Enjoying the company of a pet is one of life’s great pleasures, and if one pet is great, surely two or more is even better! While many households embrace multiple pets, introducing them to each other can bring significant stress and even danger. This is even more true when the pets are not of the same species.
While dogs communicate via body language, a bird might be oblivious to a dog’s physical signals, and the dog has no idea what to think of the bird’s varied vocalizations. Pet sitters often see animals that are stressed and uncomfortable due to the presence of another unfamiliar pet in the home.
However, it doesn’t have to be this way. With some care and understanding, many types of pets can peacefully coexist, but the brunt of this responsibility falls on the owner.
Here’s how to make sure different species get along under the same roof without putting any of your beloved pets in danger.
The Dangers of Disputes
Simply placing two pets in a home and letting them “sort things out” can be a recipe for disaster. Disputes between pets can be dangerous or even fatal. Bite injuries, lacerations, broken bones, and more are just the start. A cat may viciously attack a bird or even consume a small reptile, while a dog might instinctually hunt and bite a pet rabbit.
Understanding which species may get along is a good start, keeping in mind nature’s own wiring in your pet’s brain. It’s not their fault they are treating a prey animal as prey; they’ve been doing so for hundreds of thousands of years.
Tips for Getting Along
With some care and strategy, many pet species can get along harmoniously. Consider the following tips:
Creating individual spaces
One of the greatest sources of friction among pets is feeling trapped in a space with each other. Create spaces dedicated to each pet, ideally away from each other, so each has a safe place to retreat when feeling overwhelmed or scared. Providing an escape minimizes the likelihood of pets lashing out at each other.
Maintaining enough for everyone
In pets that share some resources, it is important to make sure everyone has enough. For instance, a ferret may snack on the same food as a dog if it’s left in a bowl on the floor, leading the dog to feel threatened and possessive of its food.
A cat may play with a bird’s toys, leaving the bird scared of its own enrichment. Make sure each animal has enough so they are not monopolizing resources from each other.
Take introductions slowly
Even humans who meet new people usually take some time to warm up to them, and it’s no different with pets. Introduce animals slowly, ideally in an area where they cannot hurt each other, such as on either side of a wire fence or through the mesh of a cage. Limit introductions to a few minutes to start, then increase exposure over time as the pets become more tolerant of each other’s presence.
Share scents
Many pet species rely on their sense of smell to identify danger. If you plan to introduce a dog to your home, consider borrowing the dog’s collar and placing it inside your reptile’s (or cat’s, or rabbit’s, etc.) enclosure or space.
This introduction gives them ample time to become familiar with the smell of your new pet before encountering them. Then, when the new animal arrives, their presence will be less of a shock. This strategy works in both directions! Introduce scents between animals before the new one comes home.
Meet in a neutral location
When possible, it is helpful for animals to meet in a neutral location. This can be especially important with dogs, who may feel aggressive about an “intruder” entering their territory at home. However, be sure that all pets are properly restrained so that they do not escape during their meeting.
Supervise
No matter which types of animals you are introducing, always supervise their interactions. Supervision is important not just on the first day but for a while afterward.
Animals should never be left unattended while they are still uncertain of each other, as this could lead to injuries, aggression, and attacks. Owners must be vigilant and ready to separate animals that are not getting along.
Book an Experienced Northern Virginia Pet Sitter
Having a wide variety of pets can bring joy to anyone’s household, but making sure they get along can be stressful. The good news is that many species can get along just fine once they’ve been introduced! It just takes some planning.
If you’ve got a range of pet species who call your house home, make sure you choose pet sitters who have experience in multiple animal types so everyone receives quality care.
Contact Paw Pals if you need help with overnight pet care or to tire your pets out on a daily walk!
