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November is Pet Diabetes Month

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Has your pet been lethargic, drinking large amounts of water, and urinating frequently? These could be signs that your pet may have diabetes.

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

According to Merrick, 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?

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 (http://www.petdiabetesmonth.com/PDF/PM11_0066.pdf); you can download a pet diabetes handbook http://www.petdiabetesmonth.com/PDF/PM09_0114B.pdf or a pet sitter checklist http://www.petdiabetesmonth.com/PDF/PM11_0065.pdf 

If you think you might have a diabetic pet on your hands, take this quick quiz (http://www.petdiabetesmonth.com/survey-page.asp) and make an appointment with your veterinarian right away. 

Diabetes can be treated and Floofins & Co. has staff trained that can administer insulin shots, particularly for cats. Careful observation of your pet’s behavior is the first step in being able to readily identify warning signs. And yearly exams, semiannual for senior pets, can help keep your pet healthy and happy for many years by using preventive measures to avoid more severe health outcomes.

November Is Adopt a Senior Pet Month

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November is a month that I can really get behind. Not only does my favorite food holiday, Thanksgiving, occur in November, but it is also  Adopt A Senior Pet Month. 

I often tell people that one of my favorite types of dogs are old ones. The  golden years are full of naps on the rug in the sun, ambles about the neighborhood, and treats and tummy rubs. Yet, the cuddly cuteness of new kittens or puppies often overtakes us. How could it not?

But as you consider adding to your Floofins Family, don’t forget that some of the last animals to be adopted from shelters are the seniors. Sure, the little ones are squirmy and wiggly and cute, but the soul in the eyes of a dog that has reached an age of wisdom comes with some great benefits.

One of the reasons I adopted an adult dog was because I despise housebreaking training. While I know it doesn’t take forever and most pick up on it quickly enough, I hate cleaning the carpet, the tile, the rugs. And I just wanted a dog that would already know the “rules of the road” when it came to urination. Senior pets already have that down pat, in most instances.

Further, you know what you are getting. Personality is on full display and often you have a complete list of the features of the model you are taking home. A win-win for the pet and for the family. 

And I hear you. The old ones are more likely to have health issues. Well, let me point you in the direction of a charity that I adore: the Mr. Mo Project. https://www.mrmoproject.com

This couple, Chris and Mariesa Hughes, made it their mission to house senior pets and they cover the medical expenses for the rest of the dog’s life. It makes a great option for donations if you are so inclined this holiday season.

So, keep those senior pets in mind when you start looking for your next floofin.

October Is Adopt A Shelter Dog Month

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The month of October is officially Adopt A Shelter Dog month. 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?

Don’t Miss This Pet Photo Shoot

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Every year I consider doing a holiday photo card with my dog. And every year I find myself realizing that I don’t know a pet photographer. I end up feeling like there isn’t enough time to pull it off. So, I settle for the infamous “next year”.

Floofins friends, NOT this year! 

Floofins & Co. has been bringing you photos via our pet journals for years, so you know we can get some great shots. Now through December 1st, you can book a photo session with one of our super photographers on a weekend of your choosing and get your holiday themed pictures taken! 

You can choose from a 15-minute session (Option 1) or a 30-minute session (Option 2). We will come to your home or meet you at location within 15-minutes of your home and get 2-3 guaranteed pictures in a 15-minute session or 5-7 photos with a 30 minute session. We can provide some holiday props, if desired. 

The great thing is that you will have ownership of the digital images. So, no copyrights to work through or required ordering of prints or cards through a specific studio. That makes the pricing structure a steal: $75 for Option 1 or $115 for Option 2.

Setting up an appointment is super simple. Access it through our Floofins & Co. app and get scheduled today! You’ll get all the benefits of a professional shoot with the convenience only Floofins & Co. can provide. 

We can’t wait to see your holiday photos this year!

June Is Adopt A Cat Month

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June isn’t just the month of summer. It also serves as Adopt a Cat Month.

One of the primary goals of the month is to home cats and kittens. Shelters continue to struggle with funding and and covering supplies.

Since June coincides with the height of kitten season, a time when the largest number of cats give birth to litters, there is often an influx of felines into the shelters. This year, American Humane will celebrate their 48th annual June focus on adoption. American Humane has “provided lifesaving animal first responder assistance at the sites of virtually every major national disaster response from Pearl Harbor to 9/11, and from Hurricane Sandy and Hurricane Dorian to the novel coronavirus pandemic.”

For folks interested in donations, you can head over to the ASPCA Adopt A Cat webpage or you can donate to American Humane’s Feed The Hungry campaign which delivers food to shelters all over the country. Or, as we like to encourage, donate to your local shelter where you can have an immediate and close to home impact.

You don’t have to simply donate, ASPCA has a fundraising page where you can build up donations on your own or by creating a team.

If you opt to bring a new cat into your life this month, don’t forget to utilize the great resources that American Humane offers on their website. You can find reference materials on topics such as

  • Adoption Checklists
  • Cat to Cat Introductions
  • Dog to Cat Introductions
  • Cat Collars
  • Scratching
  • Litter box usage

And if you are in the Chicagoland area and considering adopting a cat, please visit your local rescues and shelters.