Ask Ashley: Great Plains SPCA

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I recently adopted a puppy and I was wondering how much I should walk her. I want to socialize her as much as possible and give her plenty of exercise. She is six months old, fully vaccinated and dearly loved.  - Hadley Davidson

Congratulations on the new furry family member! It is recommended to give a dog between 30 minutes and two hours of exercise per day depending on the size, breed, and health of your pet. I recommend breaking that up through walks or backyard play if you have a safe yard where she can free roam. Socializing your pup is such a great idea at this age. If she is not displaying any fear aggressive behaviors, I recommend taking her to pet stores or stores where dogs are allowed for additional socialization. You can bring treats and ask others to give her a treat to help with socialization.  – Ashley Flores, CPDT-KA

We got a new dog from a family member that could no longer keep him and I travel frequently. I have been boarding him when I am away, but I wanted to get your feedback on how to safely fly with my pet. Do you think plane travel is safe for animals? Is there any training I can do to better equip him for flying? I will not be able to take him on work trips but hoping I can take him on family trips. - Gracie-Mae Frederick

I recommend asking yourself what is best for your pet and would he enjoy flying? It is preferred that he fly in the cabin with you, which is easier for smaller pets or Emotional Support Animals (ESA). If he is a larger dog and enjoys being boarded and going to doggy day care, I recommend that if he cannot fly in the cabin. If he cannot fly in the cabin, talk to your vet to make sure he can safely fly and avoid doing it during hot summer months. You can also talk to your vet about medications for your dog to ease the stress of the plane trip.  – Ashley Flores, CPDT-KA

I have two dogs that like to pee in the same area of my backyard and it is destroying my grass. I haven’t been too worried about it since the weather has been poor, but now that spring is coming soon, I was hoping you could give me some tips on how to keep the dog’s urine from damaging my yard.– Harvey Whitlow

I recommend watering your grass deeply. Nitrogen from their urine is what causes browning in the grass and water can dilute nitrogen. Ensuring they have plenty of drinking water can also help. There are supplements for dogs that help with nitrogen, but I don’t know how effective they are. Let me know if you try one! You can train them to pee in a certain area like a rock garden or block off areas where they normally pee to help let that grass grow. You can also reseed your lawn with more urine-resistant grass seed. – Ashley Flores, CPDTKA

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Featured Pet – Luna

Lena is a stunning four-year-old Shiba Inu/Shepherd mix looking for a home to call her own! Lena is loving, playful, loyal and independent – all the things you would want in a dog! Lena quickly won the hearts of our staff when she arrived at the shelter but sadly has not found her home yet. Lena is very toy-centric, loves people (kids included) and has great house manners. This easy-to-manage pup is ready to take her next adventure with a forever family. Could that be you? Contact adoptions@greatplainsspca.org for more information!

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