Pet Tips

~ From Sissi Neace, former Rutherford County Humane Society President & Animal Behaviorist

dog in truck

“My dog likes to ride in the back of my pick up truck. Is that safe?”

Absolutely not. The back of a truck is one of the most dangerous places for your dog!
I have personally seen a dog fly out of a truck bed after the truck hit a bump. The driver kept going and the poor dog landed in the road. The dog was lucky that there were no cars behind the truck. So, he limped away with a broken leg and jaw instead of being run over.

On the same note, dogs like to put their heads out the car window. I do not recommend this, either, unless your dog has eye goggles. The danger of bugs or road debris putting your dog’s eye out is not worth the little pleasure to hang his head out the window.

cat scratching furniture

“Can you teach a cat not to scratch on your furniture?”

Yes, you can! But make sure to give them an alternative, as cats actually scratch to leave a scent from glands in their paws, not to sharpen their claws. A piece of carpet or post will do just fine. Rub it with catnip oil and watch them enjoy! If they scratch anywhere else, say “NO” loudly and clap your hands. Cats are quick to learn the correction “NO.”

Similar Posts

  • My Dogs Will NEVER Accept a Cat…or Will They?

    ~ By Stephanie Janard It was official: I had fallen in love with the stray orange and white cat that barged into our yard one day and insisted on living with us. I set up a comfy space for “Skipper” on the back porch, where I let him in every night so he’d have a safe place to sleep. I even kept the porch light on for him. And in the daytime, I gave him plenty of attention and love wherever he was hanging out outside. But letting him inside was a different matter. In fact, I had decided he would need to be an outside cat.  I was simply terrified my two dogs would tear him to pieces. They sure gave every indication of…

  • Lost or Found Pets

    If you have lost or found a pet in Rutherford County, the best thing you can do is to get the word out in a hurry. If you have a picture of your pet, make flyers with large print of pet’s name, identifying marks or characteristics. Include the date and place your pet was last seen. Put them in places like the stores and Post Office near you. Post them at street corners. Call the local vets and describe your pet to them and then take posters for the veterinary offices. Check your flyers regularly to be sure they are still where you placed them and that they remain in good condition. Borrow a humane trap if your pet has been sited in a certain area. Check the…

  • TNR Rutherford County

    What is TNR? TNR stands for Trap-Neuter-Return.  (sometimes Trap-Neuter-Return-Vaccinate or Trap-Neuter-Release). TNR is a humane, non-lethal method of managing feral and free-roaming cat populations. TNR reduces the need for shelter euthanasia because it lowers the number of cats and kittens entering the shelter system. TNR of Rutherford County, NC is a local group of compassionate volunteers in Rutherford County who humanely capture unwanted cats in the community to be spayed/neutered and vaccinated. In conjunction with animal control and other established community programs, TNR of Rutherford County, NC volunteers return the spayed/neutered and vaccinated cats to their original outdoor locations, which helps stabilize feral cat populations and stop the breeding cycle. TNR of Rutherford County, NC is dedicated to working within communities by educating and empowering…

  • Dog Heatstroke Survival Guide

    Know how to treat and prevent this dangerous condition. ~ Robert Newman What is heatstroke? In simple terms, heatstroke occurs when a dog loses its natural ability to regulate its body temperature. Dogs don’t sweat all over their bodies the way humans do. Canine body temperature is primarily regulated through respiration (i.e., panting). If a dog’s respiratory tract cannot evacuate heat quickly enough, heatstroke can occur. To know whether or not your dog is suffering from heatstroke (as opposed to merely heat exposure), it’s important to know the signs of heatstroke. A dog’s normal resting temperature is about 100.5 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. Once a dog’s temperature rises above 105 degrees, physiological changes start to take place, and the dog begins to experience the effects…

  • Personal Panthers  

    Several beautiful Personal Panthers are currently in foster care and available for adoption through Rutherford County Humane Society. Personal Panthers come in an assortment of colors, shapes and sizes. Personal tigers available too! Note: I authorize Helen Jones to use this poem for the benefit and promotion of Rutherford County NC Humane Society. Any other use of this is forbidden without the author’s permission.Beverly Kalinowski Personal Panther   by Bev Kalinowski The sleek black cat leaps into the air.Peacock feather prey moves onas he crouches with pupils widening.The green of his eyes become a thin lined circle ashis muscles wind up for the next attack. He leaps with the morning sun behind him andI cannot help but appreciate his lean, athletic silhouette.Small velvet paws spread wide…