Happy Tails — Ginny and Wanda
Every single animal that comes through our shelter has a story. Some are complex, many are sad, but all of them get better the minute they arrive at the Virginia Beach SPCA. Ginny and Wanda arrived at the VBSPCA as kittens in need of a loving foster home. After being placed with a family, the shy resident adult cat formed a special bond with them and foster mom Kate decided to make them permanent members of the family. We recently caught up with Kate to check in on Ginny and Wanda, and you can read about their success story below.
How did Ginny and Wanda come into your life?
We’ve been fostering with VBSPCA for about a year, mostly bottle-fed kittens and those that need a little extra attention. We had just returned two fosters to the VBSPCA, and the staff asked us if we would take home Ginny and Wanda for their two week vaccine quarantine. Typically our fosters go into a separate room for their stay as they are usually younger, but both kittens refused to be separate from our family, so we tempted fate and allowed them to begin to roam the house. Once their personalities began to shine, it was clear that they were choosing us. It would have broken our hearts to separate the girls, so we decided to make both of them permanent members of our family.
You mentioned that your daughter helps socialize and care for your foster kittens. How has she helped with Ginny and Wanda?
My teenager Jordan loves kittens and this is such a great way to teach her responsibility. She has helped bottle feed while I’ve been at work and she is amazing with socializing scared kittens. Ginny and Wanda chose her, especially Ginny, who can often be found curled up on Jordan. She is so great with caring for our cats and they all adore her.
“The joy that an animal can bring to a household is astounding.”
We heard that your resident cat can be very picky with who he becomes friends with. Tell me how Ginny and Wanda have helped him come out of 
his shell?
Our last cat to be adopted, Galen, is two years old. He is an extremely shy cat and hesitant to accept new animals. He has always been hissy with new kittens, even the littlest ones, which is another reason why we always give our fosters their own room. However, with Ginny and Wanda, there was no hissing. He was never scared when we brought them home and introduced them. Galen initially stood back and observed until he felt brave enough to play with them. Now he plays with them around the house and they are the best of friends.
Why is adopting through fostering a great way to save homeless animals?
When I adopted through fostering, I already knew how my resident cats would react to the new additions. In the past, if my cats did not like the fosters, it was ok because they were separated and we knew the fosters would return to the shelter eventually. But it’s great to have the option to keep our fosters should everyone get along. Not only did we help homeless kittens, but we kept them out of the shelter setting. “Foster failing” has actually been a huge win for us!
Why should people consider adopting from the VBSPCA?
There are so many reasons to consider adopting. For us, it’s not just that we saved an animal’s life. Our cats are our family members. They keep us company when we are sad, they make us laugh and smile even on our worst days. The joy that an animal can bring to a household is astounding. My children have learned compassion and what it means to care about another living creature by having pets. They are better people for owning pets. My life will never be boring with a cat around!
Cats Need Claws
Scratching is a natural and necessary behavior for cats. This behavior keeps nails and paws healthy while also stretching the body and working off excess energy. Additionally, when cats scratch an object, scent glands on the paws help establish a presence in the home, improving confidence and enhancing the feeling of comfort in the physical surroundings.
However, as much as this behavior may be necessary for a cat’s health and wellbeing, no one can deny that scratching can be destructive to the home. Scratching is one of the most common complaints from cat owners, and the first step in dealing with the unwanted behavior is understanding that scratching is a necessary piece of a cat’s wellbeing. Instead of discouraging the behavior altogether, the healthy alternative is to drive the scratching towards an option that won’t destroy the home. Read below for some helpful tips on how to encourage healthy scratching:
Scratching Posts
The best option is to use scratching tools. Place scratching posts or scratching boards in areas where you spend a lot of time. This way, your cat can create a presence in the home and positively share your favorite spaces with you. If you notice your cat continues to scratch in an unwanted area, work with that knowledge and offer a positive scratching option next to or near the established scratching spot.
Types of Scratchers
It’s important to have both vertical and horizontal scratching surfaces. Scratchers should be tall and long so your cat can stretch all the way out before pulling down/back on the surface. As for what type of cat scratcher material to use, it’s can be helpful to choose a material that is different from other items in your home. For example, if you don’t want your cat to scratch on the carpet, then don’t get scratchers covered in carpeting. This will help to reduce scratching on unwanted surfaces in the future.
No-Yes
You can also try the “No-Yes” method, which reinforces where the scratching is unwanted while providing a positive replacement location. For example, double-sided tape has an unwanted texture that causes an adverse reaction when your cat tries to scratch it. If you place the tape on the unwanted scratching spot and put a scratcher right next to it, this reinforces the “no” while redirecting the scratching to an accepted space, the “yes.” There are other textures and methods to reinforce the “no,” but double-sided tape is easy to find, inexpensive, and some brands are designed specifically to prevent scratching and are safe on fabric. You can even add extra enticement by sprinkling or spraying catnip on the scratcher.
In addition to scratching options, having a “cat-only” zone can help, too, as it offers your cat the option of a private space to retreat to when feeling moody, instead of resorting to defensive scratching. Also make sure you regularly trim your cat’s nails. This will prevent accidental scratches and snags which can trigger further scratching. Another option to consider is the use of nail coverings, which are available at most pet retail locations. You can apply nail caps to your cat’s nails yourself and they last around 4 to 6 weeks. As you can see, there are a variety of options that can help remedy unwanted cat scratching, but whatever you choose to do, DO NOT declaw your cat.
Declawing
Dr. Ann Marie Woyma, Virginia Beach SPCA’s Medical Director, explains that in order to actually prevent the nail from growing back, which is the purpose of the declawing procedure, you must remove at least half of the joint. This means declawing is bone surgery, not a nail trim. This procedure is similar to amputating every fingertip on a human hand. As the body heals, the scar tissue that forms can cause arthritis in a cat’s joints while also negatively impacting the scent glands in the paws. Since the scent glands can no longer be used appropriately, a declawed cat cannot establish a presence in the home which can lead to mental and emotional issues.
Paw sensitivity is another concern, and kitty litter may begin to irritate a cat’s paws. This irritation can lead to a negative association with using the litter box. Additionally, declawing a cat can impact a cat’s ability to positively interact with other animals and people. Declawed cats have lost a natural form of communication, so they are less likely to get along with other pets. They feel more vulnerable, so they are more likely to use biting a defense since they can no longer use a warning swat. Bottom line: the surgery puts an animal through unnecessary pain and trauma while also resulting in mental, emotional, and behavioral issues.
Declawing has become such an ethical issue that many countries that have already banned declawing procedures. The surgery is against the law in the United Kingdom, much of the European Union, Australia, and at least 10 other countries around the world. While declawing is not yet banned in all of the United States, at least five states currently have or are in the process of creating anti-declaw legislation.
The Virginia Beach SPCA does not condone declawing. All feline adopters sign a written statement agreeing that they will not declaw any cat adopted from our shelter. 
Happy Tails — Holly Berry
Every single animal that comes through our shelter has a story. Some are complex, many are sad, but all of them get better the minute they arrive at the Virginia Beach SPCA. Holly Berry was transferred to our shelter after our friends at PETA saved her from life on a chain. She captured the heart of her adopted mom Corinne and the rest is history. Since adoption, Holly Berry has inspired a tethering bill and has helped other dogs with similar pasts regain their confidence. Read more below on Holly Berry’s story and how she is doing in her forever home!
What is Holly Berry’s adoption story and why did you choose her?
I had briefly met Holly after she was transferred from PETA and then again during her rehab period, and knew that she was a really sweet dog but in really bad shape. If you look at pictures of her from then, it’s hard to believe she made it. After meeting with Holly Berry again and then in another session with my other dogs, I knew she was meant to be part of our family. What is unique about this story is that my husband Loren was deployed to Antarctica during this time. I really thought I was going to have to work hard to get him onboard because we weren’t in the market for another pet. However, his two line reply email to my three page persuasive argument simply stated that he knew we were getting her the day I brought her up months before. Clearly, I married the right guy.
Tell us a little about the bill she inspired! Has it passed or what can people do to get involved?
Holly Berry has become the face of what can happen when an animal is given a second chance in a loving family, and the absolute power of community coming together to care and speak for those who don’t have a voice of their own. On February 10th, 2020, SB 272 or the “Holly Berry Bill” passed in the Virginia Senate and is in the queue at the Virginia House. SB 272 is a state-wide bill that sets stricter parameters of outdoor tethering, increases certain minimum tether length requirements, and the proper sheltering of animals in extreme temperatures and weather advisory scenarios. I encourage anyone who considers themselves an animal lover or advocate to read the bill and rally their elected officials to support it by whatever means they feel inclined and motivated to do so.
How has she been doing in your home?
Holly Berry has thrived as being part of what we call the ‘band of beasts’, and has become the dog that I knew she could be. Her natural draw and empathetic nature towards anyone in distress is something I’ve never seen before; she’s definitely an empath. She is such a mother figure to babies, children and puppies. She has been instrumental in us successfully fostering dogs who have come from similar circumstances that we’ve brought into our home to teach them how to be confident. She really is one of a kind and we are so fortunate to be the ones to give her the life she always deserved.
Why should people adopt from animal shelters?
Some shelter animals have been put through the worst of what humans can do to another living creature; Holly Berry was one of them and she wouldn’t have made it if it weren’t for the unbelievable passion and work of the dedicated VBSPCA team. I’m assuming everyone has been in a situation where they have been given a second chance at one time or another in their life, and that is what adopting a shelter animal is. You are giving that animal a second lease on life.
Keep Pets Cool — Heat and Hydration Safety Tips
Warm weather means beautiful greenery and extended time outdoors. However, heat can also be incredibly dangerous to our four-legged friends. Imagine wearing a fur coat during a trip to the beach! Below are some helpful tips on how to keep your pets cool and hydrated.
Safety Tips:
Find Shade
If you and your pet are outside during the day, make sure to allow your pet plenty of time in the shade. You can also provide your dogs with a kiddie pool filled with cool water or a cool towel to lay on.
Protect Their Paws
When taking your pet for a walk, check the pavement with your hand before you leave. If you can’t leave your hand for longer than 3 seconds, it is too hot for your pet! Go for walks in the morning or evening when it’s cooler. If you must take your pet out during the day, allow them to walk in the grass.
Hydration is Key
Pets can get dehydrated quickly, so be sure to provide them with plenty of fresh, cool water. Add some ice cubes for extra fun! If you and your pet will be outside for more than 5 minutes, bring water and a bowl with you.
Know the Signs of Heat Stroke
Animals pant to cool down their body, but if the humidity is too high, animals can’t get cool. Watch for heavy panting, excessive water consumption, and signs of disorientation. Lower their temperature by wetting the top of their head with cool water and increase air movement with a fan. Consult with the pet’s veterinarian as soon as possible.
Pets in Cars
Cars have the same effect as ovens when turned off. Never leave your pet in your car, especially during hot weather. Check out the thermometer below to see just how hot the inside of cars can be.
Hydration:
One important factor of your pet’s health is hydration, but what many pet parents do not realize is how quickly pets can become dehydrated. Below are some things to keep in mind during warm weather:
Understand how much water your pet needs. Water consumption is important for all mammals, but it is especially important for dogs and cats. Your pet’s body is made up of 80 percent water, which means your pets constantly have to drink water in order to stay well hydrated. On average, your pet needs one ounce of water for every pound that they weigh. If they are exercising or going outside, they may need more.
Avoid going too long without water. A good general rule is to always have access to fresh water no matter where you are. One great product that we recommend is the OllyBottle that acts as both a water bottle and water bowl for your dog!
Know the signs of dehydration. Dehydration can happen very quickly. Know the signs to make sure you can get your pet help as soon as possible:
- Vomiting and/or diarrhea
- Loss of energy
- Excessive, ongoing panting
- Loss of appetite
- Sunken, dry eyes
- Dry, sticky gums
- Loss of skin elasticity
What to do. If you notice signs of dehydration in your pet, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Heatstroke:
Dogs cool themselves down by panting. However, during extremely hot weather, sometimes a dog’s body temperature rises too high and causes heatstroke. Prevention is extremely important, but if you suspect your dog is suffering from heatstroke, take them to receive veterinary care immediately.
What is heatstroke? Heatstroke is a type of hyperthermia that happens when a dog’s panting cannot accommodate excessive heat.
Understand your surroundings. If you are sweating or feel overwhelmed by the heat, your dog does too! Your furry friend will always try to push themselves to please you. Make sure you are not asking them to exercise or be in an environment that will increase their chances of heatstroke.
Know your dog’s limits. Dogs with shorter snouts or longer hair may be more susceptible to heat exhaustion. Understand your dog’s potential needs and compromise to keep your pet safe.
Do not use ice cubes to cure heatstroke. When trying to cool your pet down, you must slowly decrease their temperature to prevent complications. Ice cubes are great in a dog’s water bowl on a hot day, but if they are already suffering from heatstroke, very cold water or ice cubes can cause shock. Cool towels are best to start bringing the fever down.
Preventing health issues before they occur helps both you and your pet enjoy fun in the sun. If you would like to have a fun reminder of tips, print out the helpful infographic below!
Happy Tails — Salty
Every single animal that comes through our shelter has a story. Some are complex, many are sad, but all of them get better the minute they arrive at the Virginia Beach SPCA. Grit was brought to the shelter in 2020 when his human lost their job because of the COVID-19 pandemic. He didn’t have to wait long for a new family to come along and give him a great home. We recently caught up with his mom Brooke, and she gave us an update on Grit and their adventurous life together.
What is Grit’s adoption story?
Grit was shy and sweet when we met him at the shelter. He was shaking and scared but finally warmed up to us. After about 15 minutes of meeting him, we knew he would fit in with our family. He was very anxious and scared at the shelter but found comfort with us. He fell asleep on my leg in the car with a sweet smile on his face. We took him home the day before Easter and he was our Easter bunny! We were so happy to have Grit on Easter because no one else could visit because of the coronavirus pandemic.
How has life with Grit been since his adoption?
Grit is much happier and has more personality. We love to walk him to the beach and through the park. Our good friend is a dog trainer and has helped us with tips and tricks. He will do anything for a treat!
Any cute quirks or funny stories you would like to share?
Grit loves food. He’s very quick and sneaky when it comes to snatching food so we have to watch him very closely. He will do anything for a treat, so it’s fun to teach him new tricks!
Grit has an active Instagram account, what inspired you to document his adventures?
It’s so fun to record his antics and funny faces, so it was natural to start posting him. He’s a very expressive dog with eyebrows and ears that move a lot to show his feelings. Grit almost looks like a cartoon sometimes! He’s active on instagram @gritthesaltydog and was inspired by his cousin @oldtownluna. They are both rescue dogs and love showing off their adventures.
Unfortunately many animals, including Grit, lost their homes due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Why is it important to adopt during this time?
Every pet deserves a loving home and it is so sad when someone hits hard times and can no longer keep their pet. We feel so sorry for families that have to give up their pets during this time, but we are so grateful that shelters like the VBSPCA can help them through the process. Grit has brought our house so much happiness during these difficult times, and if you are able, I definitely recommend welcoming a pet into your home during this time!
VBSPCA 2020 Compassion Award Recipient: Susan Browney-Dillon
The 2020 Virginia Beach SPCA Compassion Award recipient is Susan Browney-Dillon. This award is given out annually in recognition of individuals who demonstrate an unwavering commitment to the VBSPCA mission of compassion, both in the shelter and out in the community. As a business owner who freely gives her time and talent to help animals in need, Browney-Dillon is most definitely deserving of this honor.
Browney-Dillon has lived in the Hampton Roads area her entire life and grew up serving local animal shelters by cleaning cages, walking dogs, and even using her allowance money to donate to animals in need. When someone asks her about animal welfare, she will cheerfully answer back that it is her lifestyle. Her journey with the VBSPCA started over 30 years ago when she became involved with events. She used her dance background to choreograph and provide entertainment for the annual galas, and she later created the “Puttin’ on the Dog” fundraiser to benefit the shelter by selling donated evening dresses and jewelry.
After many years of success, Browney-Dillon decided that she wanted to merge her passion for dance with her love of animals to create Dancing for Paws, a Dancing with the Stars style fundraising event that was held at Chrysler Hall. These events collectively raised over $150,000 in funds for the animals of the VBSPCA.
Browney-Dillon is the owner and director of Golden Slippers Dance Academies that currently have five locations in Virginia Beach. One of these locations serves as a backup hurricane shelter for the VBSPCA animals should an evacuation of the main shelter be necessary. In 2019, Golden Slippers celebrated their 40th year in business.
She has also directly impacted the lives of Sundance and Dixie, two special dogs who were transferred from a Korean meat farm. “It was a long, hard, and very challenging road for them to become confident dogs after their dark past, but with much love and patience they are happy and living their best lives,” she said. “What a gift that I was able to be a part of that.” Fun fact: Sundance and Dixie were featured on the cover of the VBSPCA 2020 calendar!
Sundance and Dixie are not the only animals that are part of Browney-Dillon’s family. She has eight pets: four dogs and four cats, who are all rescues. However, her care for animals does not stop there. She often donates and buys supplies for shelter animals to make sure they are loved and cared for.
One of her favorite stories to tell happened in 2017 during hurricane season. The VBSPCA sent out a plea for blankets during the intake of numerous dogs displaced by Hurricane Harvey. The conference room was filled with crates and Browney-Dillon visited several thrift stores to buy all the blankets in stock.
“When I went to the DAV on Virginia Beach Blvd., the cashier commented on the number of blankets I was buying,” she recalled. “I told her why I was purchasing them and not only would she not take my money, she reached in her wallet and paid for them. Her name was Naomi and I will never forget that act of kindness. What a great example of community, there are truly unsung heroes everywhere!”
Browney-Dillon believes that small acts of kindness can have a ripple effect, and she loves sharing everyday examples to show how important animal welfare is. “I truly believe we are supposed to help those creatures that cannot help themselves,” she said, adding that she wants to live her life as a reminder that there are always animals in need.
Browney- Dillon’s life has been defined by two qualities — compassion and ingenuity — and we are extremely grateful for the impact she has made on our entire organization.
“A small gesture of kindness by a few can make a huge difference to so many.” – Susan Browney-Dillon
VBSPCA 2020 Lifesaver Award Recipient: Arvalla “Arvie” Larsen
The 2020 recipient of the Virginia Beach SPCA Lifesaver Award is Arvalla “Arvie” Larsen, an inspiring example of generosity, selflessness, and compassion in service to the animals. This annual award has been given out for the past 10+ years, and it honors individuals who demonstrate an unwavering commitment to the VBSPCA mission of compassion. Larsen has consistently proven that she is deserving of this very special award and we are thrilled to recognize her in this way.
Larsen’s journey with the VBSPCA started in 1980 while she was serving in the U.S. Navy. For many years, she donated part of her paychecks to the shelter as a way of supporting the animals. After retiring in 2013, she took a gap year and decided to put her compassion into action. Her volunteer orientation was in 2014, and ever since then she has helped clean the cattery a few days every single week.
When asked why she is so dedicated to helping the animals of the VBSPCA, Larsen explains in her blunt and matter-of-fact way that sometimes she “likes animals better than people. Because people can be mean. Animals don’t know what being mean is, only that they want to survive.”
In her off time, she continues to serve animals in the Virginia Beach community. She is a level 4 wildlife rehabber with Second Chance Wildlife and has successfully released multiple animals after nursing them back to health. “I hope to help animals live a long life and a better life for as long as I can,” she says.
Stemming from her passion for animal welfare, Larsen believes that government-run programs like animal control need help from dedicated people working in nonprofit organizations. According to her, the problem is too big for one shelter to handle. “Nonprofits are extremely important in our community because they can give a helping hand to state-run shelters,” she said.
Larsen credits her work ethic and dedication to her military background. She joined the U.S. Navy in 1964 and served until 1984, transitioning into working veterans affairs at Tidewater Community College. She recalls how different the culture was for women due to WAVES still being active, saying “we weren’t really in the Navy.” However, one thing she is grateful for during her time of service is teaching her the benefit of having structure.
“I know the VBSPCA can rely on me and I take pride in being relied upon,” she said. “The military taught me that when you have a schedule, you should keep it. It’s a good feeling to know that they can count on me to get a job done.”
While she is an integral part of daily life at the shelter, Larsen claims that she almost didn’t show up to her volunteer orientation. Her introverted personality made her nervous to take the first step, but once she got started, all of her worry about volunteering went away. “I work in the cattery and I love it because it gives me a little time to myself in the mornings before the rush starts. There’s a calming feeling of working around animals early in the morning, and I am so happy to have had this opportunity,” she said.
No matter what arena she finds herself in, Larsen has lived a life in service of animals. Her selflessness and dedication are commendable qualities to have, and the VBSPCA has been fortunate to have her as a committed volunteer in service to the animals.
“I hope to help animals live a long life and a better life for as long as I can.” – Arvie Larsen.
Happy Tails — Goose
Every single animal that comes through our shelter has a story. Some are complex, many are sad, but all of them get better the minute they arrive at the Virginia Beach SPCA. Goose was a shy adolescent dog who needed a home that would give him a lot of patience and love. He found his perfect home with adopter Kendall and lab sister Heisty who helped him regain confidence. We recently caught up with Kendall, and she gave us an update on Goose, Heisty, and their happy life together.
How did you find Goose and what was your adoption experience?
I have had my dog Heisty for three years, she is a yellow lab and also a rescue. She loves other dogs, but we never really were looking, until COVID hit and my office told everyone to work from home for the foreseeable future. I thought it would be the perfect time to take in a rescue since I would have plenty of time to spend with them. I searched the VBSPCA website and saw many adorable pups I knew would be adopted, then I came across a fluffy white cloud that had been there for over a month and needed multiple visits before he could be adopted. I knew right away this was the pup I wanted! My family has been involved in animal rescue my whole life so I was ready to put in the extra time he would require. During our first meeting he started to warm up but was still very hesitant. One of the employees told me he was extremely frightened of men. Each visit he would perk up more to see my familiar face and on the fourth I did the big test — introducing him to Heisty. I was so nervous and was praying all day they would click. They immediately loved each other and even started playing, and I knew she would be the perfect big sister. Throughout the visits, he had not let me do more than pet him gently, but when we arrived at our home I sat on the couch and he jumped up to cuddle!
What is Goose like in his forever home?
It has been four months since I adopted Goose and he is doing great. Each day I would see him get more and more comfortable and have had plenty of time to work with his confidence since I work from home. I take him to Sandbridge on weekends to see my parents and sister. The first visit he would not let my dad within 20 feet of him, but now he runs and jumps on my dad and follows him all around the yard. I think he may be his new favorite. While I work at home, he plays with his sister all day and takes naps with her at my feet. He is also the fan favorite of Zoom calls as he loves jumping on my chair and saying hi. I could not imagine my life without Goose at this point and I know Heisty feels the same way! I can tell he finally understands that he is here to stay forever.
We’ve heard that he is quite the jokester, what are some of his funny quirks?
He has such a unique personality. Goose is always sticking his tongue out, but just enough to where it looks hilarious — I call it his resting face. When I lay on the couch he will jump on and just stand on top of me without moving. If I try to move him he will lay on me and will not budge. He loves jumping on the couch like a kid and body slamming his sister then pouncing on me. I cannot move an inch in my house without him following me and he is the biggest momma’s boy around. If he knows you, he will give you the biggest jump hug of your life when you see him!
What are your favorite activities to do with Goose?
Goose loves his walks and going to see his neighborhood friend Bentley at the dog park. I take Goose and Heisty to the beach often, although he only likes to dip his paws in the water so far and watch his sister swim through waves. He does enjoy digging in the sand and politely sitting next to the closest family with food. He also loves to play his own version of fetch where he lets Heisty get the ball then side attacks her, turning the game into a wrestling match. Goose loves his daily walks where he can watch all the wildlife and say hello to the other dogs passing by.
Why should someone consider adopting an animal?
Adopting an animal brings an immense amount of love and purpose into your life. It sounds cheesy, but my two rescue dogs have saved me more than I have saved them. They have been there for me in the darkest times and bring so much joy to my life. The unconditional love you find in animals is greater than anything you will experience, and these sweet animals deserve a second chance at a loving permanent home. They do not judge and will be the best companion you could ever hope for. I am not saying it doesn’t take work and training, but every tough moment is worth it to come home to my two rescues.
Last Adoptions — Keeping Pets in Homes
Bringing a pet into the home is an exciting experience, and with it comes the hope of a long, happy life together. However, sometimes there are bumps in the road. Families adopt animals with the best of intentions, but when things get challenging at home, an animal can end up right back in the shelter. Sadly, statistics show that each time an animal returns to a shelter, the chances of adoption can decrease. It is the goal of the Virginia Beach SPCA to provide the right tools and resources to make all adoptions lasting adoptions.
The Keys to Success
Basic Needs
Make sure all of your pet’s needs are met. As with humans, our pets have basic needs that are essential to health, wellbeing, and even survival. When a need is not met, it creates an unsteady foundation upon which health and behavior issues will almost certainly arise. All pets need the following:
- Sleep
- Food & Water
- Potty Breaks
- Mental Stimulation
- Exercise
- Human Attention
If all of these needs are being met and your animal is still struggling, speak with your vet about other options or seek out professional training to work on desensitization.
Enrichment
Beat your pet’s boredom with enrichment activities. The brain is an organ that needs to be engaged and exercised. Without mental stimulation, the brain can atrophy and weaken which can lead to all kinds of behavior changes and challenges. Utilize the following activities to make sure your pet is receiving the enrichment they need. And remember, fixing an issue is always more difficult than preventing one:
- Training Exercises
- Puzzle Feeders
- Treats
- Licki Mats
- Dog Chew Toys or Kong Wobbles
- Cat Crinkle Balls
Enrichment can help with issues such as destructive behavior. If there are no underlying issues and your pet is properly trained, providing enrichment is a great way to avoid unwanted behavior.
Socialization
Prep your pet for positive experiences with people and pets. Interaction with people outside of the home is part of any pet’s life, whether it be with the mail person, the HVAC person, other dogs in a dog park, or even weekend guests. Being able to foster comfortable interactions with these unfamiliar faces is not only important for your visitors but especially critical for your pet’s nervous system. The key to comfortable interaction lies in socializing our pets early while also making sure we properly and safely introduce new spaces and faces.
When introducing your pet to something new:
- Establish a Routine
- Move Slowly
- Be Patient
- Stay Calm
- One Person or Pet at a Time
- Allow Them to Sniff Around
Unfamiliar spaces can be scary for pets, which might make them reactive. Being patient can avoid problems and get your pet settled in more quickly. A pet that is stressed is not in the right head-space to be a great companion. While you may want to automatically cuddle and love all over them, it may take a little time before they are ready, and that’s okay. For additional information on how to introduce a new pet to your home, read about introducing dogs here and introducing cats here.
Understanding the Reason Behind the Behavior
When dealing with a behavioral issue, it is important to decode what your pet is feeling. We checked in with our friend Crystal Partain, a Dog Trainer with The Freckled Paw, and she offered some great insight into our furry friends’ behavior. First and foremost, if they are acting out or showing signs of stress, there is always a reason! Consider what has happened in the recent month and answer the following questions:
- Is there any change in the animal’s routine?
- Do you suspect a medical issue to be the reason your animal’s behavior has changed? If you haven’t done so, consider taking your pet to a vet to see if there are any underlying issues.
- What is your pet’s training background? Have they had puppy obedience, basic obedience or specialized training before?
- How old is your pet? Adolescent animals are not as skilled in managing their emotions and may require a little extra patience.
There are many common issues that potentially have simple solutions.
- If your young dog is becoming reactive, be patient with them. They might simply be having big adolescent feelings about things. This is when annoying, embarrassing behaviors come into play, and they can be changed fairly quickly if caught early. If it becomes unmanageable, you can also work one-on-one with a trainer to come up with a plan. You can find our list of recommended dog trainers here.
- Pets destroying furniture and potty training issues are two of the most frustrating things pet owners have to deal with. For dogs, you can set them up for success by ensuring that they are properly crate trained and making sure the areas where they will be spending the majority of their time are free of anything you don’t want damaged. Cats have specific needs when it comes to litter boxes, and you can read more information by clicking here. They also need to be provided adequate scratching posts to discourage them from scratching on furniture. There are quite a few options at your local pet store including posts and furniture tape, both of which can be a great deterrent to unwanted scratching.
- Pets take time to get used to a new home and decompress. If you just brought home your furry friend, remember the rule of 3s. In three days, your dog or cat will have figured out where they are. In three weeks, they will have figured out your routine, and in three months, they will begin to ‘unpack their bags.’ Be understanding throughout this process!
Being a pet parent requires dedication, patience and love. If you are ready to commit to providing those three things, you are on the right track! If you are seeking additional guidance, speak with your veterinarian or contact one of our recommended professional trainers.
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Last Updated: June 1, 2022 by vbspcaadmin
Mind and Body — How to Help Your Pet Stay Fit
Fitness is vital to the health of all pets. Physical fitness prevents obesity while strengthening muscles and bones, but there is more to being fit than just strengthening the body… the brain needs to be fit, too. Both physical and mental stimulation are essential to being a responsible pet parent. Among many other benefits, mental and physical fitness reduce the risk of disease and increase longevity which will help you and your furry friend live a long, happy life together. Read below for more information on how you can provide your pet with the keys to wellness, and make sure to download the infographic to share with other pet parents in your community.
Fitness and The Brain:
Pet fitness is the foundation of a well-rounded pet. Exercising the brain affects health by releasing feel-good endorphins into your pet’s system to help their body work smoothly. And of course, if they feel better, then their overall behavior is better.
However, what happens when the behavior is destructive? While this is a common complaint among pet owners, what you may not realize is that your pet may be trying to communicate their boredom. Patterson cautioned that If your pet is being destructive or showing signs of stress, this may be a sign that you need to give your pet more variety in the area of mental stimulation.
Exercise and mental health go hand in hand for mammals, similar to how it is with humans. It is important to remember that the brain is also a muscle and performs better when it is fit. Read below to learn how you can ensure that your pet has the tools and play needed to exercise both their brain and body.
Let’s Work Out!
Dogs:
Dogs require exercise and mental stimulation so they can be on their best behavior. Canines are also social animals, so working out with a buddy is recommended. Here are a few ideas to get you and your pup started:
Cats:
Contrary to popular belief, cats need as much physical activity and mental stimulation as dogs! However, all of this can be done from the comfort of your own home. Felines are natural hunters and enjoy activities such as:
Rabbits and Guinea Pigs:
Small animals are intelligent and constantly on the move. Animals like rabbits and guinea pigs have a lot of excess energy that they need to burn in order to be happy and healthy pets. Some creative ways to help prevent boredom and destructive behavior are:
Download the infographic below for a helpful reminder to help your pets stay active!