Ask Ashley: Great Plains SPCA

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I recently adopted a dog from a nearby shelter and she is doing well with my current dog for the most part, except that she guards her food and it causes fights between the two of them. I don’t want to return her to the shelter, but I am not sure what else I can do. Please help. – Helena Maarika

It is natural for dogs to display resource guarding when entering a new home with other pets initially. I recommend feeding them in separate bowls in separate areas and making a routine of feeding on a schedule then picking up their food dishes after 20 to 30 minutes. Try making mealtimes a peaceful time and not a competitive one to avoid frustration from either of them. Teaching them basic commands such as “wait” and “watch me” will help so that you can redirect them if they start displaying any concerning behavior while they’re eating. If they are hard staring at one another while eating, they are too close and need to be separated more. Absolutely no feeding pets at the kitchen table. If you feel they need some table scraps, put them in separate bowls and feed them separately. Happy eating! – Ashley Flores, CPDT-KA

My dog is nervous when he goes to the vet clinic and snaps at the vets, so they talked to me about muzzle training. Do you have any recommendations on the best type of muzzle? – Liam Evans

Muzzle training is a great way to keep your pet safe. For veterinary care, I recommend a closed-mouth cloth muzzle with a buckle on the back that goes around the head and under the ears. The best type of muzzle to use during walks or high activity is a basket muzzle so that your dog can open his mouth and drink water. My preferred brand of basket muzzles is Baskerville because they are hard plastic with soft straps. You will need to work on muzzle training to teach your pet to be comfortable in a muzzle. – Ashley Flores, CPDT-KA

My dog is deathly afraid of fireworks and unfortunately it is legal to shoot fireworks in my neighborhood, which means we hear fireworks for up to two weeks in July. Is there anything I can do to help her feel less frightened during the holiday? – Josephina W.

During this time of year, I constantly remind people to fight the urge to bring their pets to firework shows and Fourth of July celebrations due to the loud noises and large crowds. Dogs are more sensitive to noise and odor than humans, which means fireworks can be very scary for many of them. I highly recommend keeping pets indoors during this holiday and updating microchip numbers and pet identification tags since it is common for pets to go missing during this holiday. Try keeping your pet in a quiet room (basements are great for this) and play some music or have the television on to help soften the noise from the fireworks. Get your walking and exercising done before nightfall so you can avoid the fireworks. If your dog’s anxiety is severe, please consult a veterinarian for medications that may help. If you are home with your pet during the fireworks, play games of fetch and try to redirect their focus away from the noise with play. I hope you and your pet have a better holiday this year. – Ashley Flores, CPDT-KA

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Featured Pet - Cedar

Hi, I'm Cedar, a 4-year-old sweetheart with a tail that wags like there's no tomorrow. Life brought me to a shelter, but my spirit remains unbroken and full of love. With a coat as warm as my heart, I'm ready to be the loyal companion you've been searching for. Playful and gentle, I've mastered the art of cuddles and the joy of simple pleasures. Shelter life has taught me resilience, and now I'm hoping to find a forever home where my sweetness can blossom. Are you ready to share your world with a furry friend like me? Let's embark on this journey together.

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, 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