Sibling Rivalry

Vegetarian Times, July, 1999 by Paula Hunt

An "only pet" is king of the hill. He never has to share a lap or a litter box and is always the center of attention. So it's easy to see why bringing another four-legger into the family could cause the fur to fly

Adopting a second animal can be extremely stressful for the resident pet, says Matthew Margolis, dog trainer and author of Grrrrrr: The Complete Guide to Understanding and Preventing Aggressive Behavior in Dogs (Little Brown, 1999). It's impossible to predict how your first animal will react to a new "sibling" because of all the factors involved: age, sex, breed, size and personality. Even the friendliest or calmest of animals can bite or destroy furniture when his territory is invaded. While that's not inevitable--the unlikeliest of pets can become great buddies--you should still be prepared to play the role of diplomat, referee or nurse should the two begin to get on like cats and dogs.

Before you even consider bringing home a second pet, however, be certain that you have the time and resources. Two animals mean twice as much work and double the cost for veterinary care, food and training. You should also ask yourself why you want another pet. Many owners mistakenly believe their pet is lonely. "Don't get a new dog as a friend for another dog," Margolis warns. Cats and dogs usually prefer having you as their only friend. If after careful consideration you do decide to add another critter to the clan, observe these basic rules of thumb to ease the adjustment period.

Rule 1: Always get different-sex animals whether they're fixed or not. "They won't have the territorial issues that same-sex animals do," says Margolis. To avoid power struggles, provide separate food and water bowls (and litter boxes for cats) and place them far apart. John Heinerman, Ph.D., animal care expert and author of Natural Pet Cures (Prentice Hall Press, 1998), urges people not to adopt a pet during stressful times, like during the holidays or moves. Make sure you'll have plenty of time to bond with your new pet and pay extra attention to your first pet to avoid jealousy. Finally, be patient. It may take several weeks for the two to get past the growling, spitting and sideways glances and get to know each other. Although there is no real "cure" for your companion's anxiety or unexpected behavior when confronted with a new sibling, Gerald Buchoff, director of the North Bergen Animal Hospital, N.J., suggests, giving the animals the Bach Flower essence Rescue Remedy to alleviate stress. Or try the flower essence willow, used to restore good temperament. Add 3 to 5 drops of either into the water bowls for a few weeks or as long as necessary.

It's important to remember that animals, like children, may not take to a new member of the family immediately. But if you're a good parent, it's likely that they'll learn to co-exist if not become the best of friends.

For more info on animal introductions, visit www.unclematty.com or www.dr-cookie.com.