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As an animal lover and pet owner, there may come a time when you decide you want both a dog and a cat in your household. Before welcoming a second animal into your home, veterinarians recommend taking a few precautions to ensure your pets can coexist in harmony. With this in mind, here are a few ways small animal clinics suggest introducing dogs and cats to one another. 

4 Veterinarian-Approved Tips to Ensure Your Dog & Cat Get Along

1. Prioritize Dog Training

Does your dog tend to bark and lunge at squirrels and other small animals they see on walks? If so, training them to sit, stay, and refrain from these habits should be a top priority before adopting a cat of your own. When needed, ask your veterinarian for trainer recommendations or for an assessment of your dog’s general demeanor and personality to determine whether they’ll be able to get along with a cat. 

2. Give Your Cat Territory in the House

After adopting a cat, keep them separated from your dog at the beginning. Use a baby gate or keep them in their own room so they can establish a place or a “territory” within the home that they can retreat to. This will allow them to feel relaxed and safe should they get into a confrontation with the dog. 

3. Start With a Scent Test

VeterinarianBefore formally introducing a dog and cat, start by sharing their scents. Allow each animal to pick up on the other’s scent by smelling their bed or toys. This will allow them to get familiar with the other’s smell and can squash potential battles for turf within the home. 

4. Make a Slow Introduction During Meal Times

Both dogs and cats often have one thing in common and that’s a love of mealtime. Consider setting both the dog and the cat’s sleeping spaces up in the same room, but separate them to eat their meals. For added safety, keep your dog on a leash the first few times. Slowly move their dishes closer together over the course of a few weeks so they get used to each other and don’t consider the other a threat to their food source.

 

Are you concerned about how your dog or cat will react to another pet in the household? If so, the team at Countryside Veterinary Service, a trusted network of small animal clinics, can help. Pet owners across Northeastern Ohio and Northwestern Pennsylvania can receive top-notch care from a dedicated veterinarian at one of their five convenient locations. To learn more about their services and approach to hands-on care, whether your furry friend needs a checkup, vaccinations, or emergency care, visit their website. 

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