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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. 

Where In The World is the Westminster Dog Show?

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If you’re a fan of the Westminster Kennel Club (WKC) annual dog show, you may have searched in vain for it this month. Like all gatherings, this event had to make some changes due to the pandemic.

What typically is a televised event in February, due to restrictions and safety protocols, was pushed forward to June. And, like all events that involve gatherings of people, this one could be subject to change if circumstances in the world shift. 

What You Need To Know

According the WKC’s press release, the 145th annual event will take place June 12-13th in Tarrytown, New York. The event will be held at Lyndhurst, which is a property of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. 

Westminster Kennel Club President Charlton Reynders III said that the venue was chosen because it “allows us to hold a dog show safely while following current social distancing guidelines and public health regulations.”

How You Can Watch

Attendance will be limited despite the “wide-open outdoor space” of the venue, but the WKC’s website recommends you check back as the event nears. 

However, if attending in person isn’t on your to do list, consider tuning in to Fox Sports Network. They will be covering the event. And, the Best In Show competition will be shown live for the first time this year on Fox.

Schedule of Events

  • Masters Agility Championship on Friday, June 11, 2021 
  • Junior Showmanship, Breed, Group, and Best in Show judging on June 12 – 13, 2021
  • The Masters Obedience Championship will be on Sunday, June 13, 2021

Stay up to date on the latest by visiting https://www.westminsterkennelclub.org. 

Things To Know About Pet Diabetes Month

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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 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. 

 

 

 

How Much Exercise Is Enough For Your Pet?

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Maybe your pants have felt a little snug as the pandemic continues. If you’re even putting pants on, that is.

But, what about your pets? Have you noticed them putting on some COVID weight as well?

Chances are that both you and your pet have seen a decrease in the amount of exercise over the last several months, which may account for the uptick on the scale. But as many locations have experienced heat waves and have limited areas to do outdoor activities, what is a person (and pet) to do?

Forbes reports that too little exercise is causing epidemic levels of canine obesity, lethargy and behavioral problems. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals reports that one in four dogs is now considered obese. Heart disease and diabetes are spiking upwards in our canine companions as well.

First, as with any good column offering advice, we recommend you consult with your veterinarian first. I was not surprised to find out that my older dog had put on some weight. We both had. What was surprising was that she had gained roughly 13 pounds in less than a year.

WHAT? I exclaimed, baffled, to my pet’s doctor. After some thyroid medication adjustments and a repeat blood test, her weight was holding steady and the answer turned out to be medical.

If, however, your pet has a non-medical reason for weight gain, we offer up the following advice to help curb the gain.

Most entities suggest that you exercise your pet anywhere from 30 minutes to one hour per day. The types of exercise should consider:

  • Age
  • Breed
  • Health

A senior may not require high intensity exercise and a puppy may need something vigorous but not taxing on their growing bodies. If you happen to have an adult in good health you’ve hit the sweet spot for exercise.

Another factor to consider are weather related conditions, which make it harder for certain short nose breeds to breathe. And depending on where you workout with your pet, asphalt and concrete temperatures should be considered so as not to damage the pads on your dog’s paws.

As many times as you’ve heard it, we are all in this together. That includes taking the time to make sure both you and your pet find a way to get in enough exercise and the right type. After all, any activity that extends the length and quality of your pet’s life is one worth taking advantage of. 

We will see you and your pet outdoors, at a safe distance, soon!

“Dad, I want a cat!”

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My eight-year-old niece has been in love with cheetahs for a few years now. So, I suppose I shouldn’t have been surprised when my brother told me that her feline adoration had evolved into more domestic spheres. She wanted a cat.

But, what kind of cat would appeal to a child whose notion of “cool” is informed by a cheetah? Turns out that my brother had an idea. The Maine Coon cat.

If you are not familiar with this cat, but are considering adding a feline Floofin to your brood, here’s what I found out about them. [Read more…] about “Dad, I want a cat!”