National Pet Week is here. How you can ensure your pets live long, happy lives

Tuki
·4 min read

Hi folks! Tuki here on my perch at the Potter League. One of the important things we do here is find homes for the pets at our Animal Care Center. While we at the Potter League celebrate pets every day, May 5-11 is National Pet Week, created by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), and it’s Auxiliary in 1981 to celebrate the bond between pets and their people.

Each day of National Pet Week has a different theme to remind pet families of things they can do to ensure that their pets live long, happy lives. Here are the different themes for this year and some of the ways that pet families can celebrate National Pet Week.

Sunday

Choose Well: Adopting a pet is a big decision. Be sure to involve the entire family in the decision-making process. Discuss what you are looking for in this new addition with your family. Are you looking for a playful energetic pet, or a calm couch potato? Some things to consider when deciding on the right pet for your family are:

Living Situation: What is your living situation? If you live in an apartment, does your landlord allow pets? If you already have pets, will your new pet get along with your current furry friend and will they need to meet before you bring the new pet home?

Alien, a stray up for adoption, looks out from the nautical inspired furnishings in one of the single cat rooms in the public area of the new RISPCA building. The nautical themed cat rooms were built and donated by Rescue Rebuild.
Alien, a stray up for adoption, looks out from the nautical inspired furnishings in one of the single cat rooms in the public area of the new RISPCA building. The nautical themed cat rooms were built and donated by Rescue Rebuild.

Time: Different types of pets need different levels of socialization and exercise, so be sure you are able to meet their exercise and emotional needs. Again, take into consideration what type of pet fits your family’s lifestyle – one who will cuddle with you on the couch or one who will be up for a hike in the woods?

Monday

Behavioral Health for your Pets: Most pets are social animals. Unlike humans, they are not always content to sit on the couch and binge-watch their favorite shows. They enjoy interaction, exercise, and activities that keep them occupied and happy. Pets benefit greatly from toys and experiences, just like humans. This is especially true when adopting a puppy or kitten.

Tuesday

Nutrition and Exercise Matter: According to the AVMA, more than half of dogs and cats in the U.S. are overweight. Just like humans, pets need to maintain a healthy weight to prevent the development of serious health problems like arthritis, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Start a walking program with your dog or structured active playtime with your cat! Be sure to consult with your veterinarian. It will be good for both of you!

Wednesday

Again, just like humans, pets need regular visits to the doctor to stay healthy. Waiting until your pet is sick or injured to take them to the vet could make some issues more serious, as many pets will hide their symptoms so by the time you notice something is wrong. If you are struggling to afford veterinary care for your pets, visit the Potter League’sveterinary resources page at https://potterleague.org/veterinary/ or the Rhode Island Veterinary Access to Care Coalition at https://ripetcare.org/Thursday. Travel with Care. Many people like to take their pets when they go on vacation – and it’s a great way to spend time with them and keep them socialized but you’ll want to be prepared. If you are driving, be sure your pet is secured with a harness or in a crate or carrier. Accidents happen and pets can be seriously injured if they are not restrained. Also, never leave your pet in the car alone. The temperature in your car can rise 20° higher than the outside temperature in just 10 minutes! If it’s 70° outside, that’s 90° in 10 minutes and over 100° in 20 minutes!

Tuki
Tuki

Friday

Emergencies Happen. Be Prepared. You probably have a plan for emergencies, like fire, flooding or a hurricane for your family. Is your pet included in that plan? Planning for your pet’s care during an emergency can help you stay with your pet or be reunited quickly. Ensure your pet is wearing a collar and tag so they can be identified and returned to you quickly and have your pet microchipped in case the collar or tag falls off. Don’t forget to keep your contact information current with the chip provider or pet finder service. This will let people know your pet has people who miss him. Check out the Potter Leagues Disaster Preparedness information online at https://potterleague.org/resources/disasterpreparedness/.

Saturday

Plan for their care: Give them a lifetime of love. Senior pets are more likely to develop health problems that may need advanced care or medication, although many of the same rules apply to senior as well as younger pets – wellness checks with a veterinarian, maintaining a healthy weight, and getting plenty of exercise. At some point, you may have to make the decision to say goodbye to your pet. This is one of the hardest decisions a pet family can make. You and your pet have so many memories, and grief is a normal and natural part of the bereavement process. Help is available for you and your family at the Potter League. Our Pet Loss Support Group offers support and anunderstanding of the bereavement process. You can learn more here: https://potterleague.org/programs/pet-loss-support/

‘Till next time, your friend, Tuki

Mail questions to Tuki, 87 Oliphant Lane, Middletown, RI, 02842, or send email to TukiTalk@PotterLeague.org. The Potter League for Animals can be found at 87 Oliphant Lane in Middletown and online at potterleague.org.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: National Pet Week starts May 5. Potter League tips for owning pets