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Photo "Jax" is courtesy of Animal Rescue League of Boston.
By Dr. Edward Schettino
As 2022 draws to a close, I hope your year has been filled with the never-ending joys of having pets in your life. As we all know, pet ownership can be equally as challenging as it is rewarding; and if there is one thing that I can convey to pet owners in this monthly column, it’s that you are not alone!
Whether you’ve had pets throughout your life, or if this is your first time with a furry family member, there will inevitably come a time when you may need support. That’s why organizations like the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) offer many resources, including this column, to help both pets and their owners thrive.
To start your new year off on the right paw, here are the top 5 tips we’ve shared with you in 2022:
- Help to Manage Your Pet’s Anxiety and Stress. This has become a more important part of pet ownership in recent years. Increasing activity, establishing a daily routine, and continuous training are all ways to help manage stress and anxiety levels, and you can always reach to an expert, including ARL’s free Pet Behavior Helpline, for advice should the condition become worrisome.
- Never Leave a Pet Alone in a Hot Car. ARL’s annual Too Hot for Spot® summer safety campaign reminds pet owners of the dangers of leaving an animal in a hot vehicle, even with the windows cracked. A car’s inside temperate can rise to deadly levels in a matter of minutes. Not only is it dangerous, it’s also illegal in Massachusetts. This is also true in winter months when the low temperatures can be life-threatening as well. When it doubt, keep your pet at home.
- What to Do Should Your Pet Go Missing. It’s a fear we all have with our pets, but if your pet should go missing, it’s important to act quickly. You should first notify your local animal control officer that your pet is missing, as well as file a lost report with ARL and with every shelter within a 60-mile radius of where your pet went missing. You should also contact your pet’s microchip company, and don’t give up! Many pets go missing for months before being found so stay positive and keep looking. If your pet isn’t microchipped, now is a perfect time to consider getting one.
- Recognizing Pain in Our Pets. Pets tend to hide when they’re in pain, so it’s up to us to recognize the signs and then take action. Signs of pain in our pets include decreased appetite and activity, difficulty walking or lying down, excessive grooming, and whining or being unusually quiet. You know your pet best, so if you suspect something may be wrong, contact your veterinarian immediately.
- Thinking Beyond Puppy Adoption. When it comes to adoption, many are immediately drawn to puppies and kittens, but while adorable, they may not be the right fit for every household, so ARL encourages potential adopters to look beyond puppies and kittens. Consider a mature or senior pet, a pet that was a victim of abuse or neglect, or a pet with a medical condition. These animals have plenty of love to give, and while there may be challenges, adopting one of these animals is extremely rewarding!
Visit arlboston.org for more pet tips, or to revisit any of the topics covered this year.
Thank you for inviting me into your family, and I look forward to bringing you more pet health and safety topics in 2023. Until then, I wish you and all of your furry, and feathered family members Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year!
Dr. Edward Schettino is the President and CEO of the Animal Rescue League of Boston, and has a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University.
