Not many people call me to report their dog will simply not get off the sofa, ever!  I almost never hear, “Every time I pick up the leash, my dog just lies down and goes to sleep.” More often, the complaint is, “My dog won’t settle down.  He knocks me down to get out the door, and he drags me down the street when I try to take him for a walk.”

Dogs are genetically wired and physically structured for movement.  Yes, the little ones, too.  Dogs in the wild, feral dogs, even domestic dogs need exercise – mental and physical exercise.  The good news is, if we work out an effective plan, we stand to benefit from exercise also.  I lament for the owner who just lets his dog out in the yard to exercise.  That owner may be missing out on a daily opportunity to add a smile to his or her own face.  Dogs oftentimes love the simplest forms of exercise – chasing a ball, rolling in a pile of leaves, searching for hidden Kongs, or digging in a sandbox.  For the more adventurous, there’s jogging, roller-blading, agility, tracking, herding or even dancing with your dog. 

Having a dog gives you permission to roll on the ground.  He gives you permission to don your grubbies and take a walk in the sun.  He gives you permission to throw a ball endlessly at the park.  And dogs can make great tennis partners.  If you are having a hard time finding a fun, comfortable way to exercise with your dog, ask for help. You’ll have a much easier time teaching your dog behavioral skills if your dog enjoys spending time with you in the first place. 

Dog aficionados are a creative bunch. Use this space to share your favorite ways to exercise your dog (and get a workout for yourself)!

Today’s blog author is Marie Tripton. Marie is the manager of the Richmond SPCA’s Behavior Helpline. Call the helpline at 643-SPCA or e-mail .

Adopting a pet is such an exciting experience for you and your family.  We are fortunate at the Richmond SPCA to witness this excitement on a daily basis, and over the years, our experienced staff has helped unite thousands of pets with new parents.  This helps us assist adopters at our center with finding the perfect pet to match their lifestyles, and we’d love to share some of our tips to making sure this happens for you, too!

The biggest thing to consider is your expectation for a new pet in your home.  For example, my expectations for a new dog are that he gets along well with my other dog, loves my baby, is calm, is not destructive when left unattended and can lie down on his bed and be still while the family rests or relaxes.  In other words, interrupting “Survivor” or “American Idol” has consequences in my household!  A pet’s being housebroken or possessing basic obedience skills is not as important to me because I am confident I can train him in those areas on my own. 

Other sample expectations might include being able to be left alone during a normal work day and not being destructive in the house, being an active dog that goes running with you and your kids, or being able to play fetch in the backyard for hours on end.  These are all things you should consider before adopting a pet and meeting with one of our adoption counselors, who can help find that perfect match. As we discussed last week, the same applies when looking for a new feline friend.  Do you want a cuddly cat who won’t leave you alone, or a more independent kitty?  Paying attention to your own lifestyle when selecting a pet is far more important than focusing on a specific breed of dog or cat. Our Web site is a great place to start your search. Check out the photos and descriptions of a sample of the dogs and cats awaiting your visit to the Robins-Starr Humane Center.

We’d love to hear what some of your own expectations were before acquiring your last furry friend!

Today’s blog author is Makena Yarbrough.  Makena is the director of operations at the Richmond SPCA.

After many years in private practice and with pets of my own, I have come to the conclusion that dogs adapt to our family life, and cats just allow us to live in their world.  I have always believed that when we get to the afterlife, that all the animals will be able to speak to us and explain all the things they kept trying to tell us that we never understood while on Earth.  When I had my own practice, it always amazed me that most dogs really liked coming to my office.  I think it’s safe to say I never met a cat who wanted to be there. But they are such great companions; the kind who will stay in bed with you for days with the flu, purr so loudly that the couch vibrates and follow you to the bathroom just to keep you company.

If they could talk to us, I think these are some of the things cats would have liked their families to understand before a visit with the vet:

“Why did you insist on opening that crate door as I hissed at you, lunged at the door and swatted with all claws bared?  I am really scared, and even familiar people aren’t much comfort right now. Sorry, mom and dad, you shouldn’t hold me for my exam because I may get you too.  Just let me calm down somewhere quiet.”

“That soft lump over my back is from the neighborhood bully I tangled with.  It’s an abscess, and I need the doctor to see it and put me on some antibiotics.  Don’t forget to have them recheck me for Feline Leukemia and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus in a couple of months in case that mean cat had some nasty germs.  And can I stay in the house from now on?”

“I know I keep asking to go out and roam all hours of the night. Really I’d be much happier inside, but my hormones are raging.  Please don’t keep putting off having me neutered.  You’ll likely get more rest, and I’ll be much safer, if you’ll call and schedule my surgery now.”

“I didn’t pee on the laundry out of spite.  It hurts when I go because I have a bladder infection.  Can you take me to the vet so I don’t start using other things for my litter box out of habit?  Once I get used to it, the habit will be hard to break, you know.”

“I know you feed me because you love me, but I am a food-driven couch potato.  I have gotten really overweight, and I am afraid I am going to get diabetes.  Can we get me some exercise and lower my calories after you have the vet check me out?”

“I am still lying in the same place I was when you left for work because I feel awful!  I am running a temperature of 104.5, and I am too stiff to even get off my bed.  I may not feel that hot to you, but I really need to get to the doctor to find out why my temperature is so high.  No, I can’t take the fever reducers meant for you or the kids.”

“Please, please, please don’t use that flea medicine on me without checking with doc.  No money you save will be worth me dying from toxicity.”

“I am aware that we have the reputation of being finicky eaters, but I don’t want my usual cat food because I am nauseous.  Yesterday I vomited, but it’s not from a hairball.  I know you didn’t see me eat the dental floss (or tinsel or yarn or thread), but I just wanted to play with it. Now it’s stuck in my belly.  Sorry, but I really need to see the vet.”

“I try to be tough – and many times I get better despite what you do – but when I look like I feel bad, I really should go to the vet’s office.  I promise to be on my very best behavior.  You believe me, right?”

Today’s blog was written by Dr. Angela Ivey, director of veterinary medicine at the Richmond SPCA. Dr. Ivey spent many years in private veterinary practice before joining the medical staff at the Richmond SPCA in 2004.

One of the things I appreciate most about my cat – aside from her warm, fluffy purrs - is that I don’t have to put on my jacket and boots on cold winter evenings when she needs to potty.  In fact, I don’t even need to budge.  She’s happy to take care of those needs on her own as long as I hold up my end of the bargain.  My job is to keep 2 clean litter boxes available at all times.  Pretty simple.

Cats are typically fastidious creatures.  They like to be clean themselves – hence the frequent licking.  And they would like their living area to stay as clean as you would.  They are even willing to seek out a small box with loose material in it to help out, then cover up their waste.  This behavior is so genetically wired in most domestic cats, that the very first thing I recommend in response to any litter box problem is a visit to your vet – especially if “missing” the litter box is a new behavior. 

The most frequent cause for litter box problems happens when a cat is unable to get to a clean, appropriately-sized litter box.  Then they accidentally discover they can relieve themselves on other surfaces. 

So, make a pact with your cat:  I [your name here] resolve to provide you, [your cat’s name here], access to at least 2 appropriately-sized, clean litter boxes at all times.  In return, you, [cat’s name here] will make every effort to relieve yourself in only those locations.  Unless, of course, you are not feeling well, in which case I [your name again] vow to be wise enough to take you to the vet.

For detailed steps to help rectify existing litter box problems, check out our behavior information on “Solving Litter Box Problems.”

Today’s blog author is Marie Tripton. Marie is the manager of the Richmond SPCA’s Behavior Helpline. Call the helpline at 643-SPCA or e-mail .

“Dogs come when they are called. Cats take a message and get back to you.” ~Mary Bly

Did you know there are 37 million homes in our country that have cats – totaling more than 85 million feline friends?  Wow, we love our cats!  If you are considering opening your heart and home to a kitty, please consider the wide variety of cats we have available for adoption at our Robins-Starr Humane Center. We have every variety, from white to orange, lazy to active, younger to older, long-haired to short-haired, calico to striped, and the list goes on and on.  It can be overwhelming to know what you are looking for in a four-legged family member, and we are happy to help in the search. One important question to ask yourself is what type of personality you’d like your cat to have - affectionate, playful, rambunctious, independent, or talkative?  Most people think they want a kitten, but what they sometimes don’t realize is that kittens can be difficult to manage at times due to their high energy level.  We often suggest adopters take home two kittens so they can keep each other company and don’t feel the need to wake you up at 2 a.m. by bouncing off your head to play! The nice thing about adopting an adult cat is that you already know her personality, whereas with a kitten, what you see might not be what you get as she matures.  We have knowledgeable adoption counselors who can help you pick out the right cat for your family and lifestyle, so visit us today and meet lots of lovable cats just waiting to go home.

How did you know your cat was “the one”?

Today’s blog author is Makena Yarbrough.  Makena is the director of operations at the Richmond SPCA.

“I have a almost 4 year old male neutered Yorkie who recently (last several months) has become very aggressive to our 13 year old cat.  As a puppy, he would bark and pester the cat but never tried to hurt her.  As he got older he would chase her off the bed sometimes but again not in an aggressive way and not continue to chase her once she was off the bed.  We now keep the cat in the family room downstairs and keep a gate at the door so she can feel safe.  When the weather is nice the cat likes to go outside, yesterday they were in the front yard and everything seemed fine, they greeted each other and wandered around the yard.  They were both on the porch when suddenly he looked at her and set into her like he had never seen her before and she was his worst enemy.  He chased her around the yard and under the bushes, it was several minutes before we could catch him and let her back in the house.  We have three other dogs who get along peacefully with the cat.  The cat has always been very loving to the dogs.  Two of the dogs are older, larger male and female and one is a young female Rat Terrier we got several months ago.  The Yorkie and the Rat Terrier get along very well and he doesn’t show any aggression towards her.  He seems to enjoy having something closer to his size to play with, he also plays well with the other two dogs.  The Yorkie doesn’t really like small children, sometimes he will allow them to pet him but most times he barks aggressively at them.  He is fine with older children and adults.  He likes to go to Canine Cafe at the SPCA and behaves very well. “ - Linda Maroney

Response from Richmond SPCA Behavior Helpline Manager Marie Tripton

Thanks for posting, Linda, I’m glad to hear you’re concerned about your dog’s chasing behavior.  Even though it has not resulted in serious damage, it quickly can.  Many of us know that animals or people running can trigger chasing behavior in dogs, which is why we always tell children to “be like a tree” if they come across an unknown dog.  Unfortunately, we have no real way of teaching cats how to freeze if they come across a dog.  Here are a few things you can try instead.  First and foremost, limit your cat’s running distance and provide her with lots of hiding places by keeping her indoors.  Next, teach your dog to behave calmly around your cat.  You may even want to get your dog and cat re-acquainted by following the tips in our February 7 post “Cats and Dogs. Can They Really Get Along?” Keep in mind that even though barking, pestering and chasing the cat may not physically harm her, it is still a very unpleasant situation for your cat.  Ideally the cat and dog will not be loose in the house together until they are able to behave calmly around each other at all times when supervised.  Make sure to keep your dog on leash, behind a gate or behind a closed door until you are sure he will not chase, pester or bark at the cat.  Use this transition time to help your dog learn to lie quietly at your feet, come immediately when called, or walk calmly on leash past the cat.  Be sure to reward lots of his positive behavior, so he doesn’t end up only getting your attention when he makes a mistake.

For assistance resolving behavior problems specific to your pet household, feel free to contact the Richmond SPCA’s Behavior Helpline, 643-SPCA, or e-mail . 

In a very short time, we have taken huge steps toward developing a higher level of veterinary care for our pets.  It would not have been possible five years ago to schedule an MRI, ultrasound or acupuncture for our pets as routinely as we do today.  You can request to see a specialist in Dermatology, Surgery and Orthopedics, Ophthalmology, Neurology, Oncology or Cardiology.  You used to have to seek out these services at veterinary schools, but now we can expect the same medical care, diagnostics and prescription drugs that we expect for ourselves. 

These types of veterinary costs are hard to plan for in advance.  State-of-the art veterinary care allows our pets to live longer, healthier lives but can be very expensive.  Many conditions that were once considered terminal are now treatable, but the cost of that treatment can run into the thousands of dollars.  You need the same emergency fund for your animals that you have for the rest of your family.  There are pet insurance companies that can help offset the cost of an emergency as well as preventative care.  You should establish a strong relationship with your veterinarian and discuss with him or her the payment options offered at the clinic either directly or through a third party.  These discussions should always take place long before the need arises.  With all the happiness and companionship that our pets provide for us, it would be a shame for lifesaving decisions to be determined by the expense and whether we can afford it.  Plan today so that your pet is protected. 

Today’s blog was written by Dr. Angela Ivey, director of veterinary medicine at the Richmond SPCA. Dr. Ivey spent many years in private veterinary practice before joining the medical staff at the Richmond SPCA in 2004.

Torn sweater and broken necklace of neighbor Fido greeted so exuberantly:  $75
Throw rug in family room that Fido used as a potty:  $300
Bumper of automobile that swerved into the pole as Fido ran across the street:  $600
Cost of sofa Fido chewed up because he was bored:  $1200

Your best friend doesn’t have to bring you expense and frustration.  A trained dog is a better companion, and training may not be as expensive as you would expect, especially when compared to the alternative, as seen above.

Cost of one 7-week Canine Manners class:  $90
Cost of one 7-week Canine Manners class if your dog was adopted from Richmond SPCA: $80
Cost of several good strong chew toys to rotate out during the week:  $50
Cost of several balls to play fetch with: $20
Cost of a 1-hour behavior consult:  $0. That’s right.  It’s free – or $20 if you would like to make a donation to help the animals in our shelter, call 643-SPCA.

Cost of a well-mannered dog who is a pleasure to take on public outings:  Priceless.

Give your pet a smart start from the beginning.  Consider the cost of good training when adopting.  It will be less expensive in the long run. Click here for upcoming schedules of training classes.

Today’s blog author is Marie Tripton. Marie is the manager of the Richmond SPCA Behavior Helpline.

One of the many things you should consider when contemplating acquiring a pet is the variety of costs associated with owning and caring for your pet over the course of his or her lifetime.  Today we’re going to compare the cost of adopting a pet versus obtaining a “free to good home” pet.

Free to Good Home
Adoption fee: Free

Vet services*
Spay/Neuter surgery: $130
Inoculations**: $40
Rabies vaccine: $15
FIV/FELV test (cats only): $30

Other costs
Vet Exam: $35
ID Tag: $5

TOTAL: $255

Richmond SPCA Adoption
Adoption fee: $100

Services by Richmond SPCA
(included with all adoptions)
Spay/Neuter surgery: Free
Inoculations**: Free
Rabies vaccine: Free
FIV/FELV test (cats only): Free

Other costs
Vet Exam: Free
ID Tag: Free

TOTAL: $100

*All vet costs provided are averages for comparison purposes. Your actual cost will vary depending on the vet you select as well as the species, age and gender of your pet.
**All shots come in a series, depending on the age of your pet.

What other profession can get as much mileage out of a discussion on POOP as veterinarians? 

The message you should take home from this blog is to become familiar with your pet’s normal POOP habits. The baseline of “normal” should include knowing the frequency of bowel movements, the size of each movement, the consistency as well as urgency of each movement.  If you are feeding a quality food without excessive treats (including no table food) then it should be fairly easy to learn your critters’ normal POOP habits.  Then, anything that deviates from this should be cause for concern and possibly a trip to your local veterinarian. 

Mucus and blood in your pet’s POOP may not necessarily be bad. You may see either of these with a diet change or stress in the environment (like a trip to the kennel, a new baby or moving to a new house).  Diarrhea is never normal, but it can be caused by a wide variety of things including, but not limited to, dietary indiscretions, intestinal parasites, pancreatic insufficiency, irritable bowel syndrome or several different viral infections.  Granted, the dietary indiscretions may be easily handled at home with a bland diet for a few days, but these animals usually do not feel bad.  If you see POOP changes of any kind in an animal who appears to feel bad, refuses to eat, or vomits, then these signs warrant a trip to the vet.  Also be sure to save a sample of the abnormal POOP so that your doctor can check it when you get there. Sometimes it is difficult to get a fresh sample once you arrive at the clinic.

Today’s blog was written by Dr. Angela Ivey, director of veterinary medicine at the Richmond SPCA. Dr. Ivey spent many years in private veterinary practice before joining the medical staff at the Richmond SPCA in 2004.

Housetraining is, at best, an unsavory task.  Although POOP is unpleasant, teaching your pet where his POOP belongs is effective when performed consistently.  Most adult dogs bearing puppies have the natural inclination to keep their immediate living area clean of urine and feces.  So, puppies will generally get a good head start in this area.  When the caretaking transitions to you - the pet parent – you’ll need to make sure your puppy has plenty of access to areas outside of his living area to relieve himself.  If you schedule your puppy’s feeding and his potty time outdoors, and you limit his opportunities for “mistakes,” he will eventually be following the schedule you establish. 

This task is more difficult for some of us than others.  If your pet is not inclined to keep a small living area clean, there could be several contributing factors:

• It could be your dog is still too young.  Dogs are not physically able to control their bladder or bowels until they reach a certain age.  Much like you would be unable to potty train a human child at 2 months of age, most dogs will not be physically capable of going 8 hours without relieving themselves until they are about 7 months old. 

• It could be your dog was never given the option of keeping his living area clean.  Unfortunately, some puppies are inadequately cared for during their first few months of life.  They end up spending several days in a row in a small crate or pen.  With no clear floor space, they are forced to go to the bathroom in their sleeping or eating areas.  They are not even given the opportunity to learn the concept of keeping clean.  This is a difficult pattern to alter, but can be accomplished.  During training, you may want to consider providing your dog with diapers to help him keep his living area clean. 

• It could be your dog has a medical problem.  If your dog is 6 months or older, and he is defecating more than 1 -3 times a day, he may be experiencing a digestive or parasite problem.  The consistency of the stool can also tell you a good deal about your dog’s health.  Even if you’re not sure, it’s always wise to rule out a physical problem before embarking on resolving a behavior problem.  Talk with your vet. 

• It could be your dog is stressed.  If your dog never has an “accident” in the house or in his crate when you’re at home, but eliminates in the crate when you leave the house for even an hour, stress may be a factor.  Much like people, dogs can also lose bladder and bowel control when frightened or stressed.  Even mild distress can upset a dog’s bowels enough to trigger the need to relieve himself.  Look for books, talk with trainers, or call our Behavior Helpline at 643-SPCA for more information about crate-training and helping your dog feel calmer about your departures. Click here to visit the pet behavior page at richmondspca.org.

Much can also be said about cats on the topic of POOP.  In fact, it’s a vast topic of its own.  Stay tuned the week of March 5, when we’ll address litterbox issues along with a host of other cat concerns.

Today’s blog author is Marie Tripton. Marie is the manager of the Richmond SPCA’s Behavior Helpline.

This week’s topic is POOP.  You laugh, but there is a lot that can be said about POOP.  On Friday our medical staff will let you know about the many ways POOP can tell you what might be wrong with your pet, and of course we are all trying to find ways to keep POOP out of our homes, which you will learn more about on Wednesday from our behavior blog.

Today, let’s discuss POOP in regards to adoption.  What does POOP have to do with making a choice on an animal?  When considering a new pet, consider these questions:  If you walk your dog what size baggy will you need to bring along?  How often do you clean up in your yard?  If you are getting a cat what type of litter box do you need?  If you don’t like scooping the litter to remove the poop, do you get an electric litter box, train the cat to go in the toilet or perhaps use a litter that you don’t have to scoop twice a day?  If you are thinking of getting a puppy, are you ok with POOP being in the house during his or her training period?  If you have a dog at home and are preparing to adopt a cat, did you know that dogs love to eat cat POOP? You may want to find a creative way of elevating the litter box to discourage Rover from this behavior.

Be aware that sometimes a change in food or a change in environment can change the consistency of the dog or cat’s POOP.  Many of our adopted animals go home and begin to have loose POOP or don’t POOP at all the first couple of days. A new pet needs time to adjust to a new environment. 

Return here for more POOP talk throughout the week.  We’d also like to read about your experience with POOP. Leave your stories and questions in the comments section.

Today’s blog author is Makena Yarbrough.  Makena is the director of operations at the Richmond SPCA.

Chaining can have a very negative impact on a dog’s health and happiness. The most common health consequence of chaining involves puppies who outgrow their collars in just a few weeks depending on their breed or breed mix.  Their constant pulling on the chain that confines them, in addition to outdoor elements such as rain and heat, can cause their collars to become embedded into their necks as they grow.  The same can happen to an adolescent or adult dog who is gaining weight, and the result is extremely painful. 

These wounds take weeks to heal and are very expensive to treat. A dog with an embedded collar must be sedated to have the collar removed.  Since these injuries typically are not noticed and treated right away, infection inevitably sets in and the skin begins to heal over the collar.  Of course, a dog with this injury won’t let anyone touch his neck because the pain is so severe.  He will need long-term antibiotics, hydrotherapy and pain medications to keep him from traumatizing the wound.

Dogs who are chained, especially those who have very short chains, are also at risk of accidental choking or fatal suffocation. 

If you know of a dog who is chained and suspect he may be at risk for or suffering from these serious injuries, please contact your local animal care and control agency.

Today’s blog was written by Dr. Angela Ivey, director of veterinary medicine at the Richmond SPCA. Dr. Ivey spent many years in private veterinary practice before joining the medical staff at the Richmond SPCA in 2004.

Many of us bring a dog into our household for companionship.  We like the warm cozy feeling of our dog’s head in our hands.  We like the way they follow us around adoringly.  We like the way they let us know if bad things go bump in the night.  We like them to be near us, as a companion would be.  And dogs, being the social animals that they are, enjoy being our companions – a perfect match.

Sometimes, somehow, some way, something goes wrong.  Banjo starts racing through the house.  Jake has a few accidents on the rug.  Cody starts chewing everything in reach.  It’s a nice day, and the simple solution seems to be to just leave him outside for a while.  One day turns into two days or even longer.  It won’t take long before your dog starts seeking companionship again.  After the initial burst of excitement, Banjo will strain against the chain that confines him in an attempt to play with the dog next door. Jake will bark at anyone who passes by, and Cody will scratch at the back door in search of your affection.  Now the simple solution doesn’t seem so simple anymore, and you have additional problems to address! 

Did you know that the simple act of chaining a dog creates more problems than it fixes?  Dogs become easily frustrated when they see things and cannot reach them.  Toys and food that are tossed out of reach create anxiety.  Other animals or children running nearby may look fun, but Buster will work himself into a frenzy trying to get their attention.  And, if left on the chain for too long, this behavior becomes ingrained.  Constant frustration and the lack of socialization that comes with chaining can lead to aggression, and what started as a solution to simple problems has now become much more serious.  Take steps before that happens to address your dog’s behavior problem, and you will find it was well worth the effort. 

There are many resources available to help you work through rough times with your friend: books, DVDs, classes, trainers, Web sites.  If the list of resources seems too large to pick through, we can certainly help.  Contact the Richmond SPCA Behavior Helpline at 804-643-SPCA, e-mail for suggestions, or visit the behavior section of our Web site (www.richmondspca.org/behavior) for answers to lots of your pet questions. 

Other reliable resources might be your veterinarian, your local pet store, or even a friend with a well-trained dog.  The key is to seek help early.  One house-training problem can quickly develop into a house-training, barking, digging, can’t-even-walk-him-on-leash-anymore problem if not dealt with constructively. 

Don’t chain your friend outside.  Teach him how to live inside with you. He’ll be happier, and you will be, too.

Today’s blog author is Marie Tripton. Marie is the manager of the Richmond SPCA’s Behavior Helpline.

I have three cats who’ve brought much joy to my life.  I’ve had cats nearly all my life, but only females until little Rascal moved in in October. Rascal is a young neutered male (under a year old).  He’s very sweet, very active, but exhibits aggressive behavior toward my two spayed middle-aged females.  He jumps on their backs, sometimes licks, sometimes bites their neck and ears.  Needless to say, they don’t find this much fun and have resorted to spending much of their time under the bed, under tables or chairs where he can’t jump on them.  Clapping my hands to startle him doesn’t work, neither does a spray bottle with water.  He likes water and tries to play with the spray.

He exhibited this behavior when he first came into my house at three months and still exhibits the behavior after being neutered three weeks ago.  I don’t know if he’ll outgrow it.  Right now, I spend a lot of time ‘breaking up’ attacks and I shut him in a spare bedroom at night so the other two cats can have a little ‘down’ time.  Any suggestions on why he does this and what I can do to minimize or stop this behavior?  He gets a generous amount of attention already and gets the same treats at the same time as the two females.  He spent the first three months of his life in a home where his favorite playmate was a thirty-pound black lab puppy.  Does this have something to do with his aggression?

- Bonnie Pega

This Valentine Week is “Have a Heart for Chained Dogs,” a campaign created by Dogs Deserve Better organization.  The purpose is to make people aware of the problems and dangers of dogs being chained for long periods of time. 

At the Richmond SPCA, we do not believe dogs should live their lives on chains.  In our blogs this week you will hear why we feel so strongly about making your dog a part of the family.  Some communities in Virginia have already passed ordinances outlawing chaining a dog for long periods of time, and we applaud those areas who are taking proactive steps to see that dogs do not suffer on the end of a chain. 

Families acquire dogs with good intentions, but often they aren’t prepared for the responsibility involved in caring for a dog. The dog could end up alone on a chain in the backyard wondering, “Why me? What did I do to deserve this type of life?” Dogs are such social creatures. Being ignored in the backyard is torturous. This week expect blogs from Education & Training as well as the Medical Treatment Department at the Richmond SPCA.  We will discuss the impact chaining has on a dog’s behavioral and physical well being and his or her relationships with other animals and people.

We invite you to share your success stories of bringing a dog in from the backyard to join the family.

Now that we have helped you to introduce your two new family members let’s hit on some of the health issues.  It should be said that all pets should be in optimal health before the introduction so the additional stress is not a burden on either the cat or dog in the environment. 

Any time you add a new four-legged companion to your home, the hope is that they will learn to share the home and enjoy each other’s company, but there are some areas where sharing isn’t helpful.  While dogs and cats cannot expose one another to infectious diseases, parasites are a different story.  Flea or tick problems in the house or yard can be equally shared by cat or dog. When working to get rid of parasites, you must treat all pets who share the environment.

If given the chance, many dogs will eat out of the litter box (cats seem to be a little smarter in that regard), exposing themselves to any intestinal parasites carried by the cat.  Many cats won’t eat dog food, but again the reverse is not true, and dogs can get some pretty severe stomach upsets from eating cat food.  It’s best to keep the litter box and food bowls where they can’t share.

Ringworm infections (caused by a fungus, rather than a worm) can be passed between cat and dog as well as to the human family members.  They can also share ear mites if they get along well enough to sleep with each other. 

In my practice experience, as well as my own home, a cat is usually in charge, but I am always careful of one cat with multiple dogs. I am also careful to warn owners of the protruding-eye type breeds like pugs and Boston terriers of the dangers of eye lacerations from the claw of the cat that the dog should have left alone.  Most of the time a cat can get to higher ground if rough play gets out of hand, but the cat could get hurt if he gets caught. Better to be sure they get along well before you leave them alone unattended.

Today’s blog was written by Dr. Angela Ivey, director of veterinary medicine at the Richmond SPCA. Dr. Ivey spent many years in private veterinary practice before joining the medical staff at the Richmond SPCA in 2004.

Yes, in short, but not necessarily with all other cats or dogs.

If you are considering introducing a dog to your cat household or a cat to your dog household, be prepared to provide safety and extra training for all parties involved.  The time and effort you spend ensuring a safe, gradual introduction will typically be far less stressful than that spent trying to repair an initially tumultuous relationship.

Unfortunately, there are no 100% guarantees when it comes to animal relationships.  Even though your dog may enjoy meeting cats on leash during your walks, living with one in “his” household is an entirely different situation.  Cats can also be comfortable with one particular dog, but run from all others.

Take your time.  The primary relationship you will want to build when introducing any new pet to your home is your pet’s relationship with you.  If your pet learns to view you as guardian and caretaker, he or she will generally feel safer trying new things.

• Avoid introducing Fluffy to Fido on her first night home.  Instead, establish a nice, cozy, safe room for her to rest when she needs to be away from everything.

• Let her establish a “home base’ so-to-speak before exposing her to the rest of the house. 

• During her settling in period (which may be days or weeks), spend time socializing, playing with, and training her. 

• Supervise her free-roaming periods in the house, but only with the other pets safely behind closed doors.  That way your cat can get used to everyone’s scents and sounds before actually meeting them. 

The same process applies if you are introducing a dog to your household.  Get to know your dog before he gets to know your cat.  Train him.  Play with him.  Socialize him. 

• Give your dog a short time each day to explore the cat’s room without the cat, rather than risking an unpleasant surprise meeting in the hallway. 

• After Fido has had a chance to explore, let him rest in another room while Fluffy gets to explore his room. 

• Important note: Cat litter is very hazardous when ingested in large amounts, so be sure to keep the litter box inaccessible to Fido at all times. 

• When Fido is comfortable in his new surroundings, you may give him protected access to the other pet(s). 

• Use a baby gate or just crack the room door to give your pets a safe opportunity to sniff each other.  Do this multiple times during the day, but start with very short periods. 

• Aim for calm and successful rather than long greetings.  Gradually increase their time together as they grow more comfortable with each other. 

Be safe.  Be patient.  And you may just be rewarded with a positive relationship between your pets.

Today’s blog author is Marie Tripton. Marie is the manager of the Richmond SPCA’s Behavior Helpline.

The cliché “fighting like cats and dogs” is as old as domesticated pets.  It makes us laugh with images of Garfield taunting Odie or Marmaduke chasing a cat. This doesn’t have to be the case.  In fact, cats and dogs can be wonderful companions for each other.

If you already have a dog and are thinking about finding him a buddy, you might want to adopt a cat.  With the spirit of love surrounding us this time of year, the Richmond SPCA has introduced a fun promotion we call “Find Your Dog a Feline Valentine.” We might not always think of dogs and cats as soul mates for one another, but to the contrary, many get along swimmingly and enjoy each other’s company very much.  If you have room to expand in the furry friend department, give this some thought.  Your dog will benefit from the companionship that a cat can offer, especially during days when the family is not at home. The average pet parent is a working adult, or a pair of working adults, who leave home at least 8 hours each day.  Bring home a companion to ease their loneliness. They’ll get along better than you’d expect, and they might even enjoy snuggle time together.

Want to make sure you find the perfect cat for your dog?  We do too. That’s why our knowledgeable adoption staff will spend lots of time helping you select a cat who adores dogs.  We even recommend bringing your dog into the center for a meet-and-greet session.

Don’t disappoint your pooch this Valentine’s Day. He’ll be excited to gain a new friend, and we know you will, too!

We often hear that spaying and neutering saves lives. In fact, it’s one of the best things you can do for your pet, but the how and why might not be obvious. How does sterilizing your pet save a life?

Our community already has too many homeless pets, and adding to the population through breeding, whether intentional or not, makes it more difficult to find homes for all of the dogs and cats in our area.  Pet parents often think that letting their dogs or cats have one litter is not contributing to the problem, provided they find homes for all of the puppies or kittens that are born; however, the truth is these puppies and kittens will go to families that otherwise might have considered adopting a dog or cat from a shelter. 

In addition, every unaltered pet placed in a new home has the potential to have its own puppies or kittens down the road, which adds even more pets to the community population.  A female cat can come into season as early as 6 months of age, often surprising her well-intentioned owner with a litter just as he thought to schedule surgery with a vet. 

As pet parents, we can help reduce the number of orphaned animals in Greater Richmond by having our pets spayed or neutered.  We all love puppies and kittens, and there are plentiful opportunities to spend time with them as foster parents for one of the shelters in our area.  During the summer months, there are hundreds of little ones who need our help.

Spaying or neutering our pets will improve their health and long-term happiness.  From a medical perspective, fixing our pets will reduce a number of illnesses.  Unaltered pets are more likely to develop mammary, ovarian, uterine and prostate tumors, infections and enlarged prostates.  Neutering your male pet will make him less likely to roam, fight or spray urine to mark his territory.  For a female, with every heat cycle her odds of developing mammary tumors increase, and she is more likely to get a sexually transmitted disease that could lead to cancer.  We can protect our pets’ overall health by having them spayed or neutered.

The Richmond SPCA’s Smoky’s Spay/Neuter Clinic offers free and low-cost surgeries Monday through Friday.  Through March 31, our medical team will spay or neuter cats of residents in Hanover, Henrico, Richmond, Chesterfield or Goochland for free (without any income qualifications).  For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call the Spay/Neuter Helpline at (804) 521-1300. 

Richmonders love their pets. In 2005, Richmond was voted one of the country’s top 10 dog-friendly cities by Dog Fancy magazine, which wasn’t likely to surprise anyone in Richmond. With a wide offering of canine friendly activities and businesses, Richmond is a great place for pooch parents. It’s also a great town for cats and those who love them. With the recent announcement that no healthy homeless pet was killed in Richmond during 2006, our city can also be known as a safe community for pets looking for a new home, a distinction that should bring pride to pet owners.

As with any true love, loving a pet brings a desire to do and know more. That’s why the Richmond SPCA was eager to respond to TimesDispatch.com’s invitation to provide a blog all about pets. We hope Dogblog/Catchat will become a place for dialogue.  Questions and comments are what take a blog beyond an internal monologue, and we want to welcome you and your input from the inception.

Our vets, behaviorists and adoption counselors will share this space to offer their insights and expertise on assorted topics.  Look here each Monday for Irresistible Fun! That’s our new adoption programs tagline, unveiled with an expectation of making the Robins-Starr Humane Center a fun destination for pet lovers of every age for a variety of reasons.

On Wednesdays, expect an update from the Richmond SPCA’s department of education and training.  Behavior Helpline Manager Marie Tripton brings several years of experience fielding calls from dog and cat owners.  She will weigh in on the week’s topic with general insight as well as samples of specific calls and e-mails.

Fridays give our medical team the opportunity to offer guidance from a veterinary perspective. Tips from our vets and technicians will help you make the most of your pets’ health and wellness.

Overall, our desire for this blog is to help Richmond pet parents get the most out of the love and companionship their pets bring. We look forward to chatting with you in the weeks and months ahead!