Please consider adopting an older pet.
Older pets become available for many reasons including; animals become too big for apartment living, previous owner moved out of town or into a home that does not allow animals, the owner enters a nursing home or dies. The family suffers relationship changes or a new partner does not like the pet. In addition, of course do not forget the stray and homeless animals that are at the shelter.
When you adopt a senior pet, you are giving a deserving pet a second chance at a happy life with a loving family. Senior cats and dogs have a lot of love left to give their new family, and will show their gratitude with love and affection. Not only will you be saving a senior pet in need, but you’ll be freeing up space in the shelter for another pet ready to find a new home.
Keep your senior pet in tip-top shape
- Regular, moderate activity and daily playtime will help your senior pet stay healthy and avoid obesity which can put extra stress on your pet’s heart and on arthritic joints.
- Even the most energetic dogs slow down as they become older. Many elderly dogs try to keep up with their owner while running or walking and don’t know to rest when they’ve reached their limit. Keep an eye for signs that your dog appears tired and reluctant to continue exercising, and take that as an indicator to scale back your dog’s exercise regime. Talk with your vet about an appropriate frequency, length of time, and type of exercise for your senior dog.
- Massage can help reduce your senior pet’s potential for arthritis and relief from muscular stiffness and discomfort. Plus, massage will help relax and calm your pet.
- Older cats are usually less adaptable to change, so you can reduce stress by maintaining normalcy in your household. If your cat has to be boarded while you are on vacation, keep her with a familiar blanket that already has her scent on it – or, better yet, have a pet sitter come to your home. Stress can be alleviated by giving more affection and attention during times of emotional upheaval.
Help your senior pet stay sharp
- Contrary to popular belief, an old dog – or old cat – can be taught new tricks. Animals of any age enjoy learning, and stimulating your older pet’s mind is a great way to make sure your pet is healthy and happy.
- Peak activity for cats occurs in the early morning and in the evening. Your senior cat might be more apt to play at those times and it’s a perfect opportunity to get her moving. Try using a wand or fishing pole-style toy to get her to chase. Rolling ping pong balls across a wood or tile floor will provide lots of interactive playtime, too.
- Although senior pets like familiarity, simple things such as rotating toys can bring some excitement into their lives.
- Take your senior dog on car rides and on walks in new locations so they can explore and take in the sights, sounds, and smells of different locations.
Senior pet wellness checks
- Keep in mind that every year for a dog or cat is equivalent to 5–7 human years. In order stay current with your senior pet’s health care; visit your veterinarian every six months for a complete exam and any necessary laboratory tests. These regular visits will enable your veterinarian to diagnose any age-related illnesses at the earliest stage possible and begin treatment.
- In between vet visits, make sure you pay attention to any changes in your pet’s behavior, activity level or physical appearance.
Featured Dog- Ruby
8 years old We can’t believe this wonderful girl is still here. If you’re looking for a sensible companion during the day and someone to curl up with to watch TV in the evening, then Ruby is your perfect match. Ruby would enjoy a calmer environment, and is happy to take things at a leisurely pace. She prefers the company of humans over that of other animals and would need to be the only dog in the home.
Othere available dogs
Peanut – 10 yr Border Collie/Beagle Prefers women. k
Sweet Pea –1 yr Black lab/Bassett/pit blend Plays and plays. Fetches knows sit, loves belly rubs.
Sky – 6 yr tan/white dachshund/terrier wire hair Came with sister Chewy. Friendly. Likes the wadding pool
Chewy –6 yr. tan/blk dachshund/terrier Came with sister Sky. Friendly and loves wadding pool
Oliver- 1yr Bull terrier white/black Strong. Must be only dog. Needs secure fenced yard.
Bozzer- 1yr gray/wh American Bulldog Strong. Likes people
Featured Cat Jasmine
Jasmine likes to do things on her terms and will sit in your lap, follow you around and rub her head on your leg. She loves to be around people and get attention. If you sit down in the big chair she’ll scurry over looking up at you with her beautiful eyes, imploring you to never stop petting her! She would do best in a home with older children and as an only cat in the home. Jasmine is a tortoiseshell beauty whose owner turned her in after due to a move that required leaving behind this loving kitty. Jasmine is 9.
Other available cats
Milo- 11 years Chocolate point Siamese. Very talkative, gives head butts. Will come when called
Paris F 5yr orange/white SPECIAL FOOD. Loves watching the world go by. NOT a lap cat
Sabrina – 4 yr Black lng hair but was shaved. Likes things on her terms. Beautiful. Not a lap cat
Meg – 4 yr Calico Shy but super friendly. Loves being brushed
Luna – 2 yr Black Best as only cat in home. Not lap cat.
Izzy – 1-2 yr Blk/Wh Shy but super friendly. Likes playing with laser and gettng petted.
The City of Mesquite Animal Shelter located at 795 Hardy Way is open for adoptions from 8:00 am until 4 pm Monday through Friday (excluding holidays), Saturday 11am-1pm , Sunday 1pm -3pm. Please call – Animal Control may be reached by phone or voicemail at 702-346-5268
All animals will be spayed or neutered prior to leaving shelter and receive 1 year rabies vaccination and city license. Ages are approximate.
The animals submitted to the media may have changed so please visit our Petfinder website for a current listing and more detailed information on the animals. www.mesquiteanimalshelter.petfinder.com
Please also check our Facebook pages for lost and found animals along with pet information. https://www.facebook.com/MesquiteNVAnimalControl and https://www.facebook.com/FRIENDSOFMESQUITENVANIMALSHELTER
