22 Mar Second Chance: Siblings Aren’t Always Better Together!
Second Chance Humane Society’s Animal Resource Center (SCHS) and Thrift Shops have been serving San Miguel, Ouray & Montrose Counties since 1994. The shelter is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday 11 to 5:30. Community veterinary services are available by appointment.
View shelter pets and services online: www.adoptmountainpets.org.
Go here for more on Dr. Shari DePauw of Second Chance. Second Chance veterinary clinic is open Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday. Call (970) 626-9713 or email clinic@adoptmountainpets.org
Go here for more options from Second Chance.
Sibling relationships can be complicated, both for humans and dogs. When adopting a new pet, people often think it’s better to get two from the same litter. With cats, that is a good strategy. Most veterinarians recommend adopting cats in pairs.
With dogs, that can be a problem. Littermate syndrome is a very real and serious issue.
Littermate syndrome occurs when two puppies from the same litter develop such a strong attachment to each other that it interferes with their ability to interact in a normal manner with other people, other dogs, or any situation where they are not together. Puppies with littermate syndrome become highly dependent on one another for a sense of safety and normalcy. Littermate syndrome can affect dogs of any breed, and it may also affect unrelated puppies who are adopted at the same time and raised together.
Signs of littermate syndrome can include excessive crying, whining, and destructive behavior when siblings are separated from one another, a lack of interest in playing or interacting with people or other pets, and fear of unfamiliar people, things, places, or noises. Dogs experiencing littermate syndrome may only want to eat if their sibling is present. Training two puppies from the same litter may take longer than expected because puppies are so distracted by one another.
Littermate syndrome is difficult and stressful for pet parents to deal with due to the numerous behavioral issues involved. Because puppies with littermate syndrome dominate each other’s attention, they may fail to learn how to communicate, play, and socialize with other dogs, and may bond less with their family. Over time, that can result in fear and aggression. In the worst-case scenario, littermates may attack each other. If two sibling dogs play or fight too hard, that can lead to severe injury or death.
For those reasons, adopting two puppies at a time may mean more work, not less. Usually, formal training is required, and each dog will need to be trained separately. The goal is to get each dog comfortable with being alone, meaning separate walks, separate food bowls, separate training, and separate crates.
Rehoming one dog is the last resort. It comes down to safety and happiness. Aggression should never be taken lightly or overlooked. An aggressive dog is not a happy dog — and dogs deserve to be happy.
Bonnie
My name is Bonnie. I’m a fun, sweet, loving boxer who is extremely well-behaved in the house. I like to go on car rides and adventures, love to hike, and enjoy running in the yard. I’m also a great cuddler and will be an instant friend to whomever I meet!
AND… To continue the Second Chance Highlights section, we want to share the following:
Changes at Second Chance Telluride Thrift Shop
Go here for more.
Dates are set for our 2023 Vaccine & Wellness Clinics in Nucla, an important service for this underserved area. Partnering with Hoof & Paw, we provide vaccines and other services to dogs and cats. Thanks to San Miguel Power Association for their support.
April 7
June 2
July 7
August 4
October 6
All Clinics:
Nucla Fire Station
11 am to 3 pm
First-come, first-served
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