Adopt An Older Pet During Adopt a Senior Pet Month
How to Care for Your Pet with Diabetes
Show Thanks to Your Pet Without Foods that Are Unsafe for Them
Adopt An Older Pet During Adopt a Senior Pet Month
Senior pets are special. There are times they get the raw end of the deal. Sometimes they are surrendered at shelters or discarded. With age comes ailments and sickness, and some people are unable to deal with the issues. So, these seniors need good, loving homes to spend their last years and even last months or days.
Since November is Adopt a Senior Pet month, there’s no better time to step up for these precious animals.
“For an old dog or cat, the cruelest fate is dying in an animal shelter without love, comfort or warmth,” according to the article, “Adopting an Older Pet: An Expert Guide to Senior Pet Adoptions” at Petful.com. No matter if a pet ended up at the shelter because their human died or couldn’t afford them, it leaves the pet “confused and often depressed,” the article said.
Older pets are more likely to be overlooked at shelters and rescues. “Older animals with longer stays are often the least likely to be adopted and the most likely to be euthanized,” the article said.
According to the article, older pets are surrendered because of relocation or death, financial hardship, lifestyle change, or the animal is “too much trouble”.
However, there are great reasons to adopt a senior pet, according to the article, “National Adopt a Senior Pet month helps older pets find new homes,” at PetsforPatriots.org.
Some of those reasons from the Pets for Patriots article are:
• Older pets usually know the rules.
• Senior pets are most likely housebroken.
• A dog who had a previous owner usually is leash-trained. And most cats already know how to use the litter box.
• Senior pets are typically less destructive.
Remember that senior pets are a great addition to the family. And, if anything, they are forever grateful.
How to Care for Your Pet with Diabetes
Just as with people, pets are susceptible to diabetes, which can happen in cats and dogs of any age.
According to the article, “Diabetes in Pets” at American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), diabetic dogs are typically 4 to 14 years old and most cats with diabetes are more than 6 years old. Female dogs get diabetes twice as often as male dogs.
“Noticing the early signs of diabetes is the most important step in taking care of your pet,” the article said. “If you see any of the following signs, your pet should be examined by a veterinarian.”
• Increased urination, excessive water drinking
• Weight loss
• Decreased appetite
• Cloudy eyes (more prominent in dogs)
• Recurring or chronic infections
According to the article, “8 Things You Need to Know About AAHA’s Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats” at American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), “Managing diabetes in pets requires a high level of commitment.” Pets will need daily insulin injections regularly during the day. “When diabetes is left untreated, poisonous compounds called ketones can make a diabetic pet very sick and may even cause death,” the article said.
Some tips from the AAHA article include:
1. Keep it under control and your vet team will develop a management plan to keep your pet’s glucose levels in a safe range.
2. “Your team will tailor a care plan based on the severity of the disease.”
3. Do your homework on caring for your pet.
4. Keep your pet at a good weight.
5. Home monitor blood glucose to prevent hypoglycemia.
6. Be dedicated to help keep your pet healthy and safe.
7. Communicate with your vet and staff if you have any questions or concerns.
Make sure to stay on top of things with your veterinarian about your pet’s diabetes management.
Show Thanks to Your Pet Without Foods that Are Unsafe for Them
Thanksgiving is a holiday we’ve all been waiting for all year. It’s the delicious food, desserts, and the family coming together. It’s also important to remember that most of the holiday foods are bad for your pets. While we all want to give thanks to our beloved pets, it’s important not to give them food that is dangerous to them.
“Overindulging in the family feast can be unhealthy for humans, but even worse for pets,” according to the article , “Thanksgiving pet safety” at American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). For instance, fatty foods are not easy for animals to digest and “Poultry bones can damage your pet’s digestive tract.”
According to the AVMA article, watch out for these poison risks:
• Keep Thanksgiving food on the table, including turkey and its skin which can be unsafe for pets.
• Desserts can be dangerous including chocolate and xylitol, an artificial sweetener.
• Yeast dough can also be dangerous.
• Keep trash far away from pets.
• Ensure flowers and decorative plants are away from pets as some are toxic to them.
• If you feel your pet has eaten anything poisonous call your veterinarian, local emergency clinic, or the ASPCA Poison Control Hotline (888-426-4435) or the Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661). “Signs of pet distress include: sudden changes in behavior, depression, pain, vomiting, or diarrhea,” the AVMA article said.
There are many reasons to be thankful for your pet, according to the article, “Thanksgiving Pet Appreciation: 5 Reasons to Be Thankful for Your Pets” at be.chewy.com. They are:
• Our pets are always there for us.
• You can always be silly with your pet.
• Your pet showers you with cuddles.
• With your pet you are part of the pack.
• Your pet is thankful for you!
Never forget to give thanks to your best friend any time of the year.
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