When I look into the eyes of an animal.

Have a happy weekend!

Cat Controversy

Have you ever heard of the Ashera breed of cats? They are said to be a mix of a domestic house cat and an Asian leopard cat. Recently one was sold for a asking price of $125,000. Beautiful cat, but is it really a mix of a domestic cat and an Asian leopard cat?  

The controversial cat is said to have different DNA and that it is just a Savannah hybrid bought from a different breeder and resold. A Savannah hybrid is a mix of a domestic house cat and a African cat. Still exotic but more a more common hybrid.   I think we will stick with the common domestic house cat.  :)

Senior Pet Care

At 12 years old my dog, Tommy is a senior. The little white hairs on his face showed up years ago. He is slower, stiffer and sleeps a lot more.  We have had many good memories and will hopefully have many more.  At the age of 7, cats and dogs are generally considered geriatric.  Larger dogs at the age of 6.  These seniors can develop many of the same problems older humans do, such as cancer, senility and arthritis.

Some considerations when caring for an elderly pet would be a possible increase in vet care, diet change to more easily digestible foods and weight control.  Interestingly weight gain in dogs increases their health risk, whereas weight loss increases health risk in cats.

As caregivers for senior pets, we need to continue to try and keep them active, however limited. Mental stimulation through different activities and games increases their mental well being.  And of course love.

Here is to many more happy years with your senior pet.

Summer heat and your Pet.

We have been experiencing a heatwave with temperatures reaching unbearable highs.  This is the time we need to be extra careful with our pets.  We should know the signs of heat stroke, excess panting, clumsiness and even collapse.  We have to be careful that we are not exercising them too much when it is hot outside and of course we all know you don't leave a pet in a vehicle.

Did you also know that walking your dog on asphalt can also be dangerous as the surface heats the dog's body temperature up quicker than if on grass and it can burn their paws?  A quick test is if you cannot hold the back of your hand on the surface for more than 5 seconds it too hot for your pet to walk on.

Another danger, mostly with cats, is falling out of windows known as High Rise Syndrome.  With windows open to try to get cool air cats may lean against the screen and if not secured properly end up falling out ending in injury and death.

Lets take extra precautions to ensure our pets safety this summer,