Have A Happy Thanksgiving Weekend!

This is the time of year to be thankful for our sidekicks, partners in crime, and soulmates. Yes, we're talking about your pets! They helped us through these Covid years, staying by our sides on both the up and down days. Most of us can't imagine our lives without our best friends.

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, we want to be thankful and celebrate this holiday with our family, friends, and pets. We talk about having a fun, grateful, and safe holiday every year; however, many of these ideas and rules hold true all year. So, let's go over a few.

If you have company for dinner, ensure your pets are chipped and have on a collar. With people coming and going, it's easy for Rover or Fluffy to sneak out. Better yet, if you live with an escape artist, use a baby gate to keep him away from the door. Remind your guests to make sure your buddy stays inside!

Have a quiet spot for your pets to go to if they get overwhelmed by the festivities. Monitor young children around your pets; they don't always know the rules of the road. Keep the trash out of reach of your pets; with all the good smells, they are bound to be drawn to it. Consider using a locking trash can or moving the garbage to a closet they can't access. Remember, candles, firepits, and potpourri can be dangerous for kids and pets.

Yes, Rover and Fluffy would like a special Thanksgiving meal, but instead of filling their bowl with leftovers, just add a little to their regular dinner. A bit of plain turkey, some sweet potato, carrots, or beans will thrill them, but make sure it's not sauced or buttered. When it's time for you and your guests to eat, you may be able to distract your pet from begging at the table with a catnip toy or a stuffed Kong while you celebrate and have your turkey-day dinner.

We're sending wishes for a pawsitively perfect holiday for you and yours. Please see the list of foods your pets shouldn't have below. For some ideas on how to celebrate the season with your pets, see the infographic at the end of the newsletter!

People Food to Avoid Feeding to Your Pets

Thanksgiving Pet Safety

How To Survive The Terrible Teens

Did you get a new pup this spring or summer? That means they are more or less in adolescence now. Oh boy! From about 6 - 18 months, your cute little puppy enters his terrible teens and annoying adolescence stage! This can mean forgetting everything you've taught him (he may even backtrack on housebreaking), tons of excess energy, maybe some nipping, and general rebellion. Canine teens are easily frustrated and lack self-control - it's your job to help them through this tough time. Sadly, this is the age when many pups are given to shelters or re-homed.

Some people say their dog turned into a "bad" dog at eight months old. Wrong! Fido isn't a bad pup; he's just got extra energy and hormones! Just like a human teenager, this is the time they act out. You and Fido will survive "brat-olescence" if you know it's coming and have a few strategies to deal with it.

First, let's talk about how this may play out. Your pup is gaining confidence now and may get fresh with other family members and pets in the household. He may lack focus; Fido could forget how to walk on a leash, or start demanding frequent attention. He may get inventive when it comes to entertaining himself (like with your leather shoes).

Our first piece of advice is to stick with your dog. This behavior is entirely normal, and he is not a bad dog. You'll need to step up Fido's training, so continue with basic obedience work. An easy thing to work on is control. For example, make him sit before you give him his meal or while you leash him up for a walk. These simple tactics will help him learn impulse control.

Fido will need more physical and mental stimulation; he's got far more energy now than he had as a puppy and doesn't need as many naps. Long walks are great (we can help), but he'd love some run-free time. Find a safe, fenced spot where you can toss a tennis ball or just let him sniff. Games like "find it' are fun and use considerable mental energy. Even a simple game like hiding treats in the house for him to find is fun and will get Fido thinking. Then try it outside to make the game more challenging. The "leave it" game teaches self-control. It's fun and educational.

It's a good idea to crate train your dog but it is important to do so in a way that teaches him to enjoy his crate. Putting Fido in the crate with a well-stuffed Kong is a good way to start. The crate is handy if Fido is being rambunctious and needs a little quiet time.

Take your buddy out in the car, for walks, to the vet, and to group training classes. These activities use extra energy and help Fido get comfortable with various new situations. Some pups have a more difficult time with adolescence. If you feel he isn't gaining control or you're out of your depth, don't wait; call a behaviorist or trainer to help you.

Fluffy's "brat-olescence" is very similar to Fido's; she may turn into a little kitty monster, but keep her exercised, play with her, and get some toys that stimulate her mentally. If you can give her some safe time outdoors, do that! Use a harness and leash in your yard. Crate training can be beneficial for our feline friends as well. You and Fluffy will get through the terrible teens!

Please remember that patience is the key to getting through this crucial period. This teen period is challenging for you, Fido, and Fluffy. They will need your love and understanding to turn into a terrific adult!

Tortoiseshell Cats

Tortoiseshell cats are gorgeous. They are often referred to as "torties." Just like with calico and orange cats, a tortoiseshell isn't a cat breed, but a color marking that can occur in different breeds of cats. The most common are American and British Shorthairs, Ragamuffin, Cornish Rex, Maine Coons, and mixed breeds - they can all get the tortoiseshell markings. They usually have two colors, black and red. Those colors can be diluted into shades of gray, orange, cream, or ginger. Their fur can be long or short.

How did they get the name tortoiseshell? Due to the colors involved and the marbled, brindle, or mosaic pattern of many torties, their coats look like turtle shells! These patterns are the result of gene mutations. And similar to a calico, almost all torties are female; a male tortoiseshell is rare. Some male torties are sterile and may have health issues due to these gene mutations.

Many people with torties feel they have their own very distinct personalities, but a study done by UC Davis Veterinary School debunks this idea and says that the traits people think are unique to torties are found in many other cats too. Let's face it; many cats have a "catitude" - high energy, sassy, and even a little assertive.

There have been some famous torties... Edgar Allen Poe had a tortie called Cattarina. The Astor Theatre in Australia had a tortie named Marzipan, who lived until she was 21. And the official cat of the state of Maryland is a tortie! Cleo and Sarah were President Regan's tortoiseshell cats.

All over the world, people feel tortoiseshell cats bring good luck. Japanese fishermen believe that torties protect their ships from ghosts, English folk tales say that a tortie's tail can cure warts, many countries believe a dream about a tortie will bring love, and in the USA, they say a tortoiseshell cat will bring good financial fortune to your home. Who could resist all of that?

So if you want a lucky cat that is loving and a lot of fun, go adopt a tortie; you won't regret it!

Great Pet Links!

November is:

Adopt a Senior Month
Pet Diabetes Month
Pet Cancer Awareness Month

November 1 - Cook for Your Pet Day
November 13 - World Kindness Day
November 17 - Take a Hike Day
November 24 - Thanksgiving

Amazing Dog Portraits
Winterize Your Pets
Revisiting Summer With Pets
House Guests Can Stress Out Your Buddy