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Things To Consider Before Surrendering Your Dog To A Shelter

Shellie Sutera
by Shellie Sutera
Published:  July 12th, 2021
Stop in the name of love! You have plenty of options rather than surrendering your dog to a shelter. Keep these points in mind before making a decision.


It happens 365 days a year and it still doesn’t lessen the heartache – loving family dogs end up in shelters around North America. You may be thinking at this moment of surrendering your dog to a shelter. Before you do, take a moment to learn the true reasons you are considering this option. First, try to remember the reason you welcomed your dog into your family to begin with. Then focus on all of the positive things your dog brings into your life. Lastly, focus on the cause that is forcing you to reach this decision.


If the Issue Is: Lack of Training


Is your new pet chewing your shoes or furniture? Or do they welcome you from work with a pee stain on the living room floor? Yes, it can be nerve-wracking, but it’s far, far from a reason to give up on your dog. The good news is that no dog is born with perfect manners and behavior. That’s something that needs to be built and any bad habits that your pet might have already formed can be solved. Unruly behavior just means your dog needs leadership. You can choose to train your dog yourself or hire a professional trainer. Once your dog learns the rules of the house and that you’re the boss (and not the other way around), his negative behavior will begin to subside.


If the Issue Is: Lifestyle Changes and Moving


It’s well known that major life events, such as getting married, having a baby, losing your job, getting a divorce, serious illness, starting a new job and moving, are the most stressful time for humans. Well, it’s the same for dogs, too. Your dog, after all, is living in your home and sharing your lifestyle with you and your family. While welcoming a new baby is exciting for you, your dog may feel jealous, neglected or confused with the new arrival.


Try to schedule one-on-one time with your dog on a daily basis to ease his emotional stress and assure him you still care. All of these big upheavals may lead you to believe that your dog is a hindrance – but that’s not the case at all. There are solutions to each one of these problems. Talk to your vet, other pet parents, or join a pet forum, where others who have gone through the same things are happy to offer support.


Something that a lot of pet parents are dealing with when they look at surrendering their pet is that they’re moving to a place that will not allow pets. Particularly for the military, this can be a really difficult issue because they don’t have any say in where they move. Sometimes, a rental or housing market is so tough and tight that just finding a place within budget is a chore, not to mention finding a place that will allow your pets. We understand that, and just ask that you consider every other option–family or family friends who may be able to ‘foster’ for the time you’re stationed where you are?


If you’re looking at moving due to a job where you *do* have a say, truly consider the value in getting that new job when you factor in that you’re going to have to give a beloved family member away.


If the Issue Is: Not Enough Time


I’m too busy! This is a phrase many pet owners say frequently. It’s understandable that life is busy. It’s actually a good sign that your life is so fulfilled that your schedule is packed full of activity. But don’t leave your dog behind in the dust. He’ll react in negative ways such as digging holes in the yard and even experience depression. Just like you schedule time for everything else in your life make sure you schedule time for your dog. The “he’ll be better off with someone who can spend more time with him” is a cop out. A dog is a responsibility, not a fad. You knew you’d be busy when you took him in – like all other tasks in your life, schedule some time for your loyal friend. If needed, hire a dog walker or ask friends and family to pitch in when you need a helping hand.


Listen. We get it. Life is busy and especially during COVID, it has been a bit crazy. But that’s the thing. Your dog has depended upon you in a way that no real other time in history (save the Spanish Flu in 1918) dogs have on their family members. To surrender him after so much attachment and time together will be tough for him, and believe it or not, tough on you. Find friends and neighbors to do dog walk exchanges if that helps fill lin when you’re busy. It is a great way to take care of your dog and interact again with friends and family too.


If the Issue Is: Cost and Health Issues


Dogs can be expensive. You may find yourself overwhelmed with the cost of veterinarian visits, food, grooming, toys and more. While your dog will be happy to help you out with your finances and volunteer to never go to the veterinarian for the rest of his life, veterinarian care is a must and essential to his health. Some dogs experience serious health conditions that require regular veterinarian care which means added vet bills. If you are overwhelmed with financial stress from vet bills you can discuss a payment plan with the veterinarian or purchase pet health insurance to reduce the cost of visits, vaccinations, tests and more. If pet insurance isn’t cost-effective, make a budget and carve out funds to save for your pooch’s rainy day.


Look into local resources as well. You’re not alone in having financial woes as a result of the pandemic. More than ever, people are finding it hard to put food on their table, much less in their dogs’ bowls. But also, more than ever, resources for helping with pet food pantries and such exist. Ask around at your local pet store or talk with your vet about how you can get help if you need it. And honestly? Be open with friends and family. They don’t want you to have to surrender your dog any more than you do.


If the Issue Is: Biting


Biting is a serious issue both for you and your dog. However, there are varying levels of biting and different ways to deal with them. First, you have to determine the reason behind the bite. Was the dog territorial and bitten someone who tried to come in unannounced? Did they growl or try to bite you when you were taking away their food or toys? Sometimes, the underlying issue for the biting can be lack of training and socialization, which can be fully corrected with help from an expert.


Other times, dogs can bite out of fear or even instinct, for instance when they are hurt or in serious pain- it’s not a reflection of their character in any way. Next, you have to think about if this was a one-time incident or if your pet has a history of aggressive behavior. It’s important to really analyze what happened before opting to abandon your pet. If your dog exhibits aggressive behavior that leads to biting, this needs to be taken care of immediately with proper training and socialization from a professional before your dog is taken away from you.


If the Issue Is: Allergies


Allergies to dogs that were not known beforehand can lead you to immediately find a new living situation for your pup. This type of situation is emotional for you, your family and especially your dog. While some pet owners prefer to take allergy medication to make things more tolerable, some are forced to separate from their dog. Before you consider a shelter, you could also try creating a routine that would minimize the potential for an allergic reaction, especially if your allergies are not extreme or severe in the first place.


This would include not letting your dog go on the furniture and making sure they are always groomed- regular bathing and frequent brushing can minimize the allergy-causing hair and dander. If you can, you can also transfer that task to someone else in the family or a professional groomer, to minimize your involvement with a potential allergen. Similarly, you can ditch carpets in favor of hard-surfaces floors, and up your house cleaning game. The trick is to prevent dander or hair causing an allergy flare up, and if you’re committed and don’t have a severe form of allergies, you can actually manage it. In this case, the saying where there’s a will, there’s a way can really be true!


Some final considerations


Prevention is the best way to avoid giving your dog up to a shelter. Before you get a dog carefully, think of your lifestyle and what breed is best suited for you and your family. If you already have your dog and are seriously considering a shelter, try alternatives such as proper and professional training, doggy daycare, pet health insurance, spending more time with your dog or finding a family member or close friend that will be happy to take your dog. Animal shelters are most often filled with dogs just like yours – you owe it to your friend to try an alternative that keeps you together.


And if you REALLY tried everything and shelter still seems like the only option for you, consider other rehoming options before you surrender your dog. Try to personally find a new home and family for your pet, making sure that this time they find a good match. You can help increase their adoptability by getting them fixed and having their shots done before putting them up for adoption. There are websites, such as Adopt-a-Pet.com that help owners safely rehome their pets. Alternatively, you can contact rescue groups that have fosters for their dogs- they usually have your hands full but everything is better than simply leaving your dog in a shelter without a care for their future.

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Shellie Sutera
Shellie Sutera

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How Much Sleep Do Dogs Need?

Sleep allows all big and little creatures to rest, regenerate, grow, and gain strength for further milestones in life. Dogs, too, need to have enough  sleep to thrive – both during the day and through the night. But some doggos love to snooze more and others, and then there are those who won’t sleep that much at all. So what is the bottom line? How much sleep do dogs need exactly? While there can’t be a general, straightforward answer (after all, not all dogs are identical), there are some general rules and guidelines to follow. How Much Sleep Do Dogs Need Daily?The amount of sleep a dog needs can vary depending on factors such as their age, breed, and activity level. Generally, dogs sleep a significant portion of the day, and their sleep patterns can be quite different from humans. Here's a rough guideline for how much sleep dogs typically need on a daily basis – based on their age, lifestyle, and so on.Puppies, naturally, need a lot of sleep, usually around 18 to 20 hours a day. They have bursts of energy and playfulness, which are followed by periods of deep sleep. Puppies are still growing, and sleep is essential for their development.Adult dogs, on the other hand, are not such sleepy heads. Still, they will sleep more often than not. Most adult dogs sleep around 12 to 14 hours a day, although this can vary. Larger breeds tend to sleep more than smaller breeds. Active and working dogs, such as herding or hunting breeds, may require more sleep to recover from their daily activities. There are also seniors, who get tired more quickly and need plenty of rest during the daytime. Older dogs may sleep more than younger adults, often in the range of 14 to 16 hours a day. Senior dogs tend to be less active and love to snooze whenever there’s a chance. It's important to note that individual dogs can have different sleep needs. Some dogs may sleep more or less than the average, and this can be influenced by their overall health and well-being. It's also influenced by their daily routine, exercise, and mental stimulation. Then again, some doggos are straight-out lazy – they love to snooze, hate to jump around and exercise, and snore as much as they want! This is not something you should worry about unless it comes about suddenly. That’s just how some dogs are. 

Mice Have Passed the Mirror Test: What It Means

The “mirror test” is used by scientists to help them determine if an animal is self-aware—if an animal looks in the mirror and recognizes themselves in it, rather than thinking that there’s another animal looking back at them, they pass the test and are considered self-aware.Several animals have passed this test, such as primates, Asian elephants, and bottlenose dolphins, among others. More recently, a study has shown that mice can also recognize themselves when they look in the mirror.The Experiment That Proved Mice Can Pass the Mirror TestTo figure out if mice can pass the mirror test, scientists put some white ink on the foreheads of black mice. Then, they let the mice look into a mirror. What they discovered was fascinating: the mice recognized themselves in the reflection and started grooming themselves once they realized that there was something on their head that shouldn’t be there.Also, if the mice didn’t realize that something was on their forehead (when black ink was used so it would match the color of their fur or when the spot of ink wasn’t large enough), they didn’t start grooming themselves. This shows that there was a reason the mice groomed their heads after looking in the mirror, and it was an attempt to clean themselves of the ink stain.In addition to looking at their behavior, the scientists also used gene expression mapping to see which neurons in the brain became activated when the animals saw themselves in the mirror.  Findings Shed Light on Self-Recognition in MiceThis research shows that mice may be self-aware, but there are some things to consider. For example, the mice who groomed themselves to remove the ink were already used to mirrors, while mice who weren’t familiar with mirrors didn’t groom themselves. Also, mice who were socially isolated didn’t groom themselves during the experiment with the mirror, unlike mice who lived with other mice that looked like them.There’s still more to discover and learn about these animals, so scientists are planning on doing more research in this area.  Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Is a Cat Tree Necessary for My Cat?

When you first bring home a new cat, it’s an exciting time – especially if you’re a first-time cat parent. However, amidst the excitement, there are many questions that may be holding you back from fully embracing the joy. Are you prepared to meet all your cat’s needs? Are there “must-have” items you have overlooked? The struggle is real! We have good news… Many of the items that are deemed “necessary” are actually optional. One such item is the traditional cat tree or cat scratcher. Do they offer benefits? Yes! Can they help to improve your cat’s mental and physical health? Yes! But is a cat tree necessary for your cat? No, it’s not. There are other ways you can meet your cat’s needs if your budget or space doesn’t allow for a large piece of cat furniture. Let’s dig into the truth about cat trees and your cat. What is the Point of Cat Trees? If you’re currently standing in your local pet store, looking over the wide assortment of cat furniture available, you may wonder – what exactly is the purpose of cat furniture? Is it just a fancy bed solution for your cat, or are there other considerations when these products are developed? It’s an honest question I often hear from first-time cat parents. After all, these large, elaborate structures often come with a hefty price tag. If they do nothing more than provide a place to sleep, wouldn’t a simple cat bed suffice? Cat furniture is designed to meet many of your cat’s instincts, including their need to scratch, hide, climb, and oversee their surroundings. Each type of cat furniture has its benefits to consider.

World’s Oldest Dog Posthumously Stripped of His Title

Last year, the world’s oldest dog was thought to be Bobi – who was reportedly  31 years old. However, a recent investigation into this claim led to him being posthumously stripped of the title by none other than Guinness World Records. The lofty title was suspended this January, as doubts rose about the dog’s reported age. Bobi lived in Portugal and sadly passed away last fall, and according to his owner, at a grand age of 31 years. However, a recent review by Guinness World Records revealed that they didn’t have the necessary evidence to support that claim."Without any conclusive evidence available to us right now, we simply can't retain Bobi as the record holder and honestly claim to maintain the high standards we set ourselves," Guinness Director of Records Mark McKinley said. "Of course, as with any record, we'll gladly assess any new evidence should we receive any."Before Guinness World Records actually grants a world record, they require ample evidence of a claim. Pictures, videos, statements from witnesses, documents, and anything similar are all required. And when pets are concerned, microchip data can also be examined. "Central to Bobi's evidence was microchip data sourced from the Portuguese government database, the SIAC, which it transpires, when chipped in 2022, did not require proof of age for dogs born before 2008," McKinley said. "With the additional veterinary statement provided as evidence for Bobi's age also citing this microchip data, we're left with no conclusive evidence which can definitively prove Bobi's date of birth."So, who is the real oldest dog in the world? Well, before Bobi’s lofty claim, there was the famous Bluey, an Australian cattle dog who held the record, being 29 years and 5 months old. But with these recent events, the future of this record will certainly change. McKinley claims that microchips need to be widely adopted around the world for serious claims to be made."Until that time, we'll require documentary evidence for all years of a pet's life, we'll continue to ask for vet and witness statements and we'll also consider microchip data as well where available," he added. "It's for this reason that we're not yet in a position to confirm a new holder for the record, although we certainly hope that the publicity around the record title encourages pet owners from around the world to get in touch."Sadly, Bobi died in October 2023, just months after celebrating what was reportedly his 31st birthday. He was a purebred Rafeiro do Alentejo, a native Portuguese dog breed that is known for its ability to protect livestock. These magnificent dogs have an average life expectancy of 12 to 14 years, and it was thought that Bobbi managed to live twice the time expected – but we’ll never know if that’s actually true or not.

Top 10 Dumbest Dog Breeds
Top 10 Dumbest Dog Breeds
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Do You Need to Clean A Cat's Teeth?

Cats are known and adored for their free spirit, their stubborn nature, their agility, and their cute and cuddly side as well. They are skilled hunters, and as such they have sharp and perfected teeth. But while a cat roaming the outdoors would gnaw and eat prey she previously caught when you have a pet cat, those same teeth are used to eat a very different kind of food. Naturally, this can have a big impact on your cat’s dental health, as the same principles that were true in nature are not applicable for indoor-only cats anymore – which brings up an important question: do you need to clean a cat’s teeth? How important is this for their hygiene? And most importantly, how do you do it? Let’s take a closer look at this question.Do You Need to Clean A Cat's Teeth?Just like for us humans, dental care is important for kitties too. Of course, human and feline teeth are totally different, so dental hygiene is not exactly the same for both. Cat teeth are not brushed as often as our own, but nevertheless, you should provide some level of dental hygiene to your four-legged friend, as it can be a great benefit for their health. Neglect their little chompers for a long time, and their teeth could deteriorate over the years. This can lead to great discomfort, pain, loss of appetite, and from there – many other problems as well. So, in short, keeping your cat’s teeth clean and maintained is an essential aspect of caring for them. Of course, regular vet checkups will give you a good insight into their dental health and will allow you to spot problems early on and tackle them more easily. But it also goes a long way to know the tips and tricks that help maintain a cat’s dental hygiene. Here are just a few:Regular Brushing

Are Essential Oils Safe for Dogs?

Essential oils have a variety of uses and can be quite beneficial. And that’s not true for human use alone, as these natural oils found their way to the world of pets as well, and can be used to help eliminate a range of issues such as skin irritations, allergies, and fleas, and to boost the overall health of your dog’s coat. But, while there are plenty of pet products that contain essential oils, many owners are wondering: are essential oils really safe for dogs? It is a good question, so let’s try and find the right answer.Essential Oils for Dogs: The BasicsWhile some essential oils can be safe for dogs, it's important to use them with caution. Dogs have a more sensitive sense of smell than humans, so strong scents can be overwhelming, even if they are of natural origin. Certain essential oils, like lavender and chamomile, are generally considered safe in small amounts and when properly diluted. That being said, it is important to know what you are buying and to find essential oils that are made for pets especially. These are likely to be properly diluted and formulated to be safe for dogs. Essential oils can have various effects on dogs, both positive and negative. Some oils, like the aforementioned lavender and chamomile, may help with relaxation and anxiety, and help your pet sleep easier. On the other side, specific oils such as tea tree, citrus, and peppermint can be harmful to dogs and should be avoided.When using essential oils around dogs, it's crucial to dilute them properly. Always dilute essential oils before using them around your dog. Most experts recommend a ratio of 1:50, meaning one drop of essential oil to 50 drops of carrier oil. Of course, you should always observe your dog's reactions. Watch for signs of distress or discomfort in your dog when you introduce a new essential oil. If you notice any adverse reactions, stop using the oil immediately.Ultimately, you should be wary of the application methods you are using. Avoid applying essential oils directly to your dog's skin. Instead, diffuse them in the air or use a diffuser. You can also add a few drops to your dog's collar or bedding if the goal is to deter parasites. Needless to say, it goes a long way to properly familiarize yourself with essential oils and how they are used in the dog world. You can go in-depth with  a book that specializes in this topic, and gain the ultimate knowledge about these helpful oils before utilizing these natural products for your pet’s well-being. 

How Can I Tell If My Dog Has a Fever?

High fever is no joke, and can be quite serious – both for people and their furry four-legged friends. Yes, dogs can have a fever too, and it can be a much more serious condition for them than it is for us. Unfortunately, fever is not an ailment you can spot with your bare eye. Because of this, you will need to thoroughly observe your pet’s behavior and learn how to spot those little details that indicate a fever. Read on as we go through the basics of dog fever and just how to tell if your pet needs your help.Symptoms of Fever in DogsDogs, like humans, can develop a fever as a response to illness or infection. It’s the body’s natural way to fight off the “intruders” in the body. Fever comes in many forms and for various reasons. You can tell if your dog has a fever by observing their behavior and checking for physical signs. Here are just a few of the most common indicators.Increased Body Temperature: 

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