November is national Adopt-a-Senior-Pet Month, and there are many good reasons to consider a more “mature” pet for your family if you’re looking to add one. If you already have a senior dog or cat in your life, here’s some excellent resources to help you support the more mature members of your furry household
:
Muttville Senior Dog Rescue’s Resource Page
The Grey Muzzle’s Health & Wellness Page
The Senior Dogs Project’s FAQ Page
Cat Behavior Associates Senior Cat Page
American Association of Feline Practitioners Senior Cat Page
In Praise of Senior Pets
Have Your Party with Our Pets!
Alameda See Spot Run now offers birthday parties on Sundays after 1:00pm.
Your kids will have a great time with a learning session about pets. We offer hands on experience with a
Rabbit, Guinea pig, Bird, Kitten, and a Hedgehog. A craft can be added for an additional fee. Time will allow for cake (provided by you) and singing of Happy Birthday.
Our room will accommodate 10 children ages 4 to 12 years old. Cost is $200 for a 90 minute event. Additional children and/or time for additional costs. For more information, please contact us.
Store Phone (510) 523-7768. Email: Cynthia@alamedaseespotrun.com
aAre Your Pets All Tagged Up?
More pets get lost and/or wind up in shelters during the 4th of July than any other holiday. Make sure ALL your doggies and kitties are wearing current ID tags throughout the holiday weekend, and th
at they’re safely confined while you’re away from the house, especially after dusk. If you need new tags made quickly, we have our own engraving machine at the store and can make tags while you shop.
What’s In Your Pet’s Escape Pod?
In honor of National Pet Appreciation Week (6/7 to 6/13) we’re focusing on the “unexpected” things that can arise for you and your pets, like how to pack up and go in the event of an emergency. Being prepared is easier than you think.
?
Collect this short list of items and keep them in a special tote box that’s marked and ready to go…ideally next to the one that has all of Your Emergency Stuff in it. Then put an auto-reminder on your calendar to change out the food and water every 6 months for freshness.
- One week supply of pet food
- One week supply of water
- One week of medications
- Carrier or Crate
- Leashes, Collars & ID tags
- Bedding, Blankets or Towels
- Poop Bags, Paper Towels & Cleaners
- Cat Tray, Litter & Scooper
- Recent photos to help ID your pet
Best of Alameda Nomination
Alameda Magazine’s annual Best of Alameda contest continues this month through May 31st. We’re deeply honored to be on the ballot this yea
r as the only independent and family-owned store in the Best Pet Store category. Please vote!!!
Adopt-a-Rescued-Guinea Pig Month
The ASPCA started National Adopt-A-Rescued-Guinea Pig Month back in 2002 to help raise awareness about guinea pigs in shelters and about pet cavies in general. Guinea pigs are rewarding pets when cared for properly. Many can be found in rescues and shelters around the world, waiting for their forever home. They are are social animals and should be kept in pairs. Learn more at the ASPCA’s page on Guinea Pigs.February is Adopt-a-Rescued-Rabbit Month
We’re big fans of Rabbits here at the store and are positively delighted to see that they’ve earned their own special month on the calendar
that is NOT related to Easter. Look for bunny-related posts from us throughout February.
Holiday Safety Hazards for Pets
The holidays are fun, even for pets, but the season brings added risks for our four-legged family members. Learn to recognize and manage holiday hazards to keep your pet safe throughout the festivities.
Tinsel
Tinsel is attractive, especially to cats. Tinsel is not toxic but consuming tinsel can cause serious harm to your pet’s digestive system. The long, tough strands can actually cut through the intestine and cause peritonitis.
Ornaments
Pets love to play with bright, colorful ornaments, but may end up breaking or even chewing and swallowing these fragile decorations. Sharp, broken pieces can lacerate the animal’s mouth,
throat, and digestive tract. Larger pieces can cause an obstruction and emergency surgery may be needed.
Christmas Trees
Cats love to climb trees, especially when the tree is indoors and loaded with ornaments and other decorations that look a lot like cat toys. A climbing cat can pull a fully decorated Christmas tree crashing to the ground, potentially injuring the animal. Tree water may contain dangerous fertilizers and stagnant tree water may contain unhealthy bacteria, which is dangerous to both dogs and cats.
Mistletoe and Holly
Consuming holly may cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Eating mistletoe can result in stomach upset and even heart problems. A cat may suffer kidney failure after ingesting some types of lilies.
Chocolate
A dog or cat that eats chocolate may experience vomiting and diarrhea, panting, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, seizures and, in severe cases, even death. The darker the chocolate, the more toxic compounds it contains.
Dough
Consuming raw bread dough is dangerous for pets, as heat from the animal’s body causes the dough to rise inside its stomach. The pet may experience vomiting, severe abdominal pain and bloating.
I Think My Pet Ate It! Now What?
If your pet has encountered or ingested one of these holiday hazards, contact your veterinarian without delay. Make this holiday season merry for everyone by keeping your animal companions safe from these potential holiday hazards.
Sources:
ASPCA, “Holiday Safety Tips.” 2014.
Pet Poison HelpLine, “Winter Holiday Pet Poison Tips.” 2014
Holiday Photos to Benefit FAAS – Saturday, 12/6
It’s time for Santa Paws at Alameda See Spot Run on Saturday, December 6th from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
Photos of your pet with Santa for only $30. All proceeds benefit Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter (FAAS).
Contact 510-337-8575 or volunteer.faas@gmail.com to schedule your photo sitting.
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