Betty

Wilma

Sterling

Mystic

Mercury

Fred

Barney

 

 

 

 

 

NOVEMBER IS ADOPT A SENIOR PET MONTH

Puppies, kittens and other young animals are cute. They require a lot of time commitment, patience and energy from their owners. Many people have busy work and home schedules that keep them from providing the care necessary for proper training.

 Although older animals can be less demanding than a younger pet, they still require quality time in the form of love/attention, feeding, exercise/play and veterinary care. Adult animals have often been socialized to live in a home and many are house broken or litter trained.

 Adult animals are often more practical for families with children. Puppies and kittens sometimes nip and claw which can be frightening to children who can be rough with young animals. A mature pet that interacts well with children can be the best option for all those involved.

 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.   

 Older animals have different nutritional needs and your veterinarian should be consulted about any dietary questions.

 The Mesquite Animal Shelter has a wide variety of dogs, puppies, cats, kittens and even an occasional ferret, rat or parakeet. The animals come in many breeds, colors, ages and socialization levels.

 You might just find a pet of a lifetime right here in Mesquite.

 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- Koda

Look closely, under all that shaggy fur there IS a dog! Koda needs a home where he can be on a proper diet and get some exercise. He does well on a leash and is willing to go for short walks while he is building up his strength and dropping a few pounds. Koda has lost 22 lbs. since coming to the shelter. Do you need some motivation to get up and moving????? Then helping this dog get into better physical shape can be your goal.

Other available dogs

Peanut- Senior border collie/beagle blend. He will do best in a quiet home with no children or other animals. Loves going for walks.

Boss- Belgian Malinois Very active and high energy. Will need a secure high fenced yard. He need plenty of exercise,

Betty

Wilma

Sterling

Mystic

Mercury

Fred

Barney

Featured cat-  We have kittens

The 4 Flintstones are Fred- Wilma- Barney and Betty. Approx 3 months old All black. This family were bottle fed and  hand raised and it shows it in their outgoing loving Purrsonality. Playful and love to be cuddled.

3 gray/white kittens Mystic is the girl and her brothers are Mercury and Sterling. Approx 3 months old. Very friendly and playful. They love being held and cuddled.

Other available cats

Lover- Seal Point senior Siamese. No other cats please. He loves being the center of attention

Kiki Dee-Medium-long hair senior mix. No other cats please.

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