog?

  6. Am I financially secure enough to pay a potentially costly vet bill during the first week/months after my dog is in my home?

Further Reading:

12 Tactics to Help Your Pet Have a Fear-Free Veterinary Visit

The Perfect Dog Breed for You, Based on Your Enneagram Personality Type

Training

In many cases, a young puppy will not have received any training. You will be responsible for crate training, potty training, leash training, grooming, and socializing your pup.

While most adult dogs will be potty trained, re-training may be needed in other areas.

Questions to ask yourself:

How much time and energy am I willing to immediately devote to training or retraining my dog in these areas:

  1. Crate training

  2. Potty training

  3. Leash training

  4. Grooming – If you plan to bring your adult dog to a groomer, find out whether they’ve visited a groomer before, and what the experience was like for your dog). Will your dog feel comfortable with you giving him a bath, trimming his nails, and cleaning his ears?

  5. Socialization training – Your puppy or grown dog needs to learn how to behave and interact with people and other animals.

Further Reading:

15 Tips for Socializing Your Puppy in a Socially Distant World

10 Tips for a Safe and Fun Off-Leash Dog Park Outing

After you have given serious thought to the questions above, ask yourself this final, important question:

Is a dog (puppy or adult) a good fit for my current lifestyle?

Like human children, your fur baby will be a family member. Does your situation in life, your income, and your availability allow you to fully commit to caring for your new family member?

If your answer is a resounding “Yes!” we suspect that you’ll find dog parenting a rewarding experience.

What You Need to Know About Fleas, Ticks and Parasite Preventives

More than an itchy nuisance, fleas and ticks are blood-sucking, disease-spreading pests that can cause a variety of problems for cats and dogs.

What You Need to Know About Fleas, Ticks and Parasite Preventives | atlanticvetseattle.com

Fleas can cause skin irritation, anemia, and allergic reactions, while ticks can transmit serious diseases such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and ehrlichiosis.

In this article, we’re going to look at the not-so-fun facts about fleas and ticks and introduce you to several prevention methods.

Not-So-Fun Flea Facts

Fleas have been around for millions of years, causing itchy misery and spreading diseases like tapeworms and life-threatening bacteria and viruses affecting animals and people.

For example, fleas spread the bacteria that causes The Plague, a disease that killed thousands in Europe in the Dark Ages and is still found today in places as near as Eastern Oregon.

Although tiny and flightless, fleas can jump 7-13 inches and show no respect for property lines and door sills.

April Showers Bring May Flowers – Fleas & Ticks Aren’t Far Behind | AtlanticVetSeattle.com

Female fleas can lay over 5,000 eggs in their lifetime and live up to 18 months.

A single pregnant flea can cause a population explosion of fleas on your pet and in your home.

Flea Bite Anemia

When cats get infested with fleas, they can get flea bite anemia due to losing so much blood. Those suckers (literally) drain so much blood that a cat’s body is unable to function normally.

Cats particularly susceptible to flea bite anemia include:

  • kittens
  • small cats
  • elderly cats
  • cats with weakened immune systems
  • cats who have lost blood due to an injury
  • cats who have recently undergone surgery and required a blood transfusion

Cat Scratch Fever

Fleas also cause cat scratch fever, a mild-to-severe bacterial infection that cats can pass along to humans. Humans can get cat scratch fever when a cat infected with Bartonella henselae (a bacteria cats contract when scratching or biting at infected fleas) bites or scratches a human or licks an open wound on a human’s skin.

Cat scratch fever (also called cat scratch disease) in humans is most prevalent in the southern part of the U.S. and most common among teenagers and children aged 5-9. However, anyone who owns or interacts with a cat is at risk of contracting the disease.

Signs of Flea Allergy in Dogs

Some dogs are allergic to flea saliva, a condition called flea allergy dermatitis. Some common symptoms include excessive scratching, hair loss, red and inflamed skin, hot spots, and the presence of flea dirt (tiny black specks resembling ground pepper) on your dog’s coat.

If you suspect your dog may dog is allergic to fleas, it is crucial to see your veterinarian immediately for treatment.

Ticks…A Growing Concern in the Pacific Northwest and Worldwide

What you need to know about ticks | AtlanticVetSeattle.com

Ticks are blood-sucking arachnids – not insects – and are implicated in the spread of a number of life-threatening diseases that affect humans and animals. They can harbor bacteria, viruses, and protozoal parasites, sometimes more than one at a time.

Slow-moving and unable to jump, they lay in wait on grass or leaves until their prey walks by, then grab on for the ride.

Ticks can transmit the bacteria that cause Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, anaplasmosis, and erlichiosis, to name a few.

Unfortunately, one of the many side effects of warmer temperatures is that ticks are increasing in abundance and geographical range throughout the world. Once a realm of warmer, humid southern areas of the US, ticks and tick-borne diseases have spread north and occur in all 50 states and Canada.

A similar phenomenon has occurred in Europe. Tick migration mostly occurs through the movement of animals upon which ticks feed. Small mammals can transport ticks short distances, but migrating deer and, especially, birds can carry the intrepid hitchhikers into new territories where they once did not exist.

Our Western Washington “Emerald Isle” has more ticks.

How to Prevent Fleas and Ticks

The best way to prevent fleas and ticks is to use a year-round flea and tick preventive.

We have amazing new parasite preventives that came out in the past two years. These preventives are better than anything you can buy over the counter. (They prevent ticks, too.)

Call Atlantic Veterinary Hospital at 206-323-4433 and ask about our flea and tick preventives.

There are a variety of preventives available, including oral medications, topical medications, and collars.

Oral Medications

Oral medications are typically given to your pet by mouth once a month. They work by killing fleas and ticks before they can attach to your pet. These medications are generally more effective than topical medications, but they can be more expensive.

We recommend the oral chews that have come on the market in the past two years. No more messy topical medication or stinky collar; just a tasty “treat” that safely and effectively prevents fleas and ticks from 30-90 days, depending on the product.

Topical Medications

Topical medications are generally applied to your pet’s back between the shoulder blades.

They work by killing the fleas and ticks that come into contact with your pet. Be sure to follow the instructions on the medication label carefully.

Collars

Collars work by releasing a slow-release insecticide that kills fleas and tick that come into contact with the collar.

Collars are less effective than topical or oral medications, but they are a good option for pets that don’t tolerate other preventives.

New Lab Tests Spot Ticks Quickly

In addition to preventives, new laboratory tests help us spot tick-borne diseases faster, sometimes before they even cause disease symptoms.

You know the 4DX lab test we recommend for your dog every year? Well, test #1 screens for heartworm disease, but #2-4 are screens for tick-borne illnesses – Lyme disease, erlichiosis, and anaplasmosis.

Hey ticks, we’re watching.

Better Lyme disease vaccines are now available for dogs traveling to Lyme disease endemic areas – the Midwest, Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Florida.

We recommend your dog begins the Lyme vaccine series 7-8 weeks prior to your trip back East, as well as using one of the newer tick prevention products.

Precautions to Take

6 Steps to Introduce a New Dog to Your Current Dog | atlanticvetseattle.com

In addition to using a flea and tick preventive, take these precautions to help prevent fleas and ticks from infesting your pet:

  1. Keep your pet’s yard free of weeds, brush, and tall grass, which can provide hiding places for fleas and ticks.
  2. Treat your yard with appropriate insecticides to eliminate fleas and ticks in the outdoor area.
  3. Create barriers that prevent wildlife from entering your yard and potentially introducing fleas and ticks.
  4. Avoid walking your pet in wooded areas.
  5. Do a daily tick inspection of yourself and your pet.
  6. Bathe your pet regularly with a veterinarian-approved flea and tick shampoo to provide an extra layer of protection.
  7. Wash your pet’s bedding and toys regularly.
  8. Treat your pet’s bedding with flea and tick spray.
  9. Brush your pet’s coat, which will help remove any existing fleas or ticks and will allow you to detect and address any issues promptly.
  10. Vacuum floors, carpets, and furniture regularly, paying special attention to areas where your pet sleeps. This can help remove flea eggs, larvae, and ticks.
  11. Schedule routine veterinary checkups and vaccinations. Vaccinations not only protect against common diseases but can also boost your pet’s immune system to better resist fleas and ticks.

What to Do If Your Pet Gets Fleas or Ticks

If your pet does get fleas or ticks, it is important to treat them promptly. First, consult with your veterinarian, who can prescribe a treatment that is safe for your pet and that will kill all of the fleas and ticks.

Additional Resources

Acupuncture: This Ancient Healing Art Helps Pets, Too!

An ancient healing art developed in China more than 4,000 years ago, acupuncture is a therapeutic technique that enhances a body’s natural healing abilities.

Acupuncture: This Ancient Healing Art Helps Pets, Too! | AtlanticVetSeattle.com

Dr. Munroe uses acupuncture to treat a dog.

What is Animal Acupuncture?

Acupuncture involves inserting very fine, sterile needles into specific points mapped over the body. The needles stimulate circulation, stimulate the release of hormones, and help restore the body’s natural balance.

Dr. Tricia Munroe | AtlanticVetSeattle.com

Dr. Tricia Munroe, cVMA, CCRT, completed her training and certification in veterinary acupuncture in 2015.

Animal acupuncture should only be performed by a trained and certified veterinary acupuncturist. Dr. Tricia Munroe, cVMA, CCRT, completed her training and certification in veterinary acupuncture in 2015 and has been using the technique to provide our patients with an additional therapy option.

Conditions that Acupuncture Can Improve

More and more pet owners are trying acupuncture for their furry family members. Pain management is one of the most common uses for acupuncture, often in conjunction with a more traditional treatment plan.

Several common conditions effecting animals can improve with the addition of acupuncture treatment, including:

  • arthritis and back pain
  • immune disorders
  • decreased appetite
  • asthma
  • allergies
  • skin conditions
  • intestinal problems (diarrhea and constipation)
  • metabolic problems (liver and kidney disease)
  • anxiety
  • urinary incontinence

During Therapy…

Pets typically relax and enjoy acupuncture therapy. The tiny pinch caused by the needle insertion is very tolerable and often unnoticed. Many pets relax and fall asleep while they wait the 15-30 minutes before the needles are removed.

Acupuncture: This Ancient Healing Art Helps Pets, Too! | AtlanticVetSeattle.com

Dr. Munroe uses acupuncture to treat a dog.

Initially, Dr. Munroe recommends acupuncture on a weekly basis, but as a pet’s condition improves, treatment sessions are often changed to a monthly or as needed basis.

About Veterinary Acupuncture

Acupuncture is one of the safest medical therapies, using no chemicals or medications. Veterinary acupuncture was approved as an alternative therapy by the American Veterinary Medical Association in 1988. A new development in animal acupuncture is the use of therapeutic lasers instead of needles.

19 Household Items That Can Poison Your Dog

19 Household Items That Can Poison Your Dog | AtlanticVetSeattle.com

1. Rodent Poison

If you have a mouse in the house, and you also have a dog, you’ll want to avoid putting mouse or rat poison out.

Several chemicals commonly found in rat, mouse, and mole poisons can be deadly for dogs. Poisoning can take place directly, when a dog ingests the chemicals bromethalin (which poisons the central nervous system), or brodifacoum (an anti-coagulant that keeps blood from clotting). Poisoning can also take place indirectly, when your dog nibbles on a rodent killed by the poison.

There are many different types of rat and mouse poisons, so if your dog ingests some, it’s important to bring either the original packaging, the EPA registration number, or a sample of the poison to the veterinarian so we can accurately identify the active ingredient in the poison (which will help us determine the appropriate treatment).

Rodent poisons are only one of many items you may have around the house that can be toxic to your dog.

2. Mosquito Repellent

During mosquito season, ask your veterinarian for an appropriate product that’s safe for your dog to use, rather than using a repellent made for humans. Mosquito repellents for humans often contain DEET, which dogs are very sensitive to and may cause tremors, seizures, and even death.

3. Slug Bait

Slug bait includes brown sugar or molasses to attract slugs. Unfortunately, the sweet stuff also makes the bait irresistible to our furry friends.

In addition to brown sugar or molasses, slug bait (which comes in pellet, liquid, or powder form) typically contains the active ingredient metaldehyde.

Ingestion of even small quantities of metaldehyde can be fatal. Poisoned pets may show symptoms within minutes, and symptoms may develop up to three hours after ingestion. Learn the symptoms of metaldehyde poisoning, and safer ways to get rid of slugs.

4. Alcoholic Beverages

It may seem funny or cute to get your dog tipsy, but you should never, ever give your dog alcohol.

19 Household Items That Can Poison Your Dog | AtlanticVetSeattle.com

Similar to alcohol poisoning in humans, a dog who drinks alcohol can experience vomiting, diarrhea, decreased coordination, central nervous system depression, difficulty breathing, tremors, abnormal blood acidity, coma and even death.

5. Yeast Dough

Beer and vodka aren’t the only things than can make your dog drunk. Dogs can get drunk from eating raw bread dough!

19 Household Items That Can Poison Your Dog | AtlanticVetSeattle.com

That’s because yeast produces ethanol. In addition, yeast dough can rise while it’s in your dog’s stomach, causing painful gas to accumulate in her digestive system. This, in turn, can cause her stomach to bloat and potentially twist.

6. Cigarettes, E-Cigarette Liquid, and Nicotine Patches

In the same way that alcohol is poisonous for dogs, products that contain nicotine can kill a dog. Common reactions to nicotine include severe vomiting, depression, elevated heart rate, decrease in blood pressure, seizures, respiratory failure and, in severe cases, even death.

Be particularly careful with e-cigarette/vaping liquid, which is often flavored, making it irresistible to dogs.

7. Marijuana

With recreational marijuana legal in Washington State, we are seeing a significant increase of marijuana (THC) poisoning in dogs.

Some dog owners are treating their dog with CBD oil (without consulting with us) because they’ve heard that it’s a cure-all for practically any ailment. At Atlantic Veterinary Hospital, we get several requests per day from dog owners who want to treat their dog with CBD oil. Veterinarians do not yet have data about whether the products are safe, what the toxic dose might be, or whether the products contain a consistent amount of CBD. As such, it is illegal for us to recommend CBD oil.

Dogs are also getting into the pot brownies, so we’re seeing increases in both THC poisoning and chocolate poisoning. THC is the neuroactive substance in marijuana and definitely is toxic to dogs.

To be on the safe side, please don’t give your dog CBD oil or any marijuana products or ask us to do so.

8. Chocolate, Coffee and Caffeine

Everybody knows that chocolate is bad for dogs, but we thought we’d remind you, anyway. Chocolate contains theobromine, a chemical similar to caffeine, which is toxic to dogs.

19 Household Items That Can Poison Your Dog | AtlanticVetSeattle.com

Chocolate and coffee also contain substances called methylxanthines. When dogs ingest these substances, it can cause vomiting and diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst and urination, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures and even death.

Rule of thumb: The darker and more bitter the chocolate, the more dangerous it is. Baking chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate, and gourmet dark chocolate are the most toxic types of chocolate. Toxicity is dose-dependent, meaning the smaller the dog, darker the chocolate, or bigger the volume of chocolate consumed, the more likely a problem will occur. We have calculations to help us determine if the toxic dose for a specific weight of dog. Call us right away if you find your dog has eaten chocolate. One chocolate chip cookie or a dropped M&M is not a problem, but a small square of baking chocolate can be toxic.

Keep chocolate-covered raisins, macadamia nuts, and espresso beans away from your dog, too. Not only is the chocolate poisonous, but the foods inside the chocolate are also toxic. Learn what to do if your dog eats chocolate.

9. Raisins and Grapes

19 Household Items That Can Poison Your Dog | AtlanticVetSeattle.com

Although the toxic substance within grapes and raisins is unknown, these fruits can cause kidney failure.

10. Macadamia Nuts, Almonds, Pecans, and Walnuts

Don’t let your dog go nuts… keep her away from nuts! The high fat content in nuts can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and potentially, pancreatitis. Macadamia nuts can cause weakness, depression, vomiting, tremors and hyperthermia.

11. Coconut, Coconut Water, and Coconut Oil

Small amounts of coconut-based products are not likely to seriously harm your dog. However, the oils can cause stomach upset, loose stools, or pancreatitis. Coconut water is high in potassium; don’t give it to your dog.

12. Citrus

19 Household Items That Can Poison Your Dog | AtlanticVetSeattle.com

The citric acid and essential oils present in the stems, leaves, peels, fruit, and seeds of citrus products can cause everything from minor stomach upset (when a dog eats a small amount of the fruit) to central nervous system depression (when large amounts are ingested).

13. Milk and Dairy Products

Dogs don’t have enough lactase (the enzyme that breaks down lactose in milk), so dairy-based products can cause digestive upset and diarrhea. Licking your cereal or ice cream bowl is usually not a problem, but more than that can cause GI upset.

14. Raw/Undercooked Meat, Eggs and Bones

Raw meat and raw eggs can contain bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli that can be harmful to dogs (and humans). Ingesting raw eggs can lead to skin and coat problems. When your dog chews on raw bones, she can choke or get punctures in her digestive tract. Chewing on bones also frequently breaks teeth, causing extreme pain and requiring surgical removal of the broken tooth.

15. Salt and Salty Snack Foods

Keep bags of chips, pretzels, and salted popcorn far away from your dog.

19 Household Items That Can Poison Your Dog | AtlanticVetSeattle.com

Heavy doses of salt not only make your dog really thirsty (and cause excessive urination), but salty foods can cause vomiting, diarrhea, depression, tremors, elevated body temperature, seizures and even death.

16. Xylitol and Sorbitol

These two items are used as a sweetener in products such as gum, candy, toothpaste, sugar-free foods, baked goods, laxatives, and other medications.

19 Household Items That Can Poison Your Dog | AtlanticVetSeattle.com

Even a tiny amount of xylitol (a stick of sugarless gum) can lead to hypoglycemia (a dangerous drop in blood sugar). Symptoms may include vomiting, lethargy, loss of coordination, seizures, and can lead to liver failure.

Sorbitol, when consumed in large doses, can cause loose stools or diarrhea.

17. Breath Mints and Breath Strips

Human breath fresheners may contain menthol, which can irritate the tissues of the mouth and the gastrointestinal tract. Some breath-freshening products may also contain the sweetener xylitol (see information above on xylitol).

If your dog has bad breath, talk with your veterinarian. Together, you can come up with an appropriate oral and dental health plan.

18. Petroleum Jelly

Dogs have been known to eat practically anything, and petroleum jelly is no exception. If she ingests enough, expect diarrhea and possibly vomiting.

19. Bar Soap and Face Wash

Ah, those sweet-smelling soaps! So irresistible to a dog’s sniffer and taste buds.

19 Household Items That Can Poison Your Dog | AtlanticVetSeattle.com

But your dog is probably not smart enough to spit out the soap; instead, she’ll swallow it, which can cause loose stools, diarrhea, or vomiting (all of which can lead to dehydration). And if your dog decides to eat an entire bar of soap, her gastrointestinal tract can get clogged.

What to do if you think your dog was poisoned

Call your regular veterinarian or local veterinary emergency hospital immediately. The sooner we can start appropriate treatment, the better.

Call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Hotline: (888) 426-4435 (fee-based).

Or call the Pet Poison Helpline (fee-based).

Learn more about dog hazards and toxins

Animal Poison Control Center Podcast

Download a free mobile app from the Animal Poison Control Center that will:

  • help you identify over 300 potential hazards and toxins found in and around the home
  • provide crucial information about the severity of the problem
  • suggest critical next steps

Sources:

Wireless GPS Dog Fences: A Smart Way to Keep Your Pup Secure

Wireless GPS pet fences are gaining popularity, as they offer a number of advantages over traditional wire fences.

You’re probably familiar with “fences” that rely on a wire buried a few inches underground around the perimeter of your property. The buried wire carries a low-level radio signal from a transmitter to your dog’s receiver collar.

When your dog gets close to the boundary, an audible warning tone sounds. If your dog attempts to cross the fence boundary, it receives an unpleasant-but-safe “shock,” similar to the static shock humans feel when we scuff across a carpet in our socks.

How Wireless GPS Pet Fences Work

Wireless fences, on the other hand, use GPS technology, rather than radio signals, to track your dog’s location and keep it within a designated area. Because of this, they’re more flexible and portable than traditional wire fences.

You simply drop pins onto a satellite image of your location using the app that comes with the system, and a virtual fence is created.

The system consists of two main components: a collar for your dog and a base station.

  • The collar is equipped with a GPS receiver and a transmitter.
  • The base station sends a signal to the collar, which then uses the GPS receiver to determine its location.

If the collar goes beyond the designated boundary, the transmitter emits a warning signal, such as a beep or a vibration. If the dog continues to approach the boundary, the transmitter may deliver a mild static correction.

Advantages of Wireless GPS Pet Fences

Flexible boundaries: You can set the boundary to any size or shape, and you can even change the boundary as needed. This makes wireless GPS pet fences ideal for homes with irregular or large properties.

Portable:  You can take a wireless fence with you when you travel.

Accurate: The GPS receiver in the collar can pinpoint your dog’s location to within a few feet, making them highly accurate.

Less Prone to Interference from other electronic devices.

Easy to Install: Because wire does not have to be buried, wireless fences are typically easy to set up.

Disadvantages of Wireless GPS Pet Fences

Can be Spendy: While most wireless fences cost less than traditional wire fences, some can be expensive. Later in this article, we’ll introduce you to four wireless GPS fences that range from $100 to well over $1,000.

Signal Blockage: GPS signals can be blocked by buildings or other objects, so the boundary may not be as accurate as with a traditional wire fence.

8 Features to Look For When Shopping for a Wireless GPS Pet Fence

You’ll want to thoughtfully evaluate features so you can find a system that best meets your needs.

1. Boundary size and shape

The size and shape of the boundary is one of the most important factors to consider. The boundary must be large enough to accommodate your dog’s needs, but not so large that it’s difficult to manage.

Consider the shape of your property, too. If you have a lot of irregular or sloped areas, you’ll need a fence that can be customized to fit your needs.

Shopping Tip: Be aware that some fences allow you to set a custom boundary, while others have a fixed boundary size.

2. Accuracy

The accuracy of the fence is important, especially if you have a large property or if you live in an area with a lot of tall buildings. Make sure the fence is accurate enough to keep your dog within the designated area, but not so accurate that it will prevent your dog from getting to a water source or other important area.

Shopping Tip: Look for a fence with a margin of error of no more than a few feet.

3. Range

If you have a large property, make sure that the fence will work even if your dog wanders far away from home.

Shopping Tip: Look for a fence with a range of at least 100 acres.

4. Training mode

A training mode is a great way to help your dog learn the boundaries of the fence. It allows your dog to get used to the fence without any static corrections.

Shopping Tip: Look for a fence with a training mode that is easy to use and effective. Several manufacturers include in-app training and online discussion groups for owners.

5. Static correction level

The static correction level is the intensity of the static signal delivered to the dog if it crosses the boundary.

Shopping Tip: Look for a fence that gives you multiple level options, so you can choose a level appropriate for your dog’s size and temperament.

6. Battery life

If you have an active dog who likes to explore, the battery will discharge more quickly. The battery should last long enough for your dog to enjoy the full range of features without having to recharge it too often.

Shopping Tip: Look for a collar with a battery life of at least 24 hours.

7. App compatibility

Most wireless GPS pet fences come with an app you can use to manage the fence and track your dog’s location.

Shopping Tip: Make sure that the app is compatible with your smartphone or tablet.

8. Price

Prices can range from a hundred dollars to over a thousand dollars.

Shopping Tip: Decide on the features you need and set a budget before you start shopping so you don’t overspend.

Additional Considerations

Here are seven more factors to consider:

1. Your dog’s size. Some GPS collars have weight and size restrictions. Choose one that is appropriate for the size of your dog.

2. Your dog’s temperament. Some dogs are more sensitive to static corrections than others. If your dog is sensitive, you may want to choose a fence with a lower static correction level, and/or one that has a training mode that does not use static corrections.

3. Your lifestyle. If you are active and like to take your dog on walks or hikes, you will need a fence with a long range. If you have a small property, you may not need a fence with a large boundary size.

4. Reviews. As with all major purchases you make on behalf of your furry family member, we recommend that you read reviews from other pet owners. This is an excellent way to get feedback on different brands and models.

5. Professional recommendations. Talk with your veterinarian, as well. They may be able to recommend a fence that is safe and effective for your dog.

6. Manufacturer’s coupons. When you purchase a wireless GPS fence directly from the manufacturer’s website, you can often find coupons and other exclusive offers that aren’t available from online retailers such as Amazon.

7. Try before you buy. Some retailers allow you to try a wireless GPS pet fence before you buy it. This helps ensure that the fence is right for your dog and your lifestyle. In the same vein, some manufacturers also offer limited-time money-back guarantees.

4 Wireless GPS Pet Fences

Because there are so many different wireless GPS pet fences on the market, we’re introducing you to four of them, in alphabetical order. This is not a recommendation for these products; we’re merely providing information to help with your comparison shopping.

Note that several of these fences require a monthly fee, in addition to the base cost of the fence and collar.

Pricing key for base costs of fence and collar:

$ = Less than $100

$$ = $100-$500

$$$ = $500-$1000

$$$$ = More than $1000

Halo Wireless Dog Fence and GPS Dog Collar

Halocollar.com – Exclusive discount offer when purchasing via Halo website

Amazon

$$$

Create up to 20 unique wireless fences in different locations, even in locations without Wi-Fi or cellular connection. Other advanced features include a real-time map of your dog’s location, a built-in activity tracker, and a two-way communication system.

The training collar is shock-free. The Halo Training program helps you boundary-train your dog using positive associations and set customizable feedback that’s just right for your dog’s learning style.

The Halo collar requires a plan to enable data storage, location services, and other features that are critical to keeping your dog safe. Monthly cost options range from $5.99, $9.99, and $29.99.

SpotOn GPS Dog Fence and Collar

Spotonfence.com – Discounts for multiple collar purchases, as well as discounts for military, veterans, and first responders.

Amazon

$$$$

According to their website, SpotOn is the “#1 rated GPS dog collar fence.” Available in three sizes – small, medium, and large – to fit neck sizes ranging from 10 inches to 26 inches.

While this fence is initially quite a bit spendier than the others mentioned in this article, SpotOn fences work without a subscription.

Features include a customizable boundary of up to 1,000 acres, a battery that lasts up to 22 hours on one charge, and a waterproof collar.

Wagz Freedom Smart Dog Collar

Wagz.com

Amazon

$$

This shock-free fence is ideal for properties a half-acre or larger that allow room to create a boundary at least 15 feet from a road or from your house. The collar is recommended for dogs of 15 lbs. and larger.

It includes a built-in activity tracker and a two-way talk feature. Two rechargeable batteries are included. Choose from three subscription plans, starting at $9.99/month.

WIEZ GPS Wireless Dog Fence, 2023 model

Amazon

$$

This budget-friendly option, intended for outdoor use only, covers areas up to 3,281 feet (radius), with a maximum of 776 acres. Additional features include a vibration and static correction system. It has a continuous use battery life up to 15 hours.

Which Wireless GPS Dog Fence is Right for You?

With diligent research, you’ll be able to choose the best fence for your needs and budget. Wireless GPS pet fences are flexible, portable, accurate, and easy to install.

They’re a great way to keep your dog safe and contained.

If you own a wireless GPS fence, in the comments, tell us which one you use, and what you like (or dislike) about it.

Related Article on Our Blog:

Activity Trackers for Dogs: What to Look For, Plus 6 Popular Fitness Trackers

12 Environmental Enrichment Activities for Indoor Cats

Environmental Enrichment Activities for Indoor Cats | AtlanticVetSeattle.com

Indoor cats crave adventure. That’s because cats are not far from their wild ancestors who spent their days and nights hunting for food, defending their territories (typically up to 10 acres, much larger than our homes and apartments), and caring for young.

Boredom can lead to serious medical and behavioral issues in cats, including:

  • Over-grooming and other compulsive behaviors
  • Intercat aggression (if you have more than one cat)
  • Inappropriate urination
  • Eating things they shouldn’t
  • Excessive scratching
  • Attention-seeking, such as nipping or climbing your leg for attention

We mean well – we provide a nice home and all the food they need – but perhaps we forget their active brains and athletic bodies. Unlike their canine friends, who get to go on daily walks and visit dog parks, cats need indoor activities to keep them stimulated and happy.

Here are some activities that use your cat’s natural tendencies and help them avoid the consequences of life in a “country club prison.”

Provide Vertical Space

Being up high helps cats feel more secure. A carpeted cat tree or condo creates a safe zone from small children, dogs, or other cats. An elevated perch also satisfies your cat’s climbing and clawing needs.

Environmental Enrichment Activities for Indoor Cats | AtlanticVetSeattle.com

You can purchase or build a DIY vertical space that includes a series of perches, shelves, runs, hiding spots, and scratching poles. If possible, position the kitty tree near a window so your cat can watch what’s happening in the world.

An outdoor cat yard or catio is an inviting outdoor space for a cat to explore, play, and lounge during warmer weather. You can put cat trees and toys inside the catio. For catio ideas, read our article, “How to Keep Your Cat Safe Outdoors.”

Toys & Games

Just like us, cats need both novelty and predictability. If you give them the same toy every day, that would be like us being forced to watch the same rerun television show daily – we’d quickly tire of it. Cats bore easily if you use the same play tactic over and over, so vary the games on a daily basis.

Environmental Enrichment Activities for Indoor Cats | AtlanticVetSeattle.com

Cats also need predictability in the form of a scheduled routine when they can depend upon you to be ready for play. Choose a playtime that works for your schedule, such as every evening after supper (younger cats need 2-3 play periods a day).

Your cat is designed to hunt its own dinner. You can simulate this behavior and satisfy their inner hunter with toys. You can spend loads of money buying expensive cat toys, but some of the “toys” cats love best are free or low-cost items you may already have on hand:

  • Paper bags (handles removed for safety)
  • Crumpled-up pieces of paper
  • Foil balls
  • Cardboard boxes
  • Cardboard rolls from toilet paper or paper towels. Use a sharp pencil to poke holes in the tube. Put a few treats inside to rattle around, and then fold the ends of the tube down to keep the treats inside for a little bit while your cat bats the tube around.
  • Alphabet magnets
  • Ping-pong balls
  • Hair band tied to a string (pull it across the floor)
  • Laser pointer (take care not to shine these in your cat’s eyes). Hide treats in a new location and use the pointer to gradually guide your kitty toward the hidden area, allowing her to “kill” the treat.

Kitty Ping-Pong

Put two or more ping-pong balls in a large cardboard box or an empty bathtub. Close the drain stopper and encourage your cat to jump in and bat the balls around.

Cat Maze

Cut holes in a bunch of boxes and create a maze:

Alphabet Game

Place a few alphabet magnets on the lower half of your oven, dishwasher, or fridge (as long as you don’t mind the appliance getting scratched), or on a magnet board. Your cat will love batting the letters around. Who knows… kitty may even learn how to spell some words!

Chase-And-Pounce

Cats love to chase and pounce, so buy some inexpensive catnip-filled toys, door-mounted toys, motion-activated balls and battery-operated toys to keep your cat entertained.

Like small children, cats get quickly bored with their toys, so rotate in one or two at a time. Twice a day, set a timer for 5 minutes and play with your cat. Test a variety of squeaky mice, funky feathers, twirly tops, and dangly doodads.

Take extra care to put away small toys when you’re not actively supervising your cat – you might be surprised at the number of toy mice and hair ties we’ve had to surgically remove from kitties’ digestive tracts.

KONG offers a huge variety of cat toys, from the popular Kitty KONG toy and treat dispenser to a laser teaser ribbon.

Scent Enrichment and Foraging Games

You can also bring the outside in (provided your cat is current on vaccinations and deworming). Select some rocks, leaves, sticks, and tree branches to stimulate your cat’s senses.

Environmental Enrichment Activities for Indoor Cats | AtlanticVetSeattle.com

Put leaves in a box and toss in a few treats for your cat to hunt for.

You can also hide food puzzles or food balls around your home (or under rocks and tree branches) so your cat can practice their foraging skills. Place treats in a new hiding spot each day.

Cats quickly get used to smells, so rotate new “scented” items in regularly.

Exercise Wheel or Treadmill

There are exercise wheels made specifically for cats (they look like giant hamster wheels). You can also train your cat to walk/jog/run on a human treadmill, as shown in this hilarious video.

Begin the personal training when your kitty is young, if possible. Start at a slow speed and gradually increase the pace.

Training & Tricks

Similar to their canine counterparts, cats can be trained to sit, lie down, roll over, shake hands, high-five, come when called, walk on a leash, and yes… jump through hoops.

Environmental Enrichment Activities for Indoor Cats | AtlanticVetSeattle.com

You can even teach your cat to skateboard!

This video includes tips for teaching your cat a new trick.

 

Video & Audio

Environmental Enrichment Activities for Indoor Cats | AtlanticVetSeattle.com

Some cats like watching TV, particularly when the “shows” are designed for cats. This 5-hour YouTube video pairs relaxing music with birds flying around.

Your kitty may also enjoy videos that feature aquariums, squirrels, chipmunks, rabbits, and of course, mice.

Cats have specific preferences when it comes to music. Felines don’t usually like “human” music such as heavy metal and pop (and they’ll probably turn up their nose to the soundtrack from Cats).

Cats are attracted to soothing nature sounds, new age and classical music. If you want to create a playlist, cats enjoy the sound frequencies of the piano, harp, cello, and flute – instruments you’ll hear in compositions by Vivaldi, Puccini, and Tchaikovsky.

Discerning cats might love this soundtrack by The Piano Guys of “Let it Go” from Disney’s Frozen. The song includes themes from Vivaldi’s Winter.

You and your furry friend will enjoy listening to it together!

How to Keep Your Pet Safe and Calm During July 4 Festivities

How to Keep Your Pet Safe and Calm During July 4 Festivities

Can you guess which day of the year pets get lost the most?

July 5.

The loud booms and shrieks of fireworks (and people) scare pets and they run off and can’t find their way home.

Planning ahead is the key to a more enjoyable holiday for both you and your pet. In this article, we’ll show you how to:

  • practice “pet fireworks safety”
  • reduce the noise factor that causes anxiety in pets

We’ll acquaint you with potentially toxic party items, and we’ll suggest tips for protecting your pet with a collar, ID tag, and microchip.

Practice Fireworks Safety

How to Keep Your Pet Safe and Calm During July 4 Festivities

Dogs seem to enjoy biting lit fireworks or chewing on spent fireworks. Lit fireworks can cause severe facial trauma and burns to the lips, nose, eyes, or inside of the mouth.

Spent fireworks contain hazardous materials. Even the dense cardboard that fireworks are packaged in can cause gastrointestinal upset when chewed or ingested.

The best preventive is to keep your pet away from fireworks

Reduce the Noise Factor

The explosive noise from fireworks scares the “pants” off many dogs and cats.

Secure your pet on a leash, or better yet, keep it inside, as far away from the fireworks as possible, in the most sound-proofed space in your home. A good location might be a closest or the basement.

Darken the room and shut the doors and windows (which not only reduces the noise but prevents your pet from running away).

Turn on white noise such as a fan, air conditioner, radio, or television.

Set your pet up with a comfortable bed and something to do to distract him from the noise.

If your pet experiences severe noise anxiety, we can recommend medications that may help decrease anxiety and relax your pet.

Banish Your Pet From Backyard BBQs

How to Keep Your Pet Safe and Calm During July 4 Festivities

Some of our prime picnic supplies spell “danger” for dogs and cats. The last thing you want to do on Independence Day is take an emergency trip to the vet, so keep your pet away from hot BBQ grills than can burn them (especially if they are sniffing around to find out what’s cooking).

Make sure your pet can’t get into any of these toxic items:

  • Alcohol and marijuana
  • Mosquito repellent
  • Corn on the cob
  • Raisins and grapes
  • Raw and under-cooked meat
  • Poultry, beef, and pork bones
  • Onions and garlic
  • Pie crust
  • Chocolate
  • Salty snack foods

For details, read these articles on our blog:

Protect your Pet with a Collar, ID tag, and Microchip

Proper ID for Your Pet: Even More Important While Traveling | AtlanticVetSeattle.com

You don’t want your pet to be one of the 7.6 million pets who are lost each year.

Even if your pet wears a collar and ID tag, those can fall off. Protect your pet with a collar, ID tag, and properly-registered microchip.

What is a microchip?

Microchips are implantable computer chips no bigger than a grain of rice. Each chip encodes a unique identification number to help reunite you with your lost pet.

The microchip is placed under your pet’s skin with a needle and syringe. The chip receives a radio signal from a scanner and transmits the encoded chip identification number back to the scanner.

Register the microchip

It is important to register your pet’s microchip, to maintain updated contact information, and to provide multiple emergency contacts in case your pet gets lost while you’re out of town.

Give your pet the best chance of being reunited with you. Call us today to schedule an appointment to have your pet microchipped.

Why Is My Cat Peeing on Laundry?

Note to readers: This is one of our most popular articles. We’ve updated it with new and more detailed information for 2023.

Inappropriate urination is the leading cause of cats being surrendered to shelters.

While there are a number of underlying causes, they can generally be broken down into medical causes, behavioral causes, and litter box causes (or some combination of these three).

Why Is My Cat Peeing on Laundry? | AtlanticVetSeattle.comMedical causes

When cats choose somewhere besides their litter boxes to urinate, veterinarians look for health concerns such as such as kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, crystals in the urine (a potentially life-threatening situation in male cats), bladder stones, or bladder inflammation caused by an infection or even stress.

Common medical conditions that can cause inappropriate urination:

  • Urinary tract infection (UTI): A UTI is a bacterial infection of the bladder or urethra. UTIs are common in cats and can cause pain, urgency, and frequency of urination.
  • Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD): FLUTD is a group of conditions that affect the lower urinary tract in cats. FLUTD can cause pain, inflammation, and blockages of the urethra.
  • Kidney disease: Kidney disease can cause an increase in urination and thirst.
  • Diabetes: Diabetes can cause an increase in urination and thirst.
  • Endocrinopathies: Endocrinopathies are disorders of the endocrine system, which can cause a variety of symptoms, including inappropriate urination.

The pain cats experience can lead to behavioral-inappropriate urination due to a learned aversion to the “offending” litter box seen as the source of pain by the cat.

Laundry on the floor offers a soft, welcoming place to try to relieve the pain.

Behavioral causes

Conversely, behavior may be the underlying cause of inappropriate urination in and of itself.

Domestic cats are very, very closely related to wild cats who live in groups of related female cats, roaming and defending territories of about 10 acres.

We humans, who love them, often force them into unnatural situations where they feel crowded, bored, or anxious.

Squabbling between cats or a dog, strangers in the home, noise, or a scary event that occurred while they were using the litter box (intimidation by another cat or a washing machine buzzer, for example) can also be the underlying cause.

Other stressful situations may include changes in the household, such as a new pet or a new baby, or changes in the cat’s environment, such as a move to a new home.

Cats may mark their territory with urine, especially if they feel threatened or insecure.

Litter box causes

Let’s not forget the litter box itself!

When a litter box isn’t up to a cat’s standards (think Porta Potty at a trailhead in August) or she doesn’t care for the perfume or texture of the litter, she may decide to “go” elsewhere (like on the laundry).

Two rules of thumb we champion

You can never have too many, too large, or too clean litter boxes.

 You need one litter box per cat, plus one, and one on every floor of the house.

Litter box tips

  • Litter box location: Place the litter box in a quiet, private location.
  • Litter type: Cats have texture preferences for a number of the things they do naturally, including urinating. Some cats prefer softer substrates, such as laundry or plastic bags on the floor, instead of cat litter (especially pelleted or old-fashioned clay litter). Other cats don’t seem to care. Experiment until you find one that your cat likes.
  • Litter box size: The litter box should be large enough for your cat to comfortably turn around in.
  • Litter box cleanliness: Scoop out waste daily and completely change the litter at least once a week.
  • Pheromone diffuser: Some cats may benefit from using a calming pheromone diffuser in the area where the litter box is located. This can help to reduce stress and anxiety, which can sometimes lead to inappropriate urination.

Determining the cause of inappropriate urination

If your cat is showing signs of stress, such as excessive grooming, hiding, increased vocalization, or aggression, consult with your veterinarian or a veterinary behaviorist. These changes may be a sign of a medical problem or a behavioral issue that requires treatment.

Figuring out the underlying cause of inappropriate urination starts with a thorough history and complete physical exam, including a urinalysis that is run right away (not sent to the lab) to look for crystal formation, blood tests to look for diabetes, kidney disease, and hyperthyroidism.

Often, we will also recommend bladder imaging, such as X-rays or an ultrasound, to look for bladder stones and possibly, at kidney health.

If all tests check out, we’ll explore possible behavioral causes. Here is where a house call visit from a veterinarian experienced in cat behavior can be very helpful in assessing life from the cat’s point of view.

Fortunately, there is hope for most cats that are urinating outside the litter box if the problem is addressed quickly, before it becomes a more serious medical issue or a habit, if it’s a behavioral issue.

Atlantic Veterinary Hospital in Seattle serves the following neighborhoods: Mt. Baker, Columbia City, Beacon Hill, Rainier Valley, Seward Park, Capitol Hill, Leschi, Central District, Madison Valley, International District, and Georgetown.