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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.

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. 

Those Final Days of Making Summer Frozen Treats

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Time is short for those finals moments of summer treats. Why not take advantage of the last of the hot, steamy summer days and make your pet  a scoop of ice cream?
 
Your pet may not be able to digest the contents of your favorite human batch of frozen goodness. So, we will give you some ideas and methods to make your own. 
 
We’ve assembled these ideas for you to whip up some homemade treats that will taste way better than what is in the store. And making it yourself will give you the benefit of knowing exactly what each treat contains.
 
First up, many people are familiar with Frosty Paws in the grocery store. Our friends over at HGTV have concocted a similar treat with fewer ingredients. It contains yogurt, peanut butter and baby food. If your dog doesn’t take well to plain yogurt you can use an alternate. Click this link to get the recipe.
 
Maybe you have fresh fruit and would prefer to mix up something a little less creamy, but still tasty. The AKC has options that extend beyond traditional peanut butter ice cream. Check out the various options they have available at https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/diy-frozen-dog-treats/.
 
Remember that too much dairy can cause an upset tummy. Also, some sugar free additives can be toxic to your pet. Be especially cautious with peanut butter as the additive xylitol can be fatal to your pet if ingested. If you have questions about your pet’s health and nutrition we always recommend consulting your veterinarian. 
 
We hope that these ideas help you create a nutritious and delicious treat to share with your pet during the decreasing number of hot summer days ahead of us.

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.