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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.

Making Every Month Dog Training Month

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January may have just ended, but the opportunity to train your dog is good all year round.

The Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT), in 2010, established January as Train Your Dog Month. They picked January because of the large number of pets that were adopted over the winter and holiday months. You can read more about them by clicking here.

Many dogs wind up in shelters due to behavior problems. Concentrating on various methods of training that can be fun for both you and your companion, ADPT provides a variety of resources. Check out all of the options they suggest at https://apdt.com/category/safety-pet-owners/.

Training is something Floofins & Co. feels strongly about. We train our staff before sending them out to work with your floofins. We know lots of our clients share training habits they want our walkers to encourage while on walks, like sitting at intersections and loose leash walking skills.

In addition, many facilities are finding safe ways to continue to provide training classes and activities for your dog. That could include day care services, agility or obedience classes, or individual in-person or virtual training options.

Whatever options you decide to pursue, remember to stay consistent and make it fun. The end result will benefit you and your floofin for many years to come.

Microchipping Your Pet

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In the chaos of moving from a house in the suburbs to a condo in the city, I realized that I had missed one very important step in the hundreds of updates, decisions, and changes that relocating can involve. I hadn’t updated the contact information registered to my dog’s microchip. 

When adopting from a shelter, microchipping isn’t even a consideration in most instances. Pets are generally microchipped at a shelter.  However, if you haven’t microchipped your pet you might want to consider doing so. It is a great way to ensure identification of your pet in the event a collar breaks, your pet panics and runs away during fireworks, or if your pet is lost during a natural disaster.

Further, most shelters and veterinarian offices have a universal scanning tool to check a pet so that they can find information on the owner. Which means, like myself, you need to remember to update the data when you change addresses or phone numbers.

According to the Blum Animal Hospital in Chicago, the microchip generally has a 25-year life span, so once your pet is microchipped it is normally good for their entire life. While microchipping is a personal decision, Blum points out that only 22 percent of non-chipped dogs make it back to their owners, and even fewer non-chipped cats find their way home. 

While there are no guarantees, a microchip can be another tool in your kit to help keep your pet protected and more likely to be returned to you in the event they get lost. Reach out to your veterinarian for specific questions on microchipping options and whether it is the right choice for you and your pets.