Selecting a Pet

Youngster v. Adult?

Advantages to adopting an older pet:

Puppies may grow to be larger than expected or develop temperaments that are not ideal for their adopting families.

Many adult dogs are already housetrained, with some obedience training as well.

Older pets also have a fully developed immune systems. They are less likely to acquire diseases such as parvo virus, worms and skin diseases.

Each adoption includes lifetime access to our Behavior Help Line. Here are some of the Frequently Asked Questions we’ve received from adopters and the public about pets.

About Cats

My cat is 7 years old and never been neutered. Is he too old?

It’s never too late to have a pet spayed or neutered – the most beneficial surgery a responsible pet owner can make possible. Spaying is the surgical removal of the uterus and ovaries. Neutering involves removal of the testicles. The operation is performed under general anesthesia and your pet should be up and about within a day.

My cat always tries to escape. How do I keep him happy indoors?

Create an appealing interior from a cat’s perspective with plenty of toys and play time. Cats love a high vantage point so create ledges where they can climb. Sunny spots to nap, scratching posts and plush cat condos sold at pet supply stores can help too. Keeping him indoors is essential to a long, healthy life. But a rich life indoors requires more help from you.

What’s the most important tip the Hawaiian Humane Society can offer to cat owners?

Take him to the veterinarian for an annual check up. More than a third of cats in the U.S. have not had visited the doctor’s office in a year, according to the American Pet Product Manufacturer’s Association.

My cat Koa seems like she talks to me with her tail. What do the different tail movements mean?

If your cat is near you and her tail is quivering, she is expressing love. When she shapes her tail like a question mark, it means deep affection. If her tail starts thrashing, perhaps a little distance might be wise.

My cat is missing and I think it may have been trapped by our condo association that’s trapping ferals. How can I check to see if the Hawaiian Humane Society has her?

If your cat has a microchip and a collar with a tag with your telephone number, the Humane Society makes every effort to return him to you as quickly as possible. Without ID, cats are held a minimum of two days before being made eligible for adoption.

Is brushing my pet’s teeth really that important?

Periodontal, or gum disease is a common, serious problem in dogs and cats. It’s ideal to brush their teeth at least a few times a week. Introduce tooth brushing in small steps so that your pet doesn’t get overwhelmed and upset. Teach your pet that good things always happen when he gets his teeth brushed. They would benefit from an annual cleaning by a veterinarian as well.

All About Dogs

What causes behavior problems in dogs?

Boredom and excess energy are two common reasons for behavior problems. Dogs are meant to lead active lives. Socialization to ensure he’s exposed to a wide variety of experiences and people are also as essential as good health and a good relationship between pet and owner.

How can I tell if my dog is bored?

If in doubt, take him out. Destructive chewing and incessant barking may be signs of boredom. Even yard-bound dogs can suffer from lack of variety in their lives. The best way to know if your dog is bored is your own behavior. If he’s getting plenty of exercise and has opportunities to interact with other people and pets, he’s less likely to suffer from boredom, loneliness and anxiety.

What’s the best way to teach kids to approach someone else’s dog?

Encourage them to ask the owner for permission first and inquire if the dog is friendly. Always approach someone else’s dog calmly with a lowered hand so they can sniff you first before you attempt to pet it. Refrain from looking him in the eyes. It’s best to never try to pet a sleeping dog.

How can I teach my dog not to be such a scaredy cat?

Most fears will not go away on their own and may sometimes get worse. Begin by exposing your dog to a very low level of whatever he’s afraid of. For example, if he is afraid of bicycles, start with a bicycle placed at a distance of 100 feet from your dog. Reward him for calm, non-fearful behavior in the presence of the bicycle. Gradually move the bicycle closer. As long as your dog remains relaxed, reward him with treats and praise. If at any point he becomes anxious, move the bicycle further away and proceed at a slower pace. Patient repetition works best.

What do I do if my dog is an escape artist?

Finding the reason for escape is the first step. For climbing or jumping dogs, add an extension to your fence that tilts inward at about a 45-degree angle. For digging dogs, bury chicken wire at the base of your fence and place large rocks at the base. Remember exercising your dog on a daily basis is always a good way to prevent your dog from becoming bored and looking for adventure.

How do I pick a dog trainer?

Visit www.hawaiianhumane.org to download a resource list compiled by the Hawaiian Humane Society. A number of trainers offer classes at the Society. To find the right trainer for you and your pet, start by asking a lot of questions and observe classes. Look for positive reinforcement, which is offering something pleasant immediately following a good behavior. It makes that behavior more likely to occur in the future, and is one of the most powerful tools for shaping or changing your pet’s behavior.

What’s a good way to start socializing my puppy? I don’t want to make him nervous with something too new that he’ll be frightened.

If he’s too young to be out and about, start at home. Host a puppy petting party where you invites friends and family over to meet your newest family member. Limit exposing your new pup to outside diseases by asking guest to leave their shoes at the front door and washing their hands before interaction.

My puppy tends to play rough and nips at me. How can I prevent this?

When puppies play with each other, they use their mouths. Puppies usually want to bite or “mouth” hands during play or when petted. Give your puppy an alternative by redirecting his desire to a chew toy. Ice cubes can help a teething puppy. Stop play immediately when she puts her teeth on skin so that she learns that it’s unacceptable, never engage in rough play.

Our veterinarian recommends that our puppy be kept away from other animals until his last vaccination at 3 months. What is the reason?

Your veterinarian’s concern is protecting your pet from disease-carrying playmates. But just as humans in infanthood are already on the fast track to defining their social and emotional profiles, so are puppies. Animal behaviorist believe that a dog’s social flexibility is largely defined by four months of age. The Hawaiian Humane Society recommends that you begin socializing your puppy as soon as possible after his first vaccination as long s the experiences are low risk, pleasant and non threatening.

How can I prevent my puppy from gnawing on the furniture?

Chewing can relieve pain caused by incoming teeth. For older dogs, it’s nature’s way of keeping jaws strong and teeth clean. Chewing also combats boredom and can relieve mild anxiety or frustration. You can offer your puppy ice cubes, special dog toys that can be frozen or frozen wet washcloths to chew, which might help numb teething pain. Although puppies do need to chew on things, gentle guidance can teach your puppy to restrict chewing to appropriate objects, like his own toys.

Are there any tips to house training a dog?

Try to take your dog out every couple of hours. Get your dog to recognize that each time that he goes outside to do his business, he gets rewarded with a treat. If you catch him in the act of eliminating somewhere inappropriate, make a noise to startle him and stop him. Then immediately show your dog where you want him to go by running with him outside, waiting until he goes, and then offer him praise and a treat.

My dog hates water. How can I make bathing less traumatic for her?

Most dogs don’t mind getting and staying dirty. If your dog is really water averse, bathe him quickly and dry thoroughly. Warm water and a soothing tone can help. Plus, if he learns that bath time always ends with special treats, brand-new chew toys, the start of a favorite game, a walk in the park or dinnertime—he’ll soon learn to feel better about it.

How can I get my dog more comfortable around others so that I can enroll him in doggie day care?

Dogs that have not been well socialized can find day care overwhelming. So start by visiting a friend or family member’s dog that’s shy to start. As they build their confidence together, visit a nearby dog park. Once you pet is more socialized to different dogs, sights and sounds, she’ll be ready to enjoy day care.

Daycare for dogs provides a great antidote for bored, lonely or high-energy dogs with busy families who work away from home all day and don’t want to leave their dogs alone.

How long does it take to house train my dog?

It really depends on the individual. Puppies gain full bladder control between 3 and 5 months old. However, it’s not uncommon for pups to make mistakes until about 8 months. Adult dogs can vary somewhere between 1 and 5 months. Dogs don’t want to soil areas they live in so limiting access and earning the privilege of more access to the house are essential.

What is clicker training?

Clicker training is a method of animal training that uses a sound—a click—to tell a cat or dog they’ve done something great. Remember to follow every click with a treat. After you click, offer a treat immediately. The Hawaiian Humane Society sells clickers for $3. Call 356-2219 for more information.

All About Other Animals

How much food should I feed my fish?

Dried flakes provide a balanced diet, and fresh foods such as live brine shrimp offer variety. It’s important not to overfeed as excess food falls to the bottom of the tank and spoils, which reduces the water quality. It is best to feed several small meals daily, just enough so the fish eat everything before falling to the bottom.

Is it okay to feed our bird fruit?

The Humane Society recommends pelleted food specific for your bird’s species as a seed-only diet does not always provide optimum nutrition, and can be messy. Fresh veggies and fruits should be offered daily. Dark, leafy greens are packed with vitamins, and many birds also enjoy carrots and broccoli. Apples, pears, melon and kiwi are often loved. Take care to remove any uneaten food after a couple of hours. Items to avoid are avocado, cherry pits, rhubarb or apple seeds.

Is it okay to feed my pet mouse human food?

Mice do well on a good commercial rodent food, either in block or pellet form. Look for a formula that contains at least 16 percent protein and 18 percent fiber, and not more than 4 percent fat. The Humane Society recommends very small amounts of fresh fruit and vegetables daily as treats. Peas, broccoli, carrots, apples and bananas are good but refrain from cabbage, chocolate, corn, candy, junk food, peanuts, uncooked beans or onions.

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Selecting a Pet