How to control jealousy between pets

It is surprising how pets can resemble humans, and in material of jealousy and territoriality, the arrival of a new animal or the coexistence of several can become a nightmare for the owners, who do not know where to begin to make them understand and peace reigns in the home. If you are waiting for a new animal or if the ones you have are simply not supported, in .com we give you some suggestions so you know how to control pet jealousy

It will be or will not be jealous

It is difficult to determine if in the presence of another animal at home your pet may or may not be jealous. The reality is that in general animals are used to the presence of others, either during the hours of play on the street or why someone goes to visit with your partner at home, and the rule is that your pet accepts it without problem, but your reaction depends on several factors that you should know

Factor 1, the race

Why small dogs tend to be more grumpy, restless and territorial in the presence of other animals and even other humans ?, because these races are much more possessive than the large and perceive that any new element is a possible threat. On the other hand, most of the large breeds are more sociable, as is the case of Retrievers or Boxers, meaning that the dog you choose will determine your propensity for jealousy. With cats it happens that males tend to be more territorial and aggressive than females, so many owners choose to castrate them to eliminate this behavior

Factor 2, education

From small the animal must be accustomed to the presence of others, especially in the case of smaller breeds. They must leave the house, play with other pets and even share with different humans to avoid insecurities and jealousy. If they are used to them, they will not see another animal as a direct threat.

Direct competition

It is clear that for both humans and animals it is easier to feel threatened before direct competition, so if you have a dog and take home another male dog it is possible that the former feels directly threatened, behaving in an unusual way, urinating on sides in which before he did not, being nervous and even aggressive with the new animal or with the owners. But how to avoid jealousy among pets?

Recommendation 1, "hello a lot of pleasure"

If you bring a new pet home it is very important that the present to your other animal, with all the formality of a human being, let them smell, that they recognize themselves, that they share moments together. Perhaps it is advisable not to leave them alone for a long time during the first days if you are not sure that your animal will get used to the presence quickly

Recommendation 2, nothing to share the table

Your animals should eat in separate dishes and if possible in different parts of the house, thus eliminating the possibility of a dispute over food, something quite common among pets when they live together

Recommendation 3, the same for both

The hours of games, affections, attentions and walks should be the same for both, whether one is an adult and the other just a baby, in this way you will prevent your first pet from feeling displaced or ignored by the arrival of the other. Remember that as in humans, it is important to reinforce their safety because jealousy is the product of fears and insecurities

Recommendation 4, avoid direct competition

If you know in advance that your animal is territorial maybe it is best not to buy another of the same sex, or in the case of males, castrate it to reduce your need to dominate if you do not want to have a female. The coexistence between dogs and cats works in the vast majority of cases, it is only usual, but there are many families that have both species without facing any problem

Tips
  • If you have any questions, ask your veterinarian to offer more advice about it