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Pet Care

World Spay Day is February 28

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The last day of February is World Spay Day. As the world moves away from winter and outdoors into spring, consider the benefits of making sure your pet is spayed or neutered. 

Spaying your pet is just one way to help keep homeless pet populations down. Without enough homes for pets they often enter into the shelter system where millions are euthanizes each year.

While there are medical and behavioral benefits to neutering pets, let’s consider a few myths that still exist. According to the ASPCA, two common myths that simply aren’t accurate are:

  • Spaying or neutering will not cause your pet to become overweight.
  • Neutering is not a quick fix for all behavior problems. 

What is true is that you can oftentimes enjoy medical benefits from spaying your pet. For example, your female pet will be less likely to experience breast tumors or uterine infections resulting in a healthier, longer life. Your male pets will be less likely to experience testicular cancer or prostate problems. 

There are behavior benefits as well. Your male dogs are less likely to roam as far away from home when mating season rolls around. This will limit attempts to escape to find a lady friend and potentially incur injury from traffic or other hazards. Your female cat won’t go into heat which can sometimes include a great deal of yowling and urination, sometimes all over your house. 

Contact your veterinarian or seek out a low-cost clinic to find out how to spay or neuter your pet. Do what is best for your pet’s health and research what makes the most sense for your pet. 

Could You Spot Diabetes In Your Pet?

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Did you know that your pet could develop diabetes? If not, don’t beat yourself up. Most people are not aware that this disease could afflict their pets. 

According to Merrick Animal Health:

“Diabetes affects anywhere between 1 in 100 to 1 in 500 dogs and cats. The number of dogs diagnosed with the condition has tripled during the past 30 years. Risk factors that may contribute to the development of diabetes include age (middle-aged to older dogs and cats are more susceptible), genetics, breed and obesity.”

So, what should you look for? What are the signs?

  • Lethargy
  • Increased thirst
  • Frequent urination

There are a number of resources available for you if you think your pet may be exhibiting signs of diabetes. You can download a handy checklist; you can download a pet diabetes handbook; or a pet sitter checklist. 

If you think you might have a diabetic pet on your hands, take this quick quiz and make an appointment with your veterinarian right away. 

The Facts On Canine Lymphoma Awareness Day

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No one likes to think about cancer, especially for our pets. But, early detection can save lives. That’s why we want to talk about the facts of canine lymphoma.

November 7th is Canine Lymphoma Awareness Day. You may be wondering what that is and how to detect it in your pet.

According to Canada Pet Care, lymphoma is a common cancer that derives its name from the white blood cells the cancer attacks. It is so common that according to AKC Canine Health Foundation, 1 in 15 dogs will be impacted in their life time.

Symptoms you should be on the lookout for include:

  • Loss of Weight
  • Swelling in the Area of Lymph Nodes
  • Loss of Interest in Doing the Physical Activities
  • Being Extensively Lethargic

Canada Pet Care has identified the four major types of lymphoma:

  • Multicentric Lymphoma: This is the most common type affecting the dogs. This kind of cancer is not painful but it enlarges the lymph nodes of neck, armpits, and groin areas causing redness all over the areas surrounding.
  • Extranodal Lymphoma: This is rarest of all. It happens away from the common nodal and can develop near eyes, skin, lungs or even nervous system.
  • Alimentary Lymphoma: This causes the effect on intestines and results in vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
  • Mediastinal Lymphoma: This is rare and it affects the organs in chest.

Remember that like people, early detection can make all the difference in implementing effective and potentially successful interventions. While the cause isn’t fully known, it tends to impact larger breed dogs more so than small breeds. 

Just another reason why careful observation of your pet’s normal behavior and regular medical visits are an important role in keeping your pet healthy. 

October Is Adopt A Shelter Dog Month

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While I believe that every month is Adopt A Shelter Dog month, apparently the month of October is its official celebration. You might also hear it referred to as Adopt A Dog Month.
 
There are numerous ways to celebrate the month, but let’s take some ideas from the Humane Society of Charlotte. They have 5 great ways to celebrate, but I’m sure that we can come up with even more!
  • Mental health. Many of us were finding our limits tested during the lockdowns of the pandemic. If you didn’t bring a pandemic puppy into your home, you could open up your home to a pet and reap the benefits of stress reduction and see both your pet and your blood pressure decrease just by petting them! It’s true.
  • Exercise. Walking a dog can get you outside more often. It also gets you moving and that is not only good for your weight, but your emotional health as well. And a dog that gets plenty of walk and sniff time is a healthy family member.
  • Dog people. It is a thing! You’ll meet people on your walks with their pets and could very well strike up a new friendship. Another benefit of adoption.
  • Unconditional love. No question, the adage that a dog is the only thing that loves you more than itself is true. And that kind of love will change your world. Doubt it? Try it out and see.
  • Saving lives. Without a doubt, bringing a pet into your home not only saves that pet’s life, but opens up slots for other dogs that might not survive in some shelters. While many have moved to a no-kill philosophy, that isn’t the case for all facilities.
With all the benefits of having a canine companion, we encourage you to consider your local rescue or shelter when picking out a new pet. The experience will be life-altering for all involved. What other ways can you think of that celebrates pet adoption?

National Pet Week Starts May 1st

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National Pet Week began back in 1981. It is celebrated during the first week of May. The American Veterinarian Medical Association (AVMA) helped create this week that celebrates pets and encourages the best possible care of our companion animals. 

The AVMA  themes each day that you can check out by clicking here.

You probably won’t be surprised by many of the recommendations. But it is always good to see if you can make any improvements. Many of the tips can be applied to the human beings in the household, not just the pet.

For example, the AVMA recommends proper nutrition and exercise for your pet. What better way to improve your own life by being active with your best friend? Finding an exercise routine that both your pet and you can share is an essential joy that has long lasting benefits.

Unsurprisingly, they recommend regular checkups and screenings, particularly as your pet reaches the senior years. Just like humans, the preventive measures you take could extend the quality and longevity of your pet’s life. 

You could also review preparation protocols for travel and review the latest procedures for handling an emergency event. 

Whether you are looking to find a pet or already have one, your veterinarian is a great resource for making sure you understand all the facets required for a healthy, happy pet.

Let us know how you plan to celebrate National Pet Week.