The mutt, or mixed breed dog, is an often overlooked American staple. They can be just as cute, cuddly, and loving as their purebred counterparts and are every bit as capable. Some even suggest that their diverse genetics allow them to have a lower incidence of inherited problems and diseases such as cancer, hip dysplasia, allergies, and heart problems. Recently, the American Kennel Club has even opted to allow mutts to compete in obedience, agility, and rally competitions, proving that mutts can do it all! Mixed breed dogs often make great family pets as well, deriving a balance of personality and traits from several breeds. There is no doubt that a mutt can wiggle its way into our hearts every bit as effectively as a pure breed. Next time you are looking to add a dog to your family, consider “mutt shopping” at your local shelter or rescue. You may just find the next true love of your life!
Naperville Animal Hospital Blog
Archive for the ‘Shelter pet’ Category
All Hail the Mighty Mutt!
Wednesday, November 28th, 2012Microchips: Why your pet shouldn’t be without one
Wednesday, March 14th, 2012
We all know someone who has lost a pet. It’s hard to imagine the sadness you might feel if your favorite friend were somehow separated from you. Many people think that their pet never would stray from home, however every year animals and owners are parted during natural disasters, accidents, and even theft. The best you can do is to give your pet every chance of finding their way home. This means making sure they are fitted with a collar with current identification and are sporting a registered microchip.
Microchips are implanted under the pet’s skin (usually between the shoulders) and contain a passive radiofrequency that emits a unique identifying number. These chips are about the size of a grain of rice and should last your pet’s lifetime. They do not give off GPS signals, but rather need to be read with a special scanning device possessed by most veterinarians and shelters. The unique number can then be traced into a database where your contact information can be found, provided you have kept your information current.
Microchips are not perfect, as they require the finder of the animal to have the pet scanned and the owner to register and keep the database up-to-date. By utilizing this technology, however, you give your pet one more avenue to make it home if you should ever become separated.
If you’d like to discuss a microchip for your pet, please contact us.
National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week
Monday, November 7th, 2011The week of November 6-12 is National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week, and with around 6-8 million homeless animals in the United States, these facilities deserve some recognition! Here are a few ways that you can get involved and make a difference too:
Consider adopting a pet. Not only are you giving a needy animal a great home, you are freeing up a place and resources for another homeless animal within the shelter system. And remember, we will give your adopted pet a free first exam, parasite check, and rabies vaccine!- Volunteer. Get in touch with your local shelter and find out how you can help. Not all volunteering is cleaning cages and walking dogs. Your local shelter may need help with fundraising, graphic design, or other areas in which you may have some expertise.
- Donate. While money is always nice, many times shelters are in need of other items like blankets, towels, food, and the like. Ask your local shelter what types of items they may need. Consider initiating a pet food drive or something similar within your church, school, workplace, or community.
- Set an example. Be sure your pets are spayed or neutered (further helping the pet over-population problem) and are properly identifiable with tags and/or a microchip.
There are countless ways that you can make an impact on the shelter system in your area. And what better time to get involved?
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