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By Katya Lidsky-Friedman

mak / Stocksy
On Thanksgiving, we all get to set aside some time to reflect and be thankful. To be grateful. To count our blessings and feel lucky for what we have. Hopefully, you can give thanks for your health, your loved ones, and your many achievements and opportunities. But how about your pets? Let’s all vow to give a special moment this holiday season to give thanks to our furry friends for the unique love they provide and the countless ways in which they enrich our lives. Here are 10 reasons to be grateful for pets this Thanksgiving.

1. They make us laugh.

Pets are always finding new ways to make us laugh. Whether they be old pets, new pets, or foster dogs and cats — we find ourselves in stitches over their hilarious antics. All pets have their own personalities, their own jokes, and their own way of being funny. Thank you to our four-legged friends for keeping us cracking up.

2. They keep us present.

Pets don’t live in the past or in the future. They’re living in the present like a furry little Buddha. They remind us to be mindful, to take deep breaths, to let go of past or future moments, and to be in the now. We thank pets for reminding us that the present is a gift.

3. They keep us company.

Who doesn’t love a good snuggle buddy to enjoy a good movie with? Pets make fantastic friends because they are simply masters of loyalty and companionship. It’s hard to be lonely when you have a devoted pal to spend your time with. We appreciate our furry friends for their incredible friendship.

4. They give us purpose.

Helping homeless pets feels good. It feels right. It feels worthy and meaningful because it is, in fact, worthy and meaningful. Because regardless of how you do it or how much time you have to share, giving back to animals is a wonderful way to volunteer and be of service. We’re thankful to help animals and, in turn, be given a mission we can believe in.

5. They make great teachers.

They’re non-judgemental. We can make mistakes in front of them and they don’t mind. They’re always there to lick away a tear or cuddle next to us when we need support. Pets allow us to learn as we go, to fail, and to be imperfect – and they love us anyway. We are indebted to animals for accepting us just as we are.

6. They keep us active.

Pets keep us active because they need regular walks, playtime, and socialization to keep both mentally and physically stimulated. Dogs make terrific running, walking, or hiking buddies. Cats love to play. By providing bunnies with a safe and enclosed area to frolic outside, rabbits can encourage us to soak up some sunshine. Horses pull us towards nature. High fives or high paws to all our pets for keeping us full of life and energy.

7. They challenge us.

Some pets are easier than others. Some are a more natural fit for your lifestyle. But we believe all animals deserve a chance at a happy life. Time and time again, we see that even pets who challenge us offer tremendous value and always reward us with as much as we put in. Whether it’s a more difficult pet with behavioral or health issues, a dog who takes extra time to smell the grass on a walk, or a kitty who just can’t get where the litterbox is, all animals require consistency, patience, and love from us in order to succeed. We get to become a team with our pets as we work with them.

8. They make us feel like rock stars.

Let’s be real — we all love how excited our pets get each and every time we come home. Even when you just step out of the shower, the display of adoration and dedication is good for the ego. Animals aren’t afraid or embarrassed to shower us with love and to show us how much we mean to them. We are so grateful to our dogs for making us feel as awesome and interesting as rock stars.

9. They make us better.

Our pets improve us in so many ways. Studies show that petting an animal can reduce a person’s heart rate as well as their blood pressure, and animals keep us physically healthier overall because they keep us moving. And the endless joy they bring increases our mental health. By focusing on positive reinforcement with our pets, we learn to pay attention to what we love about others, and it keeps us focusing on the good. Thanks to our pets for all the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual benefits they grant us.

10. They let live with gratitude.

Look at the list above. We thank our own pets and all pets for keeping us thankful. With their help, every day can be Thanksgiving.

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Katya Lidsky is a published writer, host of “The Animal That Changed You” podcast, and a life coach for Dog People. She is also a mother and the creator of a one-woman show, entitled “I’m Sorry.”

Questions? First, try our Help Library. Then, if you still need help, email helpdesk@adoptapet.com. We’ll reply within 1 business day. Thank you!

Make the most of holiday fundraising

The holiday giving season is here! From PetFundr to PayPal and Instagram to TikTok, we have a list of tools and advice to help you make the most of fundraising online.
See the List

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Check out this live webinar

Are you a leader looking to create a more inclusive work environment? Our friends at AAWA are hosting a live webinar, Creating a Workplace that Truly Fosters Inclusion, on 12/06/2023 that’s free for everyone.
Register Here
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Share these safety tips

Before you pass the gravy, check out these free materials from our friends at Nationwide. You’ll find holiday poisoning prevention tips, plus resources to print and post in your organization and share with adopters.
See Digital Resources
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Make holiday travel with pets a breeze

Traveling with pets this holiday season doesn’t have to be stressful for your adopters. Check out these tips from Zoetis for smooth sailing (or road-tripping or flying), wherever they go this season.
See Travel Tips

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Shop PetSmart for your holiday gifting needs

Have you checked your pet off your holiday shopping list yet? Shop at PetSmart to find gifts for every pet and pet parent in your life.
Shop Now

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And, of course… We thank the wonderful, pet-loving sponsors for supporting all of us in our mission and making Adopt a Pet a free service!

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Free downloads to share with your community: 

• Digital Handouts for Adopters
• The Puppy Manual
• The Cat & Kitten Manual
• If You Find Baby Kittens
  

 

by Daniela Lopez

Allie / Adobe Stock
Did you know that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) trains adorable dogs to help with important tasks such as sniffing out explosives and firearms every year? These dogs are an essential part of ensuring our safety at airports and other transportation hubs. But not all of their trainees make the cut.

The TSA is looking for homes for the pups who didn’t make it through their explosives detection dog training program (or have retired). These pups will likely come with unique challenges. Learn all about TSA dog adoptions.

What types of dogs are available for adoption?

There are a wide variety of dogs available for adoption from the TSA. While the TSA is transitioning to more floppy-eared dogs like Labrador Retrievers, they also train German Shepherd Dogs and Belgian Malinois but most of those pointy-eared pups are destined for local police work. The types of dogs available for adoption from the TSA include:

• Ages range from two to four years, and occasionally some senior dogs
• Breeds include German Shorthaired Pointer, Wirehaired Pointer, Vizsla, Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever
• May have medical conditions

As you can imagine, these working dogs need homes that can continue to provide an active lifestyle. In addition, unlike service dog school dropouts, explosives detection dogs may not be used to a home environment because the TSA’s dogs live in kennels, so expect a considerable adjustment period as they are likely untrained and not housebroken.

How to qualify for TSA dog adoption

All prospective adoptive families must meet a few minimum requirements, fill out an application, and be approved. The main thing the TSA adoption program will look to see is that you’ll be able to commit to providing your future pup with proper medical care, exercise, training, and companionship. The minimum home requirements for qualifying for a TSA dog adoption include:

• A home with a fenced-in yard.
• Not planning to move within six months of adopting a dog.
• Your home should comply with local pet regulations.
• Existing pets should be up to date on their vaccinations and preventive care.

If your application meets the requirements, then you’ll be added to a waiting list, which typically takes three months to a year. When your turn is up, the adoption coordinator will send photos and information on the available dogs. The coordinator will help match your family with the best pup for your home and will consider the ages of any children when matching you with a dog.

Applying for a TSA dog

1. Submit application: If you want to adopt a TSA dog, email the adoption coordinator at adoptatsacanine@tsa.dhs.gov. If there are dogs available and you meet their prerequisites, expect an email packed with the next steps.
2. Check references: Next, they’ll dig into your references. They may talk with other household members and your vet and likely want to see some pics of your home.
3. Meet the dogs: Once given the nod of approval, you’ll get an info sheet complete with snapshots and profiles of the adoptable dogs. You can schedule an in-person meeting with the dog at their San Antonio, Texas, facility. Keep in mind, that they can’t hold a pup indefinitely.
4. Make a selection: Because each dog’s personality is unique, it’s important that the chosen dog mesh well with your lifestyle. This means you might need to make a few visits until you find the one.
5. Complete paperwork: Depending on the dog’s status, processing the adoption can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. You’ll need to sign all the adoption paperwork and set up their microchip.
6. Adoption day: Once you’ve got a pickup date set, come prepared with a leash, collar, and a crate that fits just right. The TSA will provide a month’s supply of flea and heartworm prevention, three days’ worth of kibble, and all their medical records.

Cost to adopt a TSA dog

Adopting a TSA dog is free, but if your application is approved, you’ll need to pick the dog up from the Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas. The dogs will not be shipped, so it’s important to consider that cost. And the application process may require you to make multiple visits to the base, so those transportation costs can quickly add up.

Considering adopting a dog?

Adopting a TSA dog is not for everyone. But if you’re on the hunt for a pup that comes with a bit of training, you’re in luck. Many local rescues and animal shelters offer pre-adoption training programs, and older shelter dogs often know a trick or two. Kickstart your search on Adopt a Pet.

BY DR. ALYCIA WASHINGTON, DVM, MS

NatRomero / Shutterstock

Adopting from an independent rescue organization or an animal shelter is a great way to provide a loving home for a dog in need. Many of these rescue dogs, however, have a patchy or even unknown history of veterinary care. This can put them at risk for some common issues, but luckily, they are all easily addressed.

Many independent organizations have the resources to treat these health problems before or after adoption. City or county shelters, on the other hand, may not be able to invest as much in each individual dog up for adoption because of the sheer number of animals they take care of. If you’re thinking about adopting a dog from a shelter (and you should), it’s a good idea to be aware of these common, and very treatable, health issues.

Fleas

Fleas are external parasites commonly found on stray dogs. They are easily diagnosed by thoroughly examining a dog’s coat and parting the fur to expose live fleas or flea droppings. Dogs with severe flea infestation or flea allergy dermatitis will be super itchy and may develop skin irritation and patches of thin fur, especially on their backs, rumps, and thighs.

Treatment for fleas involves killing the live adult fleas with a soapy bath and possibly medication, as well as using a flea preventative. Getting rid of a flea infestation in a home or shelter is a complete pain in the butt, so catching and treating fleas as soon as possible is vital. Most shelters and rescue organizations will treat fleas and start dogs on flea preventatives before adoption, but it’s important to continue the treatment after your pet comes home as well.

Heartworm

Heartworms are internal parasites that are spread by mosquitoes and damage a dog’s heart, lungs, and blood vessels over time. Heartworm symptoms include coughing, exercise intolerance, and weight loss. Early on, dogs with heartworms may not display any symptoms, so many organizations make heartworm testing part of their health screening protocol prior to adoption.

Heartworm treatment is a lengthy process, often lasting several months. Treatment may involve a combination of antibiotics, steroids, Immiticide (an injectable medication that kills adult heartworms), and heartworm preventatives. During treatment, dogs must be monitored closely and generally should not take part in strenuous activities. Because full treatment takes a while, some dogs are adopted before it is complete. Dog parents who adopt a pup in the middle of treatment should communicate with the adoption organization and their veterinarian to make sure they are clear on the plan.

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At Adopt a Pet, we’re grateful for our senior pups of all shapes and sizes. As our dogs age, the special care that they require often changes. To keep your best friend healthy and happy in their wiser years, our friends at Nationwide® Pet Insurance have valuable care tips to share from their claims database of current policyholders.

Everyday care for comfort and well-being

As pets age, their needs will change. Remember these care considerations with older pups.

• Diet: Many senior pups have special dietary needs. These may include low-calorie, softer foods or supplements. Follow the diet recommended by your veterinarian.
• Sleep: Keep your older pet comfortable in a softer, orthopedic, or heated bed.
• Mobility: Ramps or stairs enable no-jump access to sofas or human beds for your senior friend.
• Exercise: Keep your dog active in shorter, more gentle, and easygoing intervals of regular exercise.
• Care: We recommend more frequent check-ins with your veterinarian to make sure your pup’s health is in top shape.

Signs of age-related disease in dogs

Signs of aging to look for (beyond those distinguished gray muzzles).

• Cloudy eyes can be a sign of diminished vision or loss of vision.
• Lack of attention can be a sign of hearing loss.
• Decreased activity can be a sign of pain or inflammation.
• Grumpy behavior can be a sign of soreness or discomfort.
• Changes in sleep patterns can be a sign of cognitive dysfunction.

Talk with your veterinarian if you start to notice behavior changes in your older pet.

Nationwide offers protection for pets through all stages of life. See why Nationwide Pet Insurance is the #1 choice for pet parents.

GET A PET INSURANCE QUOTE WITH NATIONWIDE

By Kari Paul

Courtesy Oakland Animal Services
October is a month of dwindling sunlight, changing leaves, and fun fall traditions. It is also Adopt a Shelter Dog Month: an event that could not be coming at a better time for Oakland, California, where city shelters are facing a nearly unprecedented crisis, running out of space and resources to care for an influx of surrendered and stray dogs.

Below, you will find some of the statistics that illustrate just how much need there is in this Bay Area city — and how you can help.

Nearly 5,000 dogs have entered Alameda County shelters in 2023 alone.

The eight shelters that accept dogs in Alameda County where Oakland is located have taken in 4,911 dogs in 2023. That means the county ranks eighth in the state in terms of volume of dogs taken in this year, according to Shelter Animals Count.

219 dogs who entered Alameda County shelters did not make it out this year

Shelters in Alameda County have faced an increase of stray and surrendered dogs this year, leaving them stretched thin for resources and kennel spaces, in some cases forcing them to make the heartbreaking decision to euthanize animals. In 2022, Alameda County shelters euthanized 403 dogs and in 2021, 390 were euthanized, according to Shelter Animals Count. The number of dogs euthanized each year underscores the need for fosters and adopters in the Bay Area, particularly for large-breed dogs.

Spotlight on Oakland Animal Services

While there are 10 shelters in Oakland that facilitate adoption — eight of which house dogs — Oakland Animal Services (OAS) is the only open-admission shelter in the area. “Open admission” means the agency accepts all of Oakland’s homeless, injured, orphaned, unwanted, lost, abandoned and mistreated animals, regardless of age, breed, temperament, or medical condition. It also means that OAS is consistently overwhelmed with animals in need of care.

Per its website, OAS adopted out 1,161 dogs in 2022. But as many in the animal rescue world know, the battle is neverending. As of October, Oakland Animal Services once again is facing a “critical situation,”  housing 105 dogs compared to its maximum capacity of 73. That means many of these pups are being held in tight quarters, leading to more stress for the animals and worse outcomes for potential adoptions.

How you can help

Are you based in the Bay Area and ready to welcome one of these pets into your home? You can find your new furry friend on Adopt A Pet now. Not ready to commit long-term? Pet food donations are always in demand, and local organizations are always looking for fosters. Stop by one of the Foster Open House events at Oakland Animal Services to find the best temporary fit for you. And who knows, maybe it will be a foster fail.

*These estimates are based on data from Shelter Animals Count for 2023, through the month of September, except where specified.

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Kari Paul is a writer whose work has been published in the Guardian, the Wall Street Journal, and New York Magazine. She has had an endless march of more than 20 foster kittens, cats, and dogs over the last few years and always cries when they leave.

By Nancy Kay, DVM

Melissa Ross / Stocksy
Halloween can be incredibly enjoyable — for us humans, that is. Think about it from the perspective of your pets: The ridiculous costumes they are forced to wear and scary sights and sounds, such as the horror show of constant doorbell rings over and over again. For our dogs and cats, Halloween can be downright ghoulish and, in some cases, even pose a threat to their safety.

But, if you absolutely must indulge in this spooky celebration, here are six safety tips to ensure your pets don’t become unwilling participants in a haunted house of horrors. Because let’s face it, the only thing our pets want this Halloween is a quiet night and a comfy spot on the couch — and maybe a few treats. (If you’re considering adopting a pet, October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, the perfect time to adopt one of the many pets who are still searching for their forever homes. See all the available adoptable pets in your area.)

Halloween safety for your pet

1. Guard the candy bowl

Given the opportunity, most dogs will gladly gorge on chocolate, wrappers and all. Chocolate contains theobromine, a substance chemically related to caffeine and toxic to dogs. The richer (darker) the chocolate, the more toxic it will be for your pup. And while cats are less likely to eat chocolate, it’s still toxic for them.

Symptoms of chocolate toxicity include restlessness, irritability, increased urination, muscle tremors, and sometimes even seizures. Vomiting and diarrhea are also commonplace following chocolate ingestion. 

If you suspect your dog(s) has raided the candy bowl, call your family veterinarian or local emergency clinic immediately. The sooner treatment is initiated, the better the chance for a good outcome. Based on the approximate weight of your candy thief and the type and amount of chocolate ingested, you will be advised whether or not your dog needs medical attention. Downing a couple of milk chocolate kisses is likely no big deal for a Great Dane, but for a four-pound Chihuahua, however, a few ounces of bittersweet chocolate could be a lethal dose.

2. Don’t forget the wrappers

Although a discarded candy bar wrapper may not contain enough chocolate to be dangerous, it may have enough to be tasty. If ingested, candy wrappers can create a blockage in the esophagus or digestive system, so throw all candy wrappers away in a secure trash can with a lid.

3. Watch the front door

If you welcome trick-or-treaters to your home, your front door will open and close repeatedly, providing many opportunities for your dog or cat to escape into the dark of night when their familiar territory has become particularly spooky. Getting lost or running out in front of a moving vehicle are potentially disastrous holiday outcomes, so don’t include your pets as part of your Halloween welcoming committee. It’s far safer to confine them behind closed doors.

Keep pets indoors on the days leading up to Halloween. Animal abduction and torture might sound like a cheesy horror movie, but it does happen, so better safe than sorry.

4. Switch up your nightly routine

Also, while there is likely nothing your dog enjoys more than accompanying you for a walk around your neighborhood, doing so on Halloween night may be a downright spooky experience for your best buddy. It’s better to give them some long walks earlier in the day and keep them inside at night.

5. Give them a calming space

Does your cat hide under your bed every time someone new comes to your home? Does your dog’s job description include barking and protecting whenever a stranger (trick-or-treaters included) arrives at your front door? Think about how these poor animals must feel on Halloween night when that doorbell rings dozens of times within just a few hours. Talk about emotional exhaustion. Confine your pets behind closed doors, ideally in a sound-proof part of your home, and consider the following options to preserve their sanity:

• Provide trick-or-treaters with a “help yourself” candy bowl on your front walkway, or sit outside with the bowl to avoid the doorbell ringing.
• Board your pets elsewhere on Halloween night.
• Turn off your house lights and skip the holiday altogether (although, there are no guarantees your house won’t be egged the following day).

6. Limit Halloween costumes for pets

Halloween costumes for pets certainly make for some giggles and terrific photo opportunities. But how do our pets really feel about wearing those silly outfits? They aren’t huge fans. If you do decide to dress your pet up, make sure there are no small parts your pet can choke on, and never put anything around your pet’s neck other than their collar.

The bottom line? Halloween is a holiday for humans. Let’s leave our pets out of it.

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Nancy Kay, DVM, Dipl., American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, is a 2009 recipient of AAHA’s Animal Welfare and Humane Ethics Award and author of Speaking for Spot.

Valerii Honcharuk / AdobeStock
As a foster volunteer, I’ve had the opportunity to encounter numerous pets and the distinct names they’ve been given. Some names are timeless, like Max and Bella, reminiscent of the classic lap-dog era. Others draw inspiration from pop culture – pets named Chewbacca and Lady Gaga are not uncommon.

We’ve recently passed through a fruit phase (Apricot, Mango, Apple, Raisin, Kiwi), film directors (George, Lucas, Alfred, David, Stanley, Robert, Martin, Clint), and royalty (Kate, Elizabeth, William, Diana, Charles).

From Bubbles to Arya, the range of names is limitless. Pet names often carry a piece of the pet’s history or reflect aspirations for a pet. New pet parents, just like new baby parents, may find inspiration within their family history… or on their countertops. Let’s explore the current trends among pet parents when it comes to naming their companions. And if you’re not finding the right name, try these black dog names, silly pet names, and pit bull names.

Most popular dog names

• Charlie
• Lucy
• Max
• Bella
• Cooper
• Luna
• Buddy
• Daisy
• Jack
• Lola

Most popular cat names

• Charlie
• Luna
• Leo
• Lucy
• Max
• Bella
• Milo
• Sophie
• Jack
• Stella

Most popular rabbit names

• Peter (from “The Tale of Peter Rabbit” by Beatrix Potter)
• Beatrix (in honor of Beatrix Potter, the author)
• Alice (from Lewis Carroll’s “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland”)
• White Rabbit (also from “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland”)
• Eeyore (from A.A. Milne’s “Winnie the Pooh”)
• Benjamin (from “The Tale of Benjamin Bunny” by Beatrix Potter)
• Mopsy (a character in Beatrix Potter’s stories)
• Bilbo (from J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Hobbit”)

Popular pet bird names

• Sunny
• Tweety
• Peep
• Feather
• Kiwi
• Blue
• Mango
• Cherry
• Pip
• Echo
• Rio
• Robin
• Starling
• Flap
• Dove
• Jasper
• Merlin

Popular pet names

These pet names are favored by pet parents across the board.

• Rocky
• Lily
• Chloe
• Oliver
• Tucker
• Sadie
• Bailey
• Zoey
• Duke
• Ruby
• Milo
• Rosie

Popular pet names inspired by TV

These names not only pay homage to iconic TV characters but also add a touch of pop culture flair to your pet’s identity.

• Arya (inspired by “Game of Thrones”)
• Mabel (from “Only Murders in the Building”)
• Daryl (a nod to “The Walking Dead”)
• Eleven (for “Stranger Things” fans)
• Greg (a bit of Greg sprinkles from “Succession”)
• Walter (from “Breaking Bad”)
• Dexter (inspired by the show of the same name)
• Sugar (nickname of Natalie from “The Bear”)
• Buffy (a tribute to “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”)
• Mulder (from “The X-Files”)
• Scully (for fans of “The X-Files”)
• Sydney (from “The Bear”)
• Roman (or Romulan from “Succession”)
• Phoebe (a nod to “Friends”)
• Negan (for “The Walking Dead” enthusiasts)
• Don Draper (from “Mad Men”)
• Ross (a reference to “Friends”)
• Willow (from “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”)

Popular pet names inspired by mythology

Mythology has long been a source of inspiration for pet names. Here’s a list of popular names inspired by myths and legends.

• Athena (Greek)
• Thor (Norse)
• Apollo (Greek)
• Freya (Norse)
• Zeus (Greek)
• Hera (Greek)
• Odin (Norse)
• Persephone (Greek)
• Anubis (Egyptian)
• Freyja (Norse)
• Loki (Norse)
• Artemis (Greek)
• Ra (Egyptian)
• Hades (Greek)
• Amaterasu (Japanese)
• Bastet (inspired by Egyptian mythology)
• Hermes (Greek)
• Epona (Celtic)
• Fenrir (Norse)
• Selene (Greek)

Popular pet fish names

Whether you’re adopting a goldfish, bettas, or any other type of fish these popular fish names with add a splash of fun.

• Bubbles
• Nemo
• Fin
• Splash
• Gill
• Flounder
• Dory
• Jaws
• Goldie
• Swimmy
• Flash
• Neptune
• Coral
• Rainbow
• Sharky
• Scaley
• Triton
• Ariel

*Most popular dog and cat names from TrustedHousesitters.com

Birol / AdobeStock
Any pet parent who has had a puppy knows how curiosity and an endless amount of energy can lead to unexpected trouble. All that jumping, running, chewing, and sniffing can cause potentially serious accidents.

Nationwide Pet Insurance looked at its database of claims of current policyholders to see which puppy incidents (or non-illness-related accidents) topped the list every year. Read on to get prepared to protect your pup from the unexpected.

1. Soft Tissue Trauma

Soft tissue trauma in dogs refers to minor injuries to muscles or joints, and it topped the list as the most common reason dogs limp. Since limping can also indicate other health concerns, it’s important to know whether your puppy has soft tissue trauma, torn ligaments, or broken bones, which are more serious conditions to treat.

2. Foreign Body Ingestion

Like toddlers, puppies have a tendency to chew anything they can get into their mouths, which can become a serious and potentially life-threatening problem if the objects are swallowed and cause obstructions in the stomach or within the small intestine. Most dogs with ingested foreign bodies can’t keep much down, including water, and will frequently vomit. This is very serious and requires urgent care.

3. Laceration or Bite Wound

Your puppy may suffer a bite wound while playing with another dog or while fighting. This can result in significant injuries, including those to blood vessels, the jugular vein, the carotid artery, nerves, eyes, mouth, and the chest wall, which could collapse a lung are all very serious injuries. In addition, a dog’s mouth is full of bacteria, which can quickly infect a wound and spread to underlying tissue. Wounds that appear minor on the surface can potentially be life-threatening.

4. Sprain

Active puppies are constantly running, jumping, and putting a great deal of stress on their muscles and joints. Sometimes, this activity leads to injury. Yelping when walking or limping can indicate your puppy has a sprain. Your veterinarian will want to rule out torn ligaments and tendons. Puppies who don’t show signs of improvement under the care of your veterinarian may need surgery.

5. Insect Bites and Stings

Like us, puppies can be bitten by bugs and spiders. The problem is that insects can transmit life-threatening bacteria, parasites, and viruses. Fleas, ticks, mites, bees, hornets, wasps, mosquitoes, flies, and even ants can bite and irritate your dog. See your veterinarian for treatment.

6. Torn Nail

All that romping around can lead to a painful injury if your puppy happens to step the wrong way at the wrong time. Torn nails can lead to bleeding, which won’t stop until treated, especially if the nail is torn at the quick. If the tear is bad enough, your veterinarian may need to remove the nail. Temporary medications and bandaging will help your puppy on the road to recovery.

7. Drug Toxicity or Overdose

Unfortunately, most accidental poisonings happen when drugs are left within reach of a puppy. Even if these drugs are your dog’s own, they can still do damage — what’s more, medications prescribed by your veterinarian could be beef-flavored, making them more tempting to consume. Frequently used human medications like ibuprofen and acetaminophen are also toxic to dogs. If you suspect your dog has ingested any medications, taking them to urgent care is strongly recommended.

8. Eye Trauma

Puppies can suffer eye trauma in numerous ways, such as running through garden shrubbery and scratching an eye, having something thrown or projected at their eyes, playing or fighting with other dogs, or running excitedly into an object. You may notice your puppy pawing at an eye repetitively, blinking rapidly, or their eye may be swollen or inflamed. Veterinary treatment is recommended.

9. Oral Trauma or Fractured Tooth

Broken teeth are common in puppies due to trauma or chewing on hard objects. It’s important to seek immediate veterinary treatment because the bacteria in your dog’s mouth can quickly infect the exposed pulp of the tooth. If untreated, the tooth will die, and the bacteria will infect the bone — an even more serious issue, as the infection will continue to spread to other parts of the body, including vital organs.

10. Plant Toxicity

Eating poisonous plants is one of the most common ways that puppies ingest a toxic substance. There are more than 700 plants that produce physiologically active or toxic substances that are dangerous to pets. The effects of these poisonous plants can range from mild nausea to death. Vulnerability to plant toxicities depends on pet species, the amount ingested, and the size of your pet. Before bringing home a houseplant or planting your spring and summer garden, be sure to understand more about pets and toxic plants.

Adopt a Pet and Nationwide believe that every pet deserves to be protected—including protection against the unexpected. To give you a leg up, Nationwide has a suite of pet insurance offerings for Adopt a Pet parents like you.

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Austin Animal Care / Facebook

Most of us associate October with Halloween, but it’s also Adopt a Shelter Dog Month. Though the two events might not seem like they have much in common, the truth is they do: both give us plenty of things to be scared about. Instead of ghouls and ghosts, Adopt a Shelter Dog Month reminds us just how many dogs out there need homes — and how far too many never find them.

The situation is particularly dire in Texas. That’s why we’re headed to Austin this month to raise awareness about some of the scary stats below.

Over 4,000 dogs have entered Travis County shelters in 2023 alone.

The county that includes Austin, Texas ranks sixth out of all Texas counties in terms of the volume of dogs shelters have taken in this year, according to Shelter Animals Count.

340 dogs who entered shelters in Travis County didn’t make it out.

Sadly, this year alone, hundreds of dogs have already failed to make it out of the shelters alive.

15% of shelter dogs in Texas never find a home.

According to Shelter Animals Count, that’s over 23,000 dogs who never make it to their forever homes.

Texas has one of the highest euthanasia rates in the country.

Texas’ total “save rate” of pets that enter their shelters is 79.2%, one of the lowest in the country, according to Best Friends Animal Society (BFAS). The state is considered one of two top priority states for BFAS’s work helping shelters achieve “no-kill” status; only 156 of 366 shelters in the state are “no-kill,” meaning they save at least 90% of animals who enter their shelters.

Are you a Texan who’s ready to welcome one of these deserving dogs into your home? You can find your BFF on Adopt A Pet right now.

 

*These estimates are based on data from Shelter Animals Count for 2023, except where specified.