It is often said that pets with a little extra “fluff” just makes them extra cute, but did you know that obesity in cats and dogs can lead to long term medical issues and shorter lifespans? It is estimated that 58% of cats and 53% of dogs in the U.S. are overweight! Dogs and cats that have put on some extra pounds are more likely to suffer from arthritis earlier in life. Cats in particular are also highly susceptible to diabetes, and can have difficulty grooming themselves (which is an essential trait of a healthy cat). Often, contributing factors to having overweight pets are things like over-feeding, “free feeding” (i.e. letting your pet eat as much as they want whenever they want as opposed to have a scheduled feeding time with measured amounts of food based on your pets weight/age), lack of exercise, and giving too many high calorie treats or table scraps. If you think your pet may be overweight, there are some steps you can take to help them slim back down to a healthy weight for their breed. The first step is to make an appointment with a veterinarian to determine just how overweight your pet is, and make sure that there are no underlying health problems that have been caused by their excess weight- that way a plan can be put together to get your pet back on track to a healthy weight. At home, things like increasing activity levels, cutting back on the amount of treats per day, and following a measured guideline for feeding the appropriate amount of calories for the weight your pet should be at are easy and afforadable ways to help cut back on extra pounds. Want more info? Check out this article on the AVMA website! If you would like to set up an exam to assess your pet’s weight and get them on track to better health. Please contact our clinic for an exam at 530.343.7917 x 202.
Dental Care
Your pet’s dental care doesn’t have to be scary! Did you know that just like people, our dogs and cats get plaque, gingivitis, and ultimately dental disease? Regular dental care is key to keeping your pet happy and healthy for life. The Butte Humane Society Clinic offers affordable dental care for your pets including cleanings and extractions and can provide education on how to care for your pet’s teeth at home! Some facts: By Age 3, 70% of cats and 80% of dogs will have a form of dental disease; “Doggy Breath” is not normal and is a sign of dental disease; Regular dental care can help your pet live up to 20% longer; If left untreated, dental disease can effect your pet’s vital organs. We recommend dental exams for all cats and dogs two years and older, and in-home brushing is recommended 2-3 times a week starting at five months old. If treatment is needed, our veterinarian will create a treatment plan that is customized to fit your pet’s needs. Is your pet over 2 year old and never had a dental exam? Now is the perfect time to get on track with managing your pet’s dental health! Call us to schedule your appointment today at 530-343-7917 x 202.
Sweet Success: Pumpkin & Raven
Written by loving adopter, Willow R.
Morris is now Pumpkin and Kiera is now Raven and they are the two little loves of my life! Pumpkin and Raven are the first cats I’ve ever owned and adopting them makes me wonder why I hadn’t gotten cats sooner because they are two little characters with so much personality and they are so loving and affectionate. Pumpkin is my little rambunctious, outgoing boy, while Raven is my little shy, sweet girl, and the two of them just compliment each other so well. Raven was very shy and afraid at first when I brought her home and hid much of the first week until she got adjusted. Pumpkin has completely brought her out of her shell and she is now just as curious and playful and rambunctious as he is, but is still a little on the shy side until she warms up to you. They are growing bigger everyday and are blossoming into two healthy, happy, playful, affectionate, smart, and well behaved kitties. We live with a 4 month old Blue Heeler puppy who is very sweet and has a ton of energy but she is doing good with the kitties as we’ve been slowly introducing them to each other. Pumpkin loves the puppy and waits outside my roommate’s door to see the puppy and rub up against her and play with her. Raven is shy and still hasn’t warmed up the puppy quite yet but she is getting better and I know with time they will all become a little family and live comfortably and happily together once adjusted.
Volunteer Spotlight: Rayner & Monica
This month we’re shining the spotlight on two special volunteers, Rayner & Monica!
They started volunteering at BHS about a year ago, and have since accrued 176 hours of service! They both love cats and dogs, which is what motivated them to volunteer for us. Because they are more experienced volunteers, they are able to take our dogs “On the Go” and for bedtime foster. They enjoy D.O.G (Do on the Go) because it allows them to take the pups away from the shelter to discover their true personalities and how well they interact with other people. Bedtime fostering gives the dogs the opportunity for a peaceful night and to experience life at home.
Their first bedtime foster experience was a total accident. They had taken BHS pup Mary on a hike and didn’t make it back to the shelter in time to drop her off, so they kept her overnight. This was the moment they fell in love with bedtime fostering because they could tell the dogs love & appreciate it so much. In the past few months, they have bedtime fostered Mary, Tammy, Hawkeye, Max, Winter, Chloe, & Chessie. It’s made a huge difference for these pups, and we can’t thank Rayner & Monica enough.
When asked about these two awesome volunteers, Dog Behaviorist Shannon said, “Rayner is amazing he’s always taking dogs “on the go” and bed time foster. He’s never afraid of a challenging dog and take dogs who really need a break from the shelter. Very friendly and always willing to help. I don’t know Monica too well but she’s always right there by his side participating in the same way.”
So, THANK YOU!
Clinic Corner: Happy, Healthy Cat Month
Hello September and Happy, Healthy Cat Month!
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