Parental Unit's "This is a serious post" photo.
We know that November is a big month for everyone, at least here in the States, with Thanksgiving right around the corner followed swiftly by the winter holidays. But it's only fitting that we take time away from the hubbub and think about those millions of pets in less fortunate situations than our own.
Take senior pets in shelters: November is dubbed "Adopt a Senior Pet Month" by our good friends at Petfinder.com, and according to statistics, senior pets are typically the last to be adopted and the first to be killed in shelters—their only "crime" one of advancing age.
Check out the plethora of advice that Petfinder provides for adopting a senior pet...and maybe, just maybe, consider making your newest family member an older and wiser pooch or kitty.
November is also National Pet Cancer Awareness Month, now in its fifth year of focusing a much-needed spotlight on pet cancers. According to VPI Pet Insurance, "Cancer is the number one disease-related killer of dogs and cats and claims millions of pets each year. "
Since we're not great at letting you know if we're feeling ill, it's up to you pet parents to learn the warning signs of cancer in your pets.
Check out this list of the top ten pet cancer warning signs compiled by the American Veterinary Medical Association.
1. Abnormal swellings that persist or continue to grow
2. Sores that do not heal
3. Weight loss
4. Loss of appetite
5. Bleeding or discharge from any body opening
6. Offensive odor
7. Difficulty eating or swallowing
8. Hesitation to exercise or loss of stamina
9. Persistent lameness or stiffness
10. Difficulty breathing, urinating or defecating
Let us know if you've adopted a senior pet or treated a pet for cancer. We'd love to hear your stories.
2. Sores that do not heal
3. Weight loss
4. Loss of appetite
5. Bleeding or discharge from any body opening
6. Offensive odor
7. Difficulty eating or swallowing
8. Hesitation to exercise or loss of stamina
9. Persistent lameness or stiffness
10. Difficulty breathing, urinating or defecating
Let us know if you've adopted a senior pet or treated a pet for cancer. We'd love to hear your stories.
