Our cat Millie is 19 years old. As they age, sometimes they may eat less or lose weight. Millie generally eats normally but there are days where she consumes less. I make sure that she resumes normal eating in a day or two. If she doesn’t, I would contact a vet. When your cat ages, you may notice some changes other than slowing down at bit. They may eat less and even lose a little weight. Heres how I determine whether or not there’s a problem. I ask myself these questions.

Is she eating?
Is she peeing normally?
Is she pooping normally?
Is the consistency of her poop normal?
Is she acting normal?
If the answer to these questions are “yes,” then I don’t worry.

Be Chewy.com writes about how much a senior cat should consume.

Most senior cats will have about the same caloric needs as an adult cat—roughly 280 to 360 daily calories depending on the normal lean weight—as long as they are healthy. Some older cats will actually have an increase in energy requirements. That increase may be due to a decrease in the ability to digest and utilize calories or it may be due to health problems that are commonly seen in senior cats.

Use your cat’s food label to calculate how much you need to feed your senior cat to meet their caloric requirement. Most cat food has calorie counts on the packaging. Initially, it’s best if you weigh out the daily meals. That will help you feed precise amounts.

Remember, pets are family!

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Just like humans, dogs are prone to broken bones. Leg fractures are the most common. One thing that you should remember is that dogs have a high pain tolerance. You may notice their leg dangling but see that they aren’t really in pain.  Look to see if  the leg is swollen. Also look for signs of shock such as pale or white gums, rapid breathing or a rapid heartbeat. If you notice any of these signs, get the dog to the vet right away.

Here are some tips in caring for a dogs broken leg:

• If necessary, restrain the dog.
• Be soft spoken and approach the dog slowly.
• If it does not have a leash, place a leash around its neck and attach the leash to a secure object.
• Pull the dog against the object and try to tie the dog so that it can’t move it’s head.
• Look closely at the break.  See if there is an open wound, or a bone protruding or if it’s closed meaning that there is no break in the skin.
• If the limb is grossly misshapen, or the dog is in great pain, hold a towel underneath him and transport him to the animal hospital.
• If the wound is open, flush with warm water, put a towel under the dog and get him to the hospital. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO PUT A SPLINT ON HIM.
• If the wound is not open and the leg is not out of shape and the dog does not appear to be in too much pain, use any splint material such as newspapers, cardboard, magazines to immobilize the limb, NOT RESET IT.
• Attach the splints to the dogs leg and wrap gauze or torn strips of cloth around it.
• Tape or tie the strips firmly but not too tight as to inhibit circulation.
• Transport the dog to the vet.

Reassure the dog on the way to the vet and maybe give him a dog treat or two to calm him down.

Remember, pets are family!

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The cold weather is taking a grip on the U.S. this winter and keeping your best friend warm is always a big concern for most dog owners.  If you have a small dog, an older dog or short haired dog, you should consider purchasing a dog coat to keep him warm during his winter walks.  You may want to choose a sweater for the cool autumn evenings and a heavier coat for the winter months especially if you live in a colder climate. Make sure the sweater or coat fits properly and is easy to put on and take off.  Most dogs don’t like wearing clothing at first. Get your dog used to the coat by putting it on him for short periods at a time.  Then give him a treat. Your dog will learn to associate wearing his coat with those delicious dog treats.

Make sure that you choose a coat that’s appropriate. It should be make of warm materials like wool. Look for water resistant materials for snowy or rainy days. Don’t worry about what looks fashionable. This is not the priority. You should be concerned about keeping your dog warm.

You may want to consider boots. The ice treatment like rock salt that’s put on sidewalks and steps can really irritate your dog’s feet.  Keep your dog warm and safe this year and make sure that he’s comfortable.

Remember, pets are family!

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If your dogs behavior is so inappropriate, your veterinarian may refer you to an veterinary behaviorist. This is an expert who deals with dogs and cats behaving badly. Jerry Flanigan, a Behaviorist with Carolina Veterinary Specialists says that if your dog or cat suffers from separation anxiety or acts out in other destructive ways, a behaviorist will develop an action plan based on your pets history and issues. Then it’s up to you to do the majority of the work making the appropriate changes to encourage better pet behavior. A reminder never punish you pet by putting him in his pet carrier, you will defeat the purpose plus create lots of anxiety for your pet!

Remember, pets are family!

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The first step is picking the right sitter for your dog. My first choice would be someone that I know and my dog knows and trusts. That’s half the battle. This person should be able to balance and calm your dog down if he is nervous.  I would not suggest, leaving a dog who is a bit hyperactive with an elderly relative.  The Pet Sitter should understand the needs of your dog. The best thing to do is to have the Pet Sitter, come to your home, stay there while you’re away and maintain the dog’s daily routine. Keep the  walking, feeding and sleeping schedule the same.

If you have to leave your dog at another location, make sure that you get him familiar with the surroundings. May several trips to the new location. Make sure that he’s comfortable before leaving him.

If you choose to leave your dog with a family member, make sure that they know the whole routine. For example, if your dog is used to a one hour walk in the morning, a fifteen minute walk won’t do it.

Leave a checklist for the Pet Sitter, include important information like your phone number, the vet’s phone number and address and the nearest 24 hour animal hospital.  If there are any medications, leave very detailed instructions on how the medication should be administered as well as the frequency and time.  Also, make sure the Pet Sitter knows how ofter to check the dog water bowl. It should be filled at all times.  Note any behavior issues like whether or not you allow the dog on the furniture. Inform the sitter as to when the dog should receive a treat.

If you follow these tips, just relax. Your dog will be in good hands while you’re gone. It’s a good idea to check in with the sitter every few days if you’re going to be gone for an extended period of time.

Remember, pets are family!

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We have several cats that come to our porch each day to get a bite to eat and to bask in the sunshine. Some of the cats are feral meaning that they are outdoor cats and probably never had a true home. These cats are afraid of humans and are loners. Two of them come to the porch, have a bite to eat then leave quietly. If I happen to open the sliding doors, they run. We also have a cat that comes and actually greets me. She wants to come inside and loves being pet. Neighbors tell me her name is Mitzi. Several neighbors feed her and she makes her daily rounds. Mitzi was probably a domestic cat at some point.

I wish I could take all of them inside but since that’s not possible, I feed them each day and enjoy their visits. As my partner always says, the animals have to eat too!

Remember, pets are family!

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Fatty foods taste good, even to a cat who’s a finicky eater. If a cat has a diet that’s too high in fat, he could gain weight and become obese but that doesn’t mean that you should avoid feeding fats to your cat.  If fact, fats are a very important part of your cat’s diet. Fats give your cat the energy he needs throughout his day and helps keep his coat soft and shiny.  Fats also help your cats body absorb important vitamins such as vitamins A, B, D, and K. So check the label om your cats food. By law. it has to state the fat content. Talk to your veterinarian to determine what fat content is best for your cats age, health and overall activity level.

Remember. pets are family!

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As we begin a new year, there are lots of things that we can appreciate and one of those things is our beloved pets. Our cat Millie is 19 years old and I just pray that she stays with us throughout this year. She has given us so much love and affection throughout the years and is truly a part of our family!

Happy New Year and may this year be filled with the love and joy of the pets that help get us through some rough days!

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