How to Keep Pets From Spoiling Your Belongings
Our pets may be domesticated, but sometimes we are reminded that they are descended from wild animals. For example, when their instinctive habits make them smash our couch or pee on this new rug. Of course, this is crazy, but with some effort and understanding, we can satisfy their natural needs and still maintain a comfortable and clean home.
As humans, when our modern conveniences work against our nature, we simply adapt to them. Animals don’t do that. And when we force them to abandon their natural instincts, it doesn’t always work. I live with two cats, and I’ve found that learning to live comfortably with them comes down to two main factors: understanding their behavior and working with it. Here are some common “problems” with pets and how to solve them.
Chew something
Why do they do it
Chewing is a natural part of pet behavior. Puppies and kittens often chew because their teeth are teething, and older dogs and cats chew on something because … something like that is damn easy to chew. However, sometimes they gnaw on something due to vitamin deficiencies, so it’s always worth talking to your veterinarian. But if your dog or cat is chewing just to chew, there are a few things to keep in mind.
What does not work
Don’t let this happen. Sometimes chewing is dangerous for pets (cords, toxic plants), so it is important to address this problem and put an end to it. ASPCA recommends tools , repellent taste of products, specially designed to spoil the taste of your pet. But always be careful about what you allow your pet to ingest.
What to do instead
Giving your pet an outlet for its natural inclination is the right way to go. Offer them something to chew on for their size. For small pets, try cardboard boxes or toilet paper rolls. For cats, try cat-friendly plants such as lemongrass, catnip, or catnip. And there are many chew toys available for dogs; just heed these warnings from Cesar Millan:
If you are buying your dog a kong-style toy check, make sure the hole in the toy is not large enough for the dog to get stuck in its lower jaw. I have seen several emergencies where a dog comes in with a toy stuck. his mouth. Don’t give toys that look like unsuitable items; for example, don’t give your dog old chewing shoes because they won’t notice the difference between an old chew sole and a new pair.
If your pet chews for play, remember to spend play time with it. And of course, hide or get rid of any dangerous items they tend to chew on. Check out our post on how to protect your gadgets from pets .
Spill all over the place
Why do they do it
Of all the problems with pets, it is the most unfair when they take the blame. They shed because they are hairy. And while we know it’s not their fault, their loss can still be frustrating.
What works
Since the fight against shedding is mainly about getting rid of what is already there, we’ll just discuss what works. Brushing your pet is probably the easiest way to combat shedding, but here are a few less obvious tricks:
- Dust Mops: CleanMySpace claims that some vacuum cleaners can simply push pet hair along with the exhaust pipe. Offer a dust mop with a microfiber bottom.
- Baking soda : They also suggest sprinkling baking soda on the carpet before vacuuming. This helps to loosen the hair.
- Rubber scraper : Rubbing a dry scraper across the carpet will also help pull out hair.
- Natural Pet Shampoos : According to SheKnows, there are some shampoos that help loosen your pet’s undercoat , which is where most of the shedding occurs. Before using anything, be sure to carefully review the product for safety.
- Self-cleaning brushes : You put them on the wall and the cats rub against them as they walk by, brushing themselves. There are also self-care posts .
After all, pet hair is something you will learn to live with. However, this does not mean that you have to give up. By solving a problem for a few minutes every day, you can make your home more comfortable.
Pissing on things
Why do they do it
There are many reasons why cats and dogs make their lives easier where they should not. Before doing anything else, make sure it’s not a health problem. Many animals do this when they are in pain or have health problems, so once you’ve ruled out other possibilities it is probably best to talk to your veterinarian.
Both dogs and cats can urinate on objects to mark their territory, and this usually happens when something or someone new enters your home. The Dog Chat Forum explains :
This usually happens due to feelings of insecurity or perceived threat. This perceived threat, for example, could be a new baby, a new pet, a visitor, or even a new piece of furniture. The smell of other animals on your shoes or clothing can also make your dog want to mark their territory.
Sterilization and sterilization can help curb this behavior, but here’s what you shouldn’t.
What does not work
Most experts agree that yelling or “poking your nose into this” is not the best solution. It just makes your pet fearful of you and doesn’t really understand that his behavior is wrong. Daily Puppy explains :
Rubbing your dog’s nose with his urine or feces to indicate to him that he did something wrong, you will not achieve anything like this, but only make the dog intimidated by your company. This can lead to the fact that your dog considers you not only dangerous, but also abnormal. This action sometimes scares dogs so much that they resort to “running away” whenever they feel the urge to get rid of. If your dog thinks peeing or emptying in the middle of the living room is scary, he may instead head to your bedroom.
In addition, it is not very pleasant to do with animals, because they do what is natural for them.
What to do instead
So what does work? The Nest has some great dog tips to get you started. For instance:
- Use your dog’s scent: When you cleanse your dog’s urine, place the soaked paper towels in their designated potty area. This prompts him to go to the bathroom at an approved location.
- Place treats in the dog’s kill area : Dogs don’t want to destroy the area where they eat, so if there is food in there, it might discourage him from using that area as a bathroom.
On I Love Dog, Certified Trainer Amanda Cornell suggests using positive noise to change your dog’s behavior. So when you think your dog is going to pee somewhere, use a gentle sound to distract him. Teaching your puppy at home is a separate task, but some of these tips can be applied.
In fact, I used the first two methods on my cat, and although they worked at first, she eventually peed from the toilet again. She started doing it when we got a new cat. Cats often don’t use one litter box, so a general rule of thumb if you have multiple cats is to have one additional litter box for as many cats you have.
There are several other factors to consider when dealing with a litter box:
- Is it in a busy area? Cats love solitude, so make sure the litter box is in a place where your cat feels safe.
- Waste bin inconvenient? Older cats may not want to climb high-walled boxes. Or your cat may be too big for its litter box.
- Have you recently changed brands? Some cats can be picky about their droppings.
In terms of spraying, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine states:
Cats may spray water when they sense their territory is threatened, such as when a new cat enters the house or when cats are nearby. In addition, cats can be sprayed by frustration with their circumstances, including conditions such as restrictive diets or insufficient play time (a reaction that owners often mistake for revenge), or in response to the smell of new furniture and carpet.
Yes, pets can be picky. But then again, they only do what comes naturally. Thus, finding a compromise for keeping in a good, clean home can mean working to fix the root of their behavior. Cornell also suggests using odor neutralizers wherever your cat has already sprayed.
Scratching furniture
Why do they do it
You can often tell that someone is the owner of a cat just by looking at their couch. Cats love to scratch things for various reasons – to leave their scent, to file their claws. So your sofa is not a place to sit. Unfortunately, in your cat’s eyes, this is a giant manicurist.
What does not work
Screaming will not stop your cat from doing this. This tactic is completely lost for them, as they are simply not programmed to read social cues. Veterinarian Tony Buffington tells Wired :
“How the hell is your cat supposed to know that you’re yelling at him because you want him to stop scratching the couch?” says Buffington. Without the cognitive ability to associate your flare-up with their scratching, cats only see chaotic aggression. “For a cat, you are a crazy primate who attacks him for no reason,” he says.
Therefore, if you say “no” to your cat, she still scratches, and you say that he “does not listen,” you are mistaken. He is unable to listen because he does not understand what you are talking about.
What to do instead: We’ve all written about how to keep your cats from shattering furniture with their claws. But the best thing you can do is give them an alternative place to scratch them. Once they have a dedicated scratch area, they will probably leave your couch alone. But you have to choose a scratching post that they actually use. Cat Behavior Associates recommends a post with the following characteristics:
- Strong and tall: the cat needs to stretch. I made the mistake of giving my cat an uncomfortable post that constantly moved as it scratched. Unfortunately, she immediately returned to my chair.
- The Right Stuff: Many cats love sisal, but some prefer wood or corrugated cardboard. You can experiment and see what your cat prefers.
- In the Right Place : Does your cat like to itch after eating? Place the pole next to her food bowl. After using the litter box? Put it there. Basically, place it in a place to take care of her comfort.
If the message doesn’t work, try breaking the water bottle. So, to repeat the rules of training with a water bottle:
Never yell or tell your cat that you are the source of a jet of water hitting it. You want your cat to associate scratching on the couch or furious rug digging with the occasional rush of water, rather than your presence nearby. It also means, unfortunately, not laughing when the cat looks very embarrassed after being attacked.
Additional tips can be found in the remainder of our post on this subject .
Jumps at you
Why do they do it
It seems obvious why dogs jump on people – they are below us and want to be at our level to say hello. Basically, they want to get our attention.
What does not work
Encouraging behavior is not a good idea if you want it to change. You may be thrilled to see your dog, but the more excited you are, the more delighted he will be. The same is with a nervous cry – it only excites her. And obviously you shouldn’t try to kneel or push the dog away. You can hurt her, and she will not understand why you are doing it.
What to do instead
When your dog is jumping, it is best to remain calm but assertive. According to the ASPCA, there are special tips for this . For instance:
When your dog starts to bounce, stop, look straight ahead (not at the dog) and bring your arms up to your chest. Wait calmly until your dog stops jumping. When her front paws touch the floor, immediately look at her and stroke her calmly. If she is agitated and bounces again, straighten her again and repeat the sequence.
If you walk into a room and your dog starts jumping, go outside immediately and close the door behind you, leaving it ajar. Say “Sit down” through the crack in the door. When your dog sits down, calmly return to the room, kneel down and pet her gently. If she jumps again, quickly get up and leave the room again, closing the door behind you. Repeat this sequence until your dog stops bouncing.
The Tree Method is a trick I learned in my dog bite prevention lesson. Clicker Training explains :
Teach children to stand still like a tree. Trees are boring and the dog will go away in time. This works for unfamiliar dogs, and whenever the family dog gets too playful or aggressive.
I tried this with my friend’s dog and it worked great. Worth noting: If your dog is indeed behaving aggressively, it is probably worth contacting a trainer or someone who can offer more extensive help.
The place stinks
Why do they do it
Again, this is not something our pets can control and we don’t blame them. However, they can be quite smelly creatures. Here’s how to deal with it.
What works
Cat owners usually need a litter box. And there are several things that help:
- Baking soda: The next time you change your litter box, add some baking soda to neutralize odors.
- Location : It’s tempting to hide the box in a small, confined space. But it actually captures the smell and keeps it concentrated. Leaving it out in an open area can improve ventilation.
- Routine : Again, it ultimately comes down to regular cleaning. Arrange toilet tools so that they can be quickly and efficiently cleaned. Petfinder recommends scooping every day, replacing the litter twice a week, and replacing the box itself annually.
For dogs and pets in general, PawNation offers air purifiers :
Air purifiers and humidifiers will not only improve the air quality in your home, but they will also largely eliminate all kinds of odors in your home, including those coming from the litter box. There are special air purifiers, supposedly intended for nurseries and grooming salons. But they can certainly be used at home as well.
For pet accidents, you can also soak the mess with baking soda to eliminate the odor and prevent it from remaining.
In case of bad breath, WebMD recommends that you evaluate your pet’s diet and give him quality, easily digestible food. Giving your dog something to chew on will also help keep his teeth clean. Bad breath can also be a sign of health problems, so it’s a good idea to check with your veterinarian.
This story was originally published in 2015 and was updated on 02/10/20 with updated links, formatting, and images.