Archive for February, 2024
Checking for a Sensitive Stomach in Cats
It sometimes could be difficult to determine whether or not your cat has a sensitive stomach. The first thing that you should do is to look at is his litter box. Is it more messy than usual? Does he have diarrhea? Is he vomiting? Did you recently change his diet? I would then get him checked out by a vet to rule out any serious health issues. If it’s determined that your cat has a dietary intolerance, then your vet will recommend a food that’s highly digestible. Your veterinarian might recommend a low-residue food.This which works by providing a special blend of fiber, protein and fat sources.
Make sure that you pay attention to your cats entire digestive system, not just his stomach. This includes intestines, mouth, esophagus, gums and teeth. Tooth decay, bad breath and gum disease could also contribute to this problem. Your vet will recommend that you take care of your cats teeth by brushing them regularly.
When you do find a diet that your cat will tolerate, make sure that you stick to it.
Remember, pets are family.
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Are You Too Old To Adopt another Pet?
I just turned 70 last October and was wondering if this age is too old to adopt a new pet. The thought is actually depressing until I read an article on tuftsyourdog.com. This article gave me confidence that if I decided to adopt a new pet, my age should not get in the way. I will share this article with you today.
You’re 68 and have lost your canine pal and want to adopt a new one. But the average life expectancy in the U.S. is just under 79 — you’ve got 11 years left, if you go by averages. Yet the average life expectancy of a dog is 10 to 13 years. Your pet may outlast you.
Just as important, maybe you anticipate losing steam over the next decade to the point that you won’t be able to give a dog what he needs in terms of daily walks and other forms of active care. Should you forego another opportunity for a canine bond?
Absolutely not!
Age really is just a number
“Generally, we encourage older folks to adopt pets because keeping one is a wonderful experience at any age,” says Rob Halpin, director of public relations at MSPCA-Angell, a Boston-based humane society, shelter, animal adoption agency, and animal hospital all under the same institutional umbrella. “Older folks, in particular, depending on their circumstances, may be especially well suited to keeping pets because they are often retired and just have more time to spend with a pet, which is enriching for both animal and person,” Mr. Halpin adds.
Rather than considering just your age, which is a number with no context, Mr. Halpin recommends going by the motto “Goodness of Fit.”
“Just as some younger people aren’t aways active or looking for an active dog and have a lifestyle that might dictate a more relaxed and sedentary pet, some older folks are fabulously fit and active and may want a dog who can keep up with them on hikes or runs,” he says. Indeed, there are plenty of people who are well into their 70s, and even their 80s and sometimes older, who go white water rafting and engage in all kinds of other vigorous physical activity that requires much more stamina than taking care of a dog.
And if you do feel a creeping frailty, you can always go with a dog that doesn’t require much exercise: a toy breed, perhaps, or a greyhound, who while large and fast, is happy to lie around much of the day just keeping you company and then amble along for slow walks. Then, too, you can choose a dog that is no longer a puppy and doesn’t have excess energy to burn. He will be happier to just walk at your side rather than drag you along because everything in the world is so exciting for him.
Financial considerations
Along with the physical activity requirements of owning a dog, you’ll want to consider the financial ones. Some people of retirement age are sitting pretty money-wise, with healthy pensions, social security checks coming in, and a tidy nest egg that they accumulated through the years, so the costs of owning a dog won’t weigh on them. For others, income diminishes considerably during retirement years. People of more limited means may want to consider a smaller dog. The ASPCA estimates that the minimum annual cost of taking care of a small dog versus a large one could differ by $300 a year. That comes to a $25 monthly difference that could be a deal breaker for someone whose budget simply can’t meet the added expense.
Once you factor in your financial situation, lifestyle, and overall health (older people are more diverse in terms of their health status than any other age group), you’re in an excellent position to make the right choice. Let the belly rubs, snuggle-ups, and overall cross-species companionship continue!
Before You Go
While caring for a dog is a good idea at any age as long as you’re physically able, you should have a plan in place for the possibility that your dog could outlive you. This is important for people at all stages of life, not just older men and women. No one can predict the future, including the immediate future. Take these steps:
-Talk to a responsible friend or relative who agrees to adopt your pet in the event that you can no longer take care of him either because of incapacitation or death.
-Carry an “alert card” in your wallet that lists the name and phone number of the person who will step in to care for your dog.
-Include your pet in your will. Just as you would include legal documentation of your wishes for who should raise your child in your absence and with what funds, include such information for your dog. Making it official means your pet will end up in the right hands.
Remember, pets are family!
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Does Your Cat Get Lonely?
Cats are solitary creatures by nature which means that they don’t need anyone t0 survive. Dogs, on the hand require a pack leader weather it be a human or another dog. If you have an indoor cat and are gone for more than four hours a day, your cat may feel lonely. This varies from cat to cat. Some cats are perfectly fine being by themselves.
If your think that your cat is lonely, the solution may be to bring in another cat. Preferably, a younger cat of the opposite sex. Make sure that he or she is neutered. It may take awhile for the two cats to get used to each other. The cat that has been in the house the longest will always be the dominant cat. Make sure that you give the senior cat a little more attention than the younger cat. This is because when 2 or more cats live together, they develop a hierarchy in which one cat is the boss. I had a female and adopted another female and still, after 7 years, the younger cat feels threatened by the older one.
You can also try playing soft music while you’re out of the house, this may also curb their loneliness.
Remember, pets are family!
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Animal Abuse Beyond belief!
I’m taking the time to post this link to a story that broke this week in Felton, Delaware. You should click the link and read it for yourself. The horrible abuse of dogs and cats is difficult to comprehend. Our poor pets have no say, some people just don’t have souls and are just plain evil. We must work to protect our innocent, precious pets. Fortunately, this story has a happy ending and I pray that each and every one of these animals get adopted into wonderful stable homes.
Here’s the article. Click to read.
76 Pets Rescued from Felton, Home
Remember, pets are family!
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Keeping Your Dog Away from Garbage
Keeping your dog away from the garbage is more that just ordinary sanitation. Dogs who are trash eaters are living dangerously. They can digest many foreign objects and bone fragments which are very dangerous to their digestive tract. If they are digesting moist food from the garbage, it may be toxic to their system. Discarded food can grow fungus in just two or three days. This can pose a great risk to your dog. Cheese products like old pizza are particularly dangerous because they contain toxins that can give your pet muscle tremors and seizures. It’s important to keep your pet away from the trash. If he does manage to get into the garbage, watch him closely. A loss of appetite, shivering or yellow eyes are signs that you must call your vet immediately. Give him lots of dog toys and dog treats and keep him away from the garbage!
Remember, pets are family!
Enjoy the best oldies on Edgewater Gold Radio! Ask Alexa to “play Edgewater Gold Radio” download our new app in the Apple store, listen from our website, Edgewater Gold Radio.com.