Tina Tuszynski, Author at Floofins & Co.

Are you thinking about getting a new pet? November is Adopt a Senior Pet Month; rescuing an older pet might just be the perfect situation for your family!

Did you know that senior pets may wait 4 times as long as other pets to be adopted? Sadly, many of them end up in shelters due to unfortunate circumstances, such as a beloved owner’s death, family member’s allergies, or a move. When you adopt a senior pet, you are doing a wonderful thing – they’ve been used to a lot of love and companionship and they are suddenly without it.

On average, dogs are considered senior at around 7 years old; smaller breeds at around 10. Most cats are considered senior between 7 and 10 years old.

There are a lot of great benefits to adopting an older animal over a young one, including:

You know what you are getting
Unlike adopting a young animal, you already know this pet’s characteristics, whether they get along with children and other pets; and what their current medical issues are. Their personalities are already formed.

They are already trained and understand basic commands.
Senior pets know the deal! They are potty trained, know the difference between sit and heel, and are the perfect companions for a walk. Young dogs require a lot of work and training, of which a busy family may not have time to do properly. With a senior pet, you can enjoy the benefits of having a companion without all the work involved at the beginning.

No destructive puppy phase
While we all love the young pups, they have a LOT of energy and often can be destructive. With a senior pet, you don’t have to worry about teething, clawing, digging, climbing, jumping, and other rambunctious behavior. Older pets are more sedate and cuddly, and they make great companions for older adults as well.

Senior pets do have some special considerations. They may not be able to climb stairs and may need easier access to a litter box. They may need more veterinarian visits or special foods.

When you rescue a senior pet, you are giving them a great gift. . .one that he will return in threefold!

The snow is here and the temps are chilly! But your dogs still need to go out for walks. Here are some valuable tips for keeping your dogs and other pets healthy and comfortable in the cold months ahead.

Know your pet’s limits
Some breeds of dogs are more susceptible to the cold than others. Dogs with a thin coat of hair, such as Greyhounds and Chihuahuas, have a low tolerance to cold, as well as dogs with short legs. Keep them cozy in a warm sweater and/or booties, and limit their outdoor time on cold and snowy days. Breeds such as Huskies and Newfoundlands can tolerate the cold better than their short haired counterparts, but even they shouldn’t be left out too long in temperatures below freezing.

Senior pets and those suffering with arthritis will also be less tolerant of inclement weather, and they also are more prone to slipping and falling.

Bottom line: Shorten your walks and playtime outdoors and dress them for the winter.

Let the sun shine
Schedule your outdoor time for when the sun is shining! Dark coated dogs can absorb the sun better than light haired dogs, so they will stay warmer.

Take care of them once they come inside
Wipe them down and warm them up when they come indoors, making sure to wipe off any ice caught on their hair. Wipe their paws with a warm, damp cloth to make sure to remove any rock salt, chemicals and ice.

Make sure they have cozy blankets and bedding that they can snuggle in on cold days. And provide extra stimulation indoors for your pets so they don’t get bored.

Your pet may need more food and water in winter if they go outdoors, as their bodies will require more fuel to keep them warm.

Prepare for the worst case scenario
In case of a snowstorm, always keep a five-day supply of food, water and any necessary medications for your pets.

See your vet for Winter Wellness Exams
Cold weather can exacerbate certain conditions such as arthritis in your pets. Schedule an exam with your veterinarian to ensure your pet is healthy and comfortable.

The Canine Flu
Dogs who are exposed to other dogs risk catching the Canine flu. Virtually all dogs exposed to the canine influenza become infected, with approximately 80% developing clinical signs of the disease, according to the American Veterinary Medical Foundation. The approximately 20% of infected dogs that do not exhibit clinical signs can still shed the virus and spread the infection.

Dogs who attend doggy daycare and/or go to dog parks or other places that dogs commune are advised to consult their veterinarian about getting the Canine Flu Vaccine.

Consider reducing or eliminating your dog’s need for doggy daycare – Floofins & Co. offers flexible pet sitting for anywhere from a few hours to several days!