Ask Ashley: Great Plains SPCA

I recently adopted a cat from Great Plains SPCA and wanted to know what your thoughts are on little nail caps. Do they really work? We are just trying to figure out ways to keep her from scratching up our furniture. – Teddie O’Ryan

I love the kitty soft paws and they work for my cat. You can use different colors to match upcoming holidays for some extra fun. I normally do not do the back paws since they do most of the scratching with the front paws and I usually do them about once a month. Trim her nails, then add the soft paws. If you try them and do not like them, I recommend trimming nails frequently and getting lots of scratching toys for your cat to play with to redirect her from your furniture. – Ashley Flores, CPDT-KA

I am having lots of guests to my home for the holidays. Can you share any tips for what we can do to help our pets relax with all the holiday commotion? - Leela Chamberlain

I recommend setting up a pet safe room for them to take breaks from the family when needed and trying to stick to your usual routine as much as you can. If you can, introduce your pets to some of the family members before the holidays so they will be excited to see them. Also try to give them plenty of exercise. Do your best to not leave them alone more than normal since environment changes are what cause the most stress during this time and make sure they get some restful sleep. Hope you have a wonderful holiday. – Ashley Flores, CPDT-KA

We got a new puppy and he is a cutie pie. However, he frequently pees when he gets excited and when he meets new people. This dog is always excited and is living his life to the fullest, so he has a lot of excited peeing moments. Is there anything I can do to help him stop peeing everywhere?  - Sarah Rodgers

To help eliminate submissive urination, do not scold or yell at your puppy when it happens. This will cause the issue to become much worse. When introducing him to new people and animals or when playing, try to always do it outdoors to build an association of going pee outdoors. Make greetings very low-key and no big deal at all. Ignore him until he is calm, then reward for calm behaviors. I do have some good news: Most dogs under one year that inappropriately urinate out of excitement usually outgrow the behavior, so hang in there and follow these steps for success. – Ashley Flores, CPDT-KA

Featured Pet: Goldie

Goldie is a lovely companion looking for a home to call her own. She is a loving, well-mannered and easy-going girl. At six years old, you get a perfect balance of happy-go-lucky and relaxed with Miss Goldie. She is happy to be wherever you are and would love to be your co-pilot for life. Goldie is house trained, knows a few commands and listens very well. She is simply searching for human companionship and does prefer the attention of humans to other pets. Life is sure to be sweet with Goldie around. Come to the shelter to meet her today!

Email askashley@greatplainsspca.org for a chance to have your pet question answered here in KC Parent magazine.

Great Plains SPCA is an independent 501(c)(3) no-kill shelter serving approximately 6,000 animals annually in the Johnson County community. As Kansas City’s premium family shelter, we continue to support the seven municipalities with which we are contracted including Overland Park, Leawood, Lenexa, Shawnee, Lake Quivira, and Johnson County Parks and Recreation and unincorporated Johnson County.

Great Plains SPCA

5424 Antioch Drive Merriam, KS 66202

(913) 831-7722(SPCA)

https://www.greatplainsspca.org