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11 Ways to Volunteer to Help Shelter Pets

Posted by Dr. Laura Monahan

“I wanted to be a vet when I was a kid.”

Not a day goes by when I don’t hear that sentiment. It warms my heart to interact daily with people who love animals, no matter what their role.

But it warms my soul down to my toes when people volunteer their talents purely for the joy of caring for animals in need.

Volunteering to help homeless and abandoned pets is an incredibly rewarding experience. Your commitment also gives these animals a better chance at finding a loving home.

Here are 11 ways to get involved in helping shelter pets

1. Donate Supplies

Shelters always need pet food, bedding, toys, treats, and cleaning supplies. Check with your local shelter to see what they need, and then gather a few items from your local pet store and drop them off.

2. Walk Dogs

Exercise is important for all pets, but especially for dogs in shelters. However, shelters are often short-staffed and need volunteers to take the dogs for a walk. Even if you can’t commit to a regular schedule, a few hours here and there can make a big difference in a shelter pet’s life.

3. Socialize Animals

Socialization is important for shelter animals so they can be adopted into good homes. Spend time with them and help them become more comfortable with people.

4. Help With Administrative Tasks

Shelters always need help with things like paperwork, filing, inputting data, updating websites, or stuffing flyers.

5. Foster a Pet

There are more homeless pets every day. Rescue organizations and shelters need volunteers to take in pets for a few weeks or months at a time, providing them with care and attention until they can be adopted.

6. Educate the Public

Educating others about pet adoption and the importance of spaying and neutering can help reduce the number of homeless animals.

7. Assist at Adoption Events

Shelters often host adoption events or adoption drives to match potential pet owners with an adoptable furry friend. Participating in these events can help spread awareness of the shelter and encourage adoptions.

8. Fundraise

Fundraising is essential for shelters to keep running. You can organize a fundraiser or donate your time and/or money to an existing one.

9. Provide Transportation

Many people need rides to and from the shelter to get their pets to vet appointments or adoption events.

10. Become an Adoption Ambassador

Helping shelter pets doesn’t always require physical labor. You can help find homes for shelter pets by spreading the word about the shelter and its adoptable pets.

Post about the shelter on your social media, encourage your friends to volunteer or donate, or write a review online—all of these actions can make a big difference.

11. Adopt a Pet

Visit Petfinder.com to learn about pets available for adoption in your area and to find your best match.

Thank you, fellow animal lovers, for the things you do to help care for our furry friends in need. I know the joy you receive in return makes it all worthwhile and makes this world a better place.

The Perfect Dog Breed for You, Based on Your Enneagram Personality Type

Posted by Dr. Laura Monahan

Dog breeds

Are you trying to decide which type of dog would be the best fit for your personality?

With so many breeds out there, it can be hard to narrow down your options. Fortunately, you don’t have to look any further than your Enneagram personality type.

Read on for nine points about breeds of dog that fit each Enneagram personality type.

Disclaimer: This information is not scientifically based – it’s just for fun! And, just as humans fit several Enneagram personality types, so do dogs. You’ll notice that some breeds appear in multiple categories.

Type One: The Reformer

Enneagram Ones are known for their idealism and perfectionism. They are principled, purposeful, and self-controlled.

Type One Enneagram - Samoyed

Breeds that are highly intelligent, loyal, protective, inquisitive, eager to please, and have a strong work ethic are ideal for Ones.

Some self-assured breeds may be challenging to train, but once trained, they are respectful and reliable.

  • Samoyed
  • Australian Shepherd
  • German Shepherd
  • Japanese Chin
  • Tibetan Spaniel
  • Boston Terrier
  • Bull Terrier
  • Shih Tzu
  • Poodle

Type Two: The Helper

Enneagram Twos are caring, interpersonal types. Twos are people-pleasing givers who thrive on helping others.

Type Two Enneagram - Labrador Retriever

Breeds known for their gentle, friendly, loving, and loyal personalities make excellent companions for Twos, because they’re affectionate and eager to please.

  • Labrador Retriever
  • Golden Retriever
  • German Shepherd
  • Dutch Spaniel
  • Belgian Sheepdog
  • Bichon Frisé
  • Maltese
  • Havanese

Type Three: The Achiever

Enneagram Threes crave high-energy activities and enjoy being in the spotlight. They are success-oriented, driven, and image-conscious.

Type Three Enneagram - Chihuahua

Threes need an energetic, outgoing canine companion who can keep up with their active lifestyle and turn heads when they hit the town together.

  • Chihuahua
  • Pomeranian
  • Labrador Retriever
  • Bulldog
  • Beagle
  • English Foxhound
  • Brussels Griffon

Type Four: The Individualist

Enneagram Fours are sensitive souls. They have a tendency to be self-absorbed and temperamental and are also expressive, creative, and dramatic.

Type Four Enneagram - Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Fours gravitate towards breeds with sweet, gentle, laid-back personalities who will happily snuggle up during quiet moments at home, and who also know how to mind their own business.

  • Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
  • Havanese
  • French Bulldog
  • Australian Shepherd
  • English Bulldog
  • Akita
  • Border Collie
  • Miniature American Shepherd
  • Dutch Sheepdog

Type Five: The Investigator

Enneagram Fives are intense, perceptive, thoughtful, analytical, and can be secretive and isolated.

Type Five Enneagram - Greyhound

Fives appreciate intelligence, independence, loyalty, and adaptability in their canine companion. They enjoy breeds that are easy to train and can adjust to a variety of lifestyles.

  • Greyhound
  • Beagle
  • Poodle
  • Bloodhound
  • Chow Chow
  • Tibetan Mastiff
  • Jack Russell Terrier
  • Rat Terrier

Type Six: The Loyalist

Enneagram Sixes have an innate need for security and protection. They tend to be anxious and suspicious as well as responsible, engaging, and committed.

Type Six Enneagram - German Shepherd

It makes sense that Sixes would opt for larger, highly intelligent, loyal breeds with a strong independent streak. Sixes prefer good-natured breeds that offer plenty of protection against potential intruders while still providing lots of love and affection when needed.

  • German Shepherd
  • Siberian Husky
  • Boston Terrier
  • Chinook
  • Greyhound
  • Pug

Type Seven: The Enthusiast

Enneagram Sevens are busy, fun-loving, and spontaneous. They’re distractible, scattered, and versatile.

Type Seven Enneagram - Boxer

Sevens need a naturally extroverted dog that is friendly, affectionate, and has a zest for life. Sevens gravitate toward breeds that require plenty of exercise but who also love lounging and watching TV with their owners on lazy days.

  • Boxer
  • Bulldog
  • Beagle
  • Dachshund
  • Pomeranian
  • Corgi
  • Teddy Roosevelt Terrier

Type Eight: The Challenger

Enneagram Eights are self-confident, powerful, dominating, decisive, willful, and confrontational.

Type Eight Enneagram - Doberman Pinscher

Eights might feel overwhelmed by smaller dogs, and often opt for low-maintenance breeds that require minimal grooming but still provide all the love they could want from a canine companion.

Eights respond well to charismatic, strong-willed dogs known for being loyal and protective, yet still loving and affectionate.

  • Doberman Pinscher
  • Chihuahua
  • Bulldog
  • Tibetan Mastiff
  • Tibetan Terrier
  • Tibetan Spaniel
  • Maltese
  • Labrador Retriever

Type Nine: The Peacemaker

Enneagram Nines are easygoing, self-effacing, agreeable, complacent, and non-confrontational.

Type Nine Enneagram - Border Collie

Nines respond well to gentle, affectionate, laid-back dogs that are loving and loyal. Often, Nines like medium-sized breeds that offer all the attention a Nine could want without taking up too much space in the home.

  • Border Collie
  • Australian Cattle Dog
  • Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
  • Golden Retriever
  • Cocker Spaniel
  • Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Dog breeds large to small

No matter what your Enneagram personality type is, there’s sure to be a breed out there perfect just for you.

In the comments, let us know which breed(s) you feel the most affinity for. Does your favorite breed march your Enneagram personality type?

More info about the Enneagram

The Enneagram Institute

5 Reasons Your Pet Must Receive the Rabies Vaccine

Posted by Dr. Laura Monahan

One of my neighbors was going for a walk last week when a large, scruffy, very pregnant dog came out of nowhere and bit her leg.

She reported the incident to Animal Control and warned her neighbors, who compared notes to see if they could determine where the dog lived.

There were conflicting reports:

“She belongs to the people who live three houses down and they let her roam.”

“She’s a stray who’s been wandering the neighborhood.”

The inability to pinpoint whether the dog belongs to someone or is a stray raised the question:

Has the dog been vaccinated for rabies?

It’s a valid question, since dogs and cats are especially vulnerable to rabies – a deadly virus that can also be passed to humans.

Vaccination against the virus is the best way to protect your pet and those around them from this potentially fatal disease.

5 Reasons Your Pet Should Receive a Rabies Vaccine

1. Rabies is Serious and Potentially Fatal

Rabies is one of the deadliest viruses known to humankind. A single bite or scratch from an infected animal can cause severe neurological symptoms that can be fatal if left untreated.

In Washington State, 400-to-600 animals per year are tested for rabies, mostly bats. “Bats are the only animal in Washington known to carry rabies,” according to the Washington State Department of Health website.  “We find rabid bats in Washington every year.”

Related article on our blog: Why Indoor Pets Should Be Vaccinated for Rabies

Why Indoor Pets Should Be Vaccinated for Rabies

Vaccinating your pet helps protect them from the virus, and, if your pet is exposed, it can help reduce the severity of the disease.

2. It’s the Law

In most states, including Washington, it is illegal to own a pet without a current rabies vaccination.

In Washington, WAC 246-100-197 was put into place to help protect both pets and people from the dangerous virus. Failure to vaccinate your pet could result in fines or other legal repercussions.

We typically recommend puppies and kittens receive their first rabies vaccine at 16 weeks of age.

A booster vaccine should be administered one year later, and then every 3 years for dogs and annually for cats (who receive the gentler modified live rabies vaccine).

3. It’s Affordable

Rabies vaccines are typically available at low cost through your veterinarian or through local health departments, making it easy to keep your pet up to date.

The cost of the vaccine is far less than the costs you would be faced with if your pet were to contract the disease.

4. It’s Easy

Rabies vaccines can be administered by your veterinarian or other qualified health professional – typically through a single injection. The entire process is quick, easy, and relatively painless for your pet.

5. It Prevents the Spread of the Virus

Vaccinating your cat or dog not only helps protect them from the virus if they are exposed, but it also helps prevent the spread of the virus to other animals and humans. This is especially important if you live in an area where rabies is more common.

Visit the Washington State Department of Health for the latest information on rabies activity in Washington.

Be sure to keep your pet up to date on their rabies vaccine to ensure their safety and the safety of those around them.

Related article:

“Bat Positive for Rabies Found in King County,” Public Health Insider

9 Human Medications Dangerous to Dogs

Posted by Dr. Laura Monahan

When your dog is feeling uncomfortable and is obviously in pain, it’s tempting to give her an over-the-counter human medication. But instead of helping her feel better, human meds can cause a great deal of harm to your pup, and may even result in a fatal reaction.

Rule of thumb: Never give your dog human medications unless your veterinarian specifically instructs you to.

Here are 9 household medications you must keep out of your dog’s reach:

1. Multivitamins

Human vitamins commonly contain four ingredients toxic to dogs: xylitol (can cause low blood sugar and liver failure), vitamin D (can cause secondary kidney failure), iron (can cause severe vomiting, diarrhea, and organ damage or failure), and calcium (can cause mild stomach upset to kidney failure).

Rather than giving your dog human multivitamins, feed your dog a balanced diet and ask your veterinarian to recommend vitamins or supplements specially formulated for dogs.

2. Topical Creams and Ointments

When you apply lotions, oils, creams, or ointments to your own skin, don’t allow your dog to lick your skin. Some of the ingredients found in these products can cause serious or life-threatening gastrointestinal problems in dogs.

Read the label and be especially wary of products that include:

  • baclofen
  • calcipotriene
  • dibucaine
  • diclofenac
  • 5-fluorouracil
  • flurbiprofen
  • ketamine
  • lidocaine

3. Acetaminophen

Acetaminophen is the active ingredient in Tylenol®, Percocet®, aspirin-free Excedrin®, and other sinus, cold, and flu medications. Acetaminophen helps reduce fever and general aches and pains in humans.

However, when a dog eats acetaminophen tablets, the results can be catastrophic. Acetaminophen poisoning can cause permanent liver damage or liver failure, abnormal red blood cells, lack of oxygen, and dry eye.

If you believe your dog ingested acetaminophen, seek emergency veterinary attention immediately.

4. Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

In the same way that acetaminophen can wreak havoc on your dog’s system, human NSAIDs such as Advil®, Aleve® and Motrin can cause stomach and intestinal ulcers, as well as potential kidney failure.

Even veterinary NSAIDs, when ingested in large amounts, can cause similar problems. Keep chewable veterinary NSAIDs and human NSAIDs out of your dog’s reach.

5. Nasal Decongestants

If your dog ingests a nasal/sinus decongestant containing pseudoephedrine, it stimulates the nervous system and cardiovascular systems.

Symptoms may include restlessness, agitation, hyperactivity, tremors, tachycardia, hypertension, hyperthermia, panting, and mydriasis.

6. Kaopectate and Pepto Bismol

If your dog has an upset tummy, do not treat her with Kaopectate, Pepto Bismol, or any product that contains salicylates.

Large doses of bismuth salicylate could cause gastric irritation or ulceration, bleeding problems, seizures, and liver damage.

7. ADD/ADHD Drugs and Amphetamines

Common prescription ADD drugs such as Adderall contain amphetamines, which stimulate the central nervous and cardiovascular systems. If enough amphetamines are ingested, they can cause hyperactivity, tremors and seizures, fever, abnormal heart rate and rhythm, coma, and even death.

Consult your veterinarian immediately if your pet has ingested a medication containing amphetamines.

8. Cardiac Medications

Human cardiac drugs are commonly used for hypertension and to prevent heart failure. These medications are also used in veterinary medicine, but the human variety can be dangerous to dogs when ingested in small amounts. Signs of poisoning include a very abnormal heart rate, collapse, low blood pressure, excessive thirst and urination, and even organ failure.

9. Antidepressants

Antidepressants are one of the top medications prescribed by doctors, and some of these medications are also used in veterinary medicine to treat behavior problems and anxiety.

When a dog accidentally ingests human antidepressants, signs of poisoning may include hyperactivity, a racing heart rate, hypertension, dilated pupils, tremors, and even seizures.

What to do if you think your dog was poisoned

Your best line of defense is to dog-proof your home, keeping ALL medications (human and pet) out of reach. If you take multivitamins or other tablets daily, be careful not to drop tablets on the floor or to leave open bottles around.

If you suspect your dog ingested a poison, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Hotline: (888) 426-4435. For more info, visit  their website.

Or call the Pet Poison Helpline (fee-based). For info, visit their website.

Learn more about dog hazards and toxins

Animal Poison Control Center Podcast

Download a free mobile app from the Animal Poison Control Center that will:

  • help you identify over 300 potential hazards and toxins found in and around the home
  • provide crucial information about the severity of the problem
  • suggest critical next steps

Sources:

Creative Ways to Protect Your Outdoor Cat

Posted by Dr. Laura Monahan

Should you allow your cat to roam outdoors?

It’s a decision that requires careful consideration, particularly since cats aren’t native to North America, and it can be dangerous out there.

In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of allowing your kitty outdoor access, and we’ll introduce you to an excellent compromise that works well for many cats and their human parents.

Recent research has shown owned cats roam an average territory of 5 acres, considerably larger than most people’s backyards (feral cats have even larger territories).

The benefits of outdoor roaming

A stimulated mind is a healthier mind. Kitties allowed outdoor access tend to exhibit fewer behaviors humans find objectionable, such as destructive clawing and urine marking.

Cats allowed outdoors are more likely to maintain their body weight in a healthy range and refrain from excessive grooming because they get more exercise and don’t eat out of boredom.

The drawbacks

On the other hand, cats allowed outdoors face considerable danger—including death—from cars, coyotes, raccoons, eagles, dogs, parasites, and poisons.

Because of these dangers, they tend to die at an earlier age.

The average lifespan for a cat allowed outdoors is 3-to-5 years.

Indoor cats live 13-to-17 years, on average, but face more issues with boredom and obesity, which can lead to behavioral and medical issues.

Cats that roam outdoors often get into fights with other cats over territory boundaries, risking dangers ranging from bite wounds and abscesses to life-threatening viral infections like feline leukemia (FeLV) and feline infectious viremia (FIV).

They frequently are exposed to internal and external parasites (intestinal worms, fleas, mites, ticks), which they can pass to their human families.

Ornithologists blame outdoor cats for dramatic declines in wild bird populations; it’s estimated that outdoor cats kill from 1.4-to-3.7 billion birds in the continental U.S. each year.

And some cats just plain get lost and never find their way back home.

Beyond neutering, vaccinations, parasite prevention medications, a microchip, safety collar, and ID tag, what can be done to keep outdoor felines safe and healthy?

A compromise: Cat yards

If your cat wants to go outdoors but you want to keep kitty safe, consider an outdoor cat yard, often referred to as a catio.

In the 15+ years of providing house calls for cats throughout the Seattle area, our doctors have seen an amazing variety of DIY cat yards that exhibit cat families’ creativity and love for their furry friend(s).

Using a wide variety of configurations and materials, folks have constructed outdoor spaces for their cats to play, lounge, and explore. Catios keep cats (and birds, for the most part) safe while providing exercise, mental stimulation, fresh air, and a place to catch a sunbeam in warmer weather.

Some catios resemble three-season porches; others enclose a portion of the backyard, keeping kitty contained and other animals out; still others are attached to the side of a house with a cat door in a window, providing easy access.

We’re feeling the vibes of this Seahawks-themed cat cave (or is it a man cave?), by Catio Spaces.

Ideas for configuring an outdoor cat space

Cynthia Chomos, founder of Seattle-based Catio Spaces, combines her expertise as a Feng Shui consultant and designer to create outdoor havens for felines and their humans.

Purrfect Fence is a company that specializes in helping cat people configure their outdoor space into a pleasing (from both the humans’ and cats’ perspectives) outdoor play space.

Re-purposing household items into cat yards

While custom-made and kit-based catios are fantastic, our doctors have noticed that more than half the cat yards we’ve seen were constructed from scratch with re-purposed materials by ingenious owners who didn’t have a large budgets.

One owner created a Japanese-themed garden in his side yard with cat fencing hidden in a non-invasive bamboo hedge.

Another created what she called an underground “chunnel” connecting the only space available for a cat yard located 10 feet away from the side of her house.

Others were built underneath a back deck or overhang using deer fencing purchased at a hardware store, providing access through a sliding glass door beneath the deck.

Some used aviary netting on an existing cedar fence to enclose the entire backyard.

Each of these enclosures featured with homemade climbing things, scratchable surfaces, and shelves for lounging.

If you’re interested in outdoor enclosures for your kitty, do an image search for “cat yards,” “cat enclosures,” “cat spaces,” or “catio.”

And please remember: cats in outdoor enclosures still need parasite prevention.

Related articles on our blog:

10 Family-Friendly Christmas Movies Featuring Dogs and Cats

Posted by Dr. Laura Monahan

The holiday season is a great time to watch heartwarming Christmas movies. It’s especially fun when the flicks feature our favorite furry friends.

Get out the popcorn and your pets’ favorite treats, cuddle up and watch these Christmas classics.

CHRISTMAS MOVIES FEATURING DOGS

 

The Dog Who Saved Christmas (2009)

The Bannister family’s newly adopted and crafty canine, Zeus, saves its home from two bumbling thieves while the family is away at Christmas.

Full movie:

A Dog Named Christmas (2009)

A developmentally challenged young man with a penchant for caring for animals in need sets out to convince his family – and their whole rural community – to participate in a local shelter’s inaugural “Adopt A Dog for Christmas Program.”

Trailer:

Full movie:

Beethoven’s Christmas Adventure (2011)

When Henry the elf flees the North Pole with Santa’s sleigh and his magical bag of toys, he crash-lands the precious cargo in a suburban neighborhood tree. But when the bag ends up in the wrong hands, it’s up to heroic St. Bernard, Beethoven, and his teenage pal, Mason, to rescue Henry, fetch Santa’s toys and save Christmas for children everywhere.

Trailer:

A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)

“That’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.”  -Linus

When Charlie Brown complains about the overwhelming materialism of the Christmas season, Lucy suggests that he become director of the school Christmas pageant. Charlie Brown attempts to restore the true meaning of Christmas by buying a neglected Christmas tree. Snoopy, his faithful sidekick, definitely knows how to decorate a dog house.

Trailer:

Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch (2018)

In the town of Whoville, the Whos are filled with excitement about celebrating Christmas. The only one who is not amused is the grumpy, cantankerous and green-furred Grinch, born with a heart “two-sizes too small.” He lives in his cave with trusty sidekick, Max, the dog. This computer-animated fantasy/comedy is based on Dr. Suess’s 1957 book, How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

Trailer:

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)

Though Rudolph is undoubtedly the hero of this story, Yukon Cornelius and his loveable team of sled dogs steal the show. With timeless Christmas songs and a heartwarming lesson about accepting the differences of others, this Christmas classic is one you and your kids can watch again and again.

Clip of Yukon Cornelius and the sled dogs:

CHRISTMAS MOVIES FEATURING CATS

 

The Nine Lives of Christmas (2016)

With Christmas approaching, a handsome fireman afraid of commitment adopts a stray cat and meets a beautiful veterinary student who challenges his decision to remain a confirmed bachelor.

Trailer:

https://youtu.be/Q5K_AiTY6GE

The Nine Kittens of Christmas (2022)

In this sequel to The Nine Lives of Christmas, Zachary and Marilee are thrown back together at Christmas when they’re tasked with finding homes for a litter of adorable kittens.

Trailer:

Full movie:

https://youtu.be/VWQtS5QVNvk

Grumpy Cat’s Worst Christmas Ever

Trailer:

Grumpy Cat is a lonely cat living in a mall pet shop. Because she always gets passed over and never gets chosen by customers, this kitty develops a sour outlook on life until… one day during the holidays, a very special 12-year-old girl enters the pet store and falls in love with Grumpy Cat.

Santa Claws (2014)

Santa is allergic to cats, so he has a policy against delivering them as gifts. But little Tommy has been SO good, and all he wants is one kitty. Instead of one, the whole litter climbs into Santa’s sack. When Santa has an allergic reaction, the kitties have to take over and deliver the presents on time.

Trailer:

Dog Sharing: Is Co-Ownership Right for You?

Posted by Dr. Laura Monahan

We’ve all heard the phrase, “Caring is Sharing.” But when it comes to pets, is that really practical?

While connecting with pets helps us stay connected to our humanity, pet ownership can be challenging and costly. That’s one reason why pet sharing is gaining in popularity.

Dog Sharing: Is Co-Ownership Right for You? | atlanticvetseattle.com

Pet sharing is exactly what is implied: sharing the responsibility of caring for a pet through either a legally-binding or verbal agreement.

Who does dog sharing work for?

Pet sharing can be a good fit for animal lovers who aren’t sure whether they can take on the full responsibility of adding a furry friend to their household.

It’s a viable solution for people who are away from home most of the day or who have obligations that require constant travel.

Pet sharing is an option for busy families who own more than one pet. For example, the owners of a purebred Schnauzer who is used as a stud also have several other dogs and children.

In order to give the papered pet the attention and socialization he needs, one of their friends (who runs a home-based business and does not have any pets), keeps the dog with her as part of her family. When the dog is needed for stud purposes, the owner has full rights and maintains the records. However, the friend is the one who cares for and keeps the Schnauzer full time.

A retired couple shares their dog with a young family. “Sammy” was raised around kids and loves being with children, but now that his owners are retired, life has a slower pace. Their neighbors, a family with three young daughters, wanted a dog, but debated how a dog would fit their busy lifestyle.

The retired couple asked the young family if they would like to keep Sammy for a few days. It was a wonderful experience for all of them. Sammy came home energized from being around children, the young family experienced what it was like to have a pet, and the retired couple was able to travel to see their kids without having to board their dog. Sammy continues to visit the young family’s home because of how much everyone benefits.

Balancing pet ownership responsibilities

Sharing a pet is not a canine version of the movie, Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, where an inanimate object is passed around. Pets, just like their human owners, have physical and emotional needs that include stability.

In a pet-sharing agreement, responsibilities for expenses such as food, grooming, and veterinary visits must be clearly outlined.

And, because no one can predict what the future holds, the agreement should specify what happens if one family moves or can no longer care for the pet.

In lieu of setting up co-ownership, other options are available

Dog Walkers

If your furry friend is in the house or kennel for long stretches, look into hiring someone to walk your pooch around the neighborhood. Some dog walkers are paid professionals, and some just enjoy having someone to take with them on their daily stroll.

Doggie Day Care

More expensive, but is usually fully insured and has a vetted staff. Their goal is to make sure your pet is well cared for and content while you are gone.

Pet Sitters

These can be paid professionals and franchises for long-term boarding, or friends who love your pet almost as much as you do and don’t mind caring for them while you are away.

Bark N Borrow is an app that connects people with other dog owners in their neighborhood.

Whether you share ownership of a pet with another family, or you need to make arrangements to help with pet parenting, it is nice to know that adding a furry friend to your family might be easier than you thought.

12 Low-Cost Items You Can Craft for Shelter Pets (And How to Make Them)

Posted by Dr. Laura Monahan

12 Low-Cost Items You Can Craft for Shelter Pets (And How to Make Them) | AtlanticVetSeattle.com

Looking for a low-cost, DIY way to give a gift from the heart to a pet in need?

Consider making toys, vests, beds, and “sew” much more for your local animal shelter.

How to get started

  1. Before you start dreaming up craft ideas, contact the shelter you’re considering donating to and confirm that they will receive your donation.
  2. Ask them what items they most need.
  3. Make a list of the materials for your project. If you need fabric, for example, ask friends and neighbors if they’d be willing to donate remnants.
  4. Organize a craft night with your friends and neighbors. Set up stations and mass-produce the items, assembly line style.
  5. When you’re ready to donate your finished items, call your shelter and arrange for a time to bring in the items. Ask if you can take a picture of one of the dogs or cats wearing the item, so you can share it on social media.

How to make 12 items you can donate to your local animal shelter

1. Pet bed

Create these out of old blankets, pillowcases, or fleece. How to make a fleece pet bed

2. Security blanket

Think of this as a de-stressing blanket. It stays with the cat or dog while it’s at the shelter and when it transitions to its new home. The blanket carries the animal’s scent, which comforts it. How to make a no-sew fleece blanket 

3. Braided dog rope toy

Make them from old t-shirts or fleece. How to make a fleece rope toy

4. Dog color and leash

Use jacquard ribbon and nylon webbing.

5. Doggy leg warmers

How to make leg warmers out of an old pair of socks.

6. Dog bowl feeder

A vintage soda pop crate or wine barrel will do the trick!

7. Hand-painted dog and cat bowls with “adopt me” placemats

Ideas and pictures of bowls and placemats

8. Dog treats

Recipes for quick and healthy baked dog treats

9. Dog vest

10. Over-the-collar dog bandana

(If you want to make an “Adopt Me” freezer paper stencil, here’s how)

11. Cardboard cat scratcher

DIY cardboard cat scratcher tutorial

12. Crocheted cat toys

10 free crochet patterns for cat toys

Vaccinate Your Dog Against Canine Flu

Posted by Dr. Laura Monahan

We’re not aware of any current outbreaks of canine influenza virus (CIV or “dog flu”) in Seattle yet this year. But, with the holidays almost upon us and many more people traveling with pets, be aware of the hotspots throughout the U.S.

California, Texas, Florida, the upper Midwest and Northeast have all had recent outbreaks of “dog flu.”

We encourage dog families to think about their dog’s risks factors, and consider vaccinating or boostering dogs at higher risk.

Dogs at High Risk

Social dogs that are in contact with other dogs at dog parks, in day care, training classes, boarding or at the groomers may be at high risk of infection.

About the Canine Flu Virus

The two current canine flu viruses, H3N2 and H3N8, are highly contagious and potentially very serious respiratory infections. Chances are, if your dog is exposed one of these viruses, he or she will become infected.

Severity of symptoms vary from a mild cough and runny nose to a high fever, decreased appetite, severe pneumonia, and extreme lethargy. Symptoms can persist for weeks.

If you have a puppy, an elderly or pregnant dog, or a dog that has a chronic illness, you should take extra precautions.

How the ‘Dog Flu’ Virus is Spread

Dogs can spread the virus even if they don’t appear sick. The virus can be spread dog-to-dog or through objects, including dog toys, bowls, and human hands, clothing, and shoes.

Why Dogs Chew Stuff, and How to Encourage Appropriate Chewing | AtlanticVetSeattle.com

The Best Prevention is Vaccination

Our office has vaccines available to help prevent illness associated with both dog flu viruses. Vaccination against both types of canine flu helps to ensure maximum protection.

This is particularly important if you plan to travel with your dog to a higher risk area, board your dog, or send him or her to a grooming or daycare facility.

If your dog is a current patient and up-to-date on his or her other examinations and vaccinations, the flu vaccines can be given during a brief complimentary nurse appointment.

Dogs require 2 initial vaccines, 3-4 weeks apart, and then an annual booster.

What to Do if You Suspect Your Dog Has the Flu

If your dog develops a cough, nasal discharge, or fever, please call us right away. We have developed infectious disease protocols to help protect all our patients, and will advise you regarding how to bring your dog to our office to minimize the risk of infecting other patients.

More Information:

Avalanche Search and Rescue Dogs: First Responders at Ski Resorts

Posted by Dr. Laura Monahan

Several years ago, when I first learned to ski, I almost fell out of the chairlift at Steven’s Pass because I was gawking at a yellow Labrador retriever wearing a bright red vest. The dog had jumped into a lift chair behind me and was riding the lift up the mountain.

Wondering what in the world a dog was doing on a ski lift, I waited at the top after disembarking, pretending to adjust my ski mittens while I stared in amazement at the dog and its handler.

It turns out the dog was an Avalanche Search and Rescue Dog, trained to find skiers and snowboarders trapped in a snow slide. These dogs are also used to find skiers who have fallen and are covered by new snowfall, or have become lost and are holed up in a snow cave.

Once buried by snow, the victim is impossible to find with the naked eye and may have only a short time to live if not rescued. Many avalanche victims owe their lives to dogs trained in avalanche rescue.

In the late 1930s the Swiss Army started training search dogs in avalanche rescue, techniques that have been refined in the decades since. The dogs are taught to alert when they find “pools” of human scent.

Highly trained and organized volunteer rescue groups across the US, Canada, and Europe now provide avalanche search and rescue service to ski areas.

I hope none of us ever needs the services of one of these fantastic dogs, but their dedication to their task and their joy in the snow make them a beautiful (and comforting) sight.

There are lots of YouTube videos featuring avalanche search and rescue dogs. This video gives you a fascinating inside look at Mount Bachelor, Oregon’s avalanche dog program that trains canines to find buried skiers and snowboarders.

Atlantic Veterinary Hospital in Seattle serves the following neighborhoods: Mt. Baker, Columbia City, Beacon Hill, Rainier Valley, Seward Park, Capitol Hill, Leschi, Central District, Madison Valley, International District, and Georgetown.

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