Monthly Archives: November 2015

Get Creative With Your Senior Pet

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Creative - IG

 

Happy senior pet month, CHS Supporters!

Today on the blog we’re having some fun! We’ve raided the Humane Education cupboards and stolen all their best craft supplies. We’re ready to get creative!

One question that comes up at the shelter from time to time is how families can make some special memories with their senior pets while those pets are still healthy and an important part of the family. We think this is a GREAT idea, especially for families with kids. So today on the blog we’re bringing you some suggestions on making special memories with your pet when you’re caught inside on a snow day. (more…)

Hearing Loss in Senior Pets

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Hearing Loss

 

There are a wide number of reasons why a pet might become deaf and while some have to do with age, many do not. Pets can be deaf from birth due to a physical abnormality or genetic issue (in some breeds certain white coat genes are linked to deafness) while younger pets can develop hearing loss in response to ear infections, certain viruses (like canine distemper), waxy build up or trauma.

For senior pets, some of the most common types of hearing loss seen are the result of changes to the nervous system or physical structures of the ear, exposure to medication or chronic ear infections. Like humans, as animals age they experience age-related changes in their bodies. Age-related hearing loss is also referred to as presbycusis and will normally affect both ears. These age-related hearing changes are normally the result of changes to the auditory nerve (the nerve that carries signals from the ear to the brain), the loss of the tiny hair cells that move in the ear as your hear (stereocilia) or a change in the function of either the inner ear bones or the eardrum.

In addition to these age-related changes, senior pets may also experience hearing loss due to medications. Certain types of chemotherapy, antibiotics and diuretic drugs have been known to cause hearing loss. It is important to note, however, that is your veterinarian is prescribing a medication that may cause hearing loss it would normally be in response to a far more serious condition and you should not stop giving your pet the medication without first speaking with your vet. Another common reason for hearing loss in senior pets can be an obstruction (blockage) in the ear canal. This could be the result of scar tissue from chronic ear infections or it may be caused by a build-up of wax and fur in the ear canal. All cases of suspected hearing loss should be seen by your vet as early as possible so your vet can examine your pet and determine what, if any, treatment is needed.

 

So what do you do if your cherished friend loses their hearing with age? Here are a few tips…

(more…)

A winter wonderland isn’t always wonderful: fighting frostbite in pets

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Winter wonderland

 

When the temperature dips outside, we are all very aware of covering up exposed skin to avoid frostbite…but did you know that your pets can develop this painful condition as well?

While our pets are covered in fur, there are several areas of their bodies which have less hair and are more likely to develop frostbite. Areas such as the tips of ears, tails, and their paws are particularly susceptible. (more…)

We Love Grey Muzzles!

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We love Grey Muzzles

 

Is there anything cuter then a grey muzzle? Yes. Yes there is. Two grey muzzles! Here at Calgary Humane Society we LOVE senior pets and their distinguished salt and pepper look, but have you ever wondered why pets go grey? (more…)

We love senior pets!

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senior pets

 

 

Hello CHS Supporters!

It is a busy month here at Calgary Humane Society! With a HUGE influx of cats and birds at the shelter, our adoption staff have been working non-stop to help place them all in great homes. If you’ve stopped by the shelter you may have noticed our line-ups are a little longer than usual. We thank you all for your patience!

November is our celebration of senior pets! Adopting a senior pet can be a very rewarding experience, and we have many adopters at CHS who arrive at the shelter specifically in search of a senior animal to bring home. Today on the blog we’re bringing you a Q&A with some of our most popular senior animal adoption topics. (more…)

“Puppies are easy!” : Said No One Ever

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Puppies are Easy

Amaya is a sweet puppy who needs a little extra care before she finds her forever home. We want to share her journey with you, so follow our weekly blog series as this girl heals and grows in our Foster Program.You can read her fist blog here. Please note: Amaya is not available for adoption at this time. 

The last time we had a puppy was when we got our boxer (Akira) three years ago. All I can remember is how awesome of a puppy she was. She was easy going and so stinking cute! I now know that my brain deliberately “forgot” the entire “puppy” phase that I had with her, so that when I was asked to foster a puppy I would think it was a GREAT idea – Thanks brain.  (more…)

All they want for Christmas is you! Christmas Party for the Animals is on December 5th

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The most wonderful time of the year is upon us. Sure, the mall parking lots may always be full and your weird uncle will be staying at your house this year for the holidays but Christmas is truly about love and compassion for others.

The animals in our care love Christmas because it is the time of the year where we get to spoil them rotten with treats, toys and of course a whole lot of LOVE! We have been celebrating our furry friends during the holidays by hosting an annual event at the shelter called Christmas Party for the Animals. It is an especially festive event that will surely get you and your family into the holiday spirit!

 

Saturday, December 5th, 2015
11:00AM to 3:00PM
4455 110 Ave SE

 

 

Here is what to expect when you attend Christmas Party for the Animals:

  • Holiday Photos: Have a photo of you and your pet taken by the fine folks at Silly Booth… and who knows, maybe a jolly man in a red suit may be on hand to join! (Sorry! We have sold out! Check back next year!)
  • Home for the Holidays Adoption Event: from 10:00AM – 5:00PM we will be offering special adoption fees. Spin the wheel for your chance to receive 25%, 50%, 75% or even 100% off your adoption fee on dogs, cats, and critters! (excludes puppies and kittens under 7 months of age and some exotics).
  • Stuff-a-Pooch Pad: Every year we do our best to fill one of our pooch pads in the adoption area from floor to ceiling with donations. Last year we got about 3/4 of the way up; not bad! This year we are hoping to finally reach the ceiling! We will be releasing more details about Stuff-a-Pooch Pad very shortly so stay tuned.
  • Family Fun for all: There are plenty more fun events happening during Christmas Party for the Animals like a doggy treat decoration station, bake sale, arts + crafts, ginger bread houses and much more!

Stuff-A-Pooch-Pad Wish List

Our annual Stuff-A-Pooch-Pad Christmas Campaign is our way of making an animals stay at the shelter more comfortable while they spend their holidays with us at the shelter. Not every animal gets the chance to go to a forever home for Christmas, so help us spread the holiday cheer! We are hoping to gather enough donations to fill a pooch pad from the floor to ceiling. Here are are the items that we are looking for:

 

Gift cards

Superstore – We use them to purchase fresh fruits and veggies for the animals
Petland – We use them to purchase food and supplies for exotic critters

 

Toys

Dogs: Strong durable fun toys such as; KONG brand, Premier Biscuit Block, Petsafe Busy Buddy Chuckle or Barnacle
Cats: Any kind of fun kitten / cat toys (please nothing powered, or items with eyes or things that can be pulled off)
Rabbits and Exotics: Small wood chew toys, fun bunny toys, bird cage toys

 

Food & Treats!

Dogs:

PLEASE NO rawhide, pigs ears, nylabones, hooves, or bully sticks. We unfortunately cannot use these due to risk of choking or obstruction, and gastrointestinal issues.

Cats:

  • Liver or salmon treats
  • Royal Canin Specialty Food (Hypoallergenic – Dry & Canned)
  • Wet canned cat food (i.e. Fancy Feast, Friskies or Whiskas)
  • Mammalac (kitten) purchased from veterinarian

 

Linens & Things

  • Dryer sheets (non-odor)
  • Laundry detergent (hypoallergenic; liquid or powder)
  • Batteries AAA, C or 9V

 

PLEASE WE CANNOT ACCEPT

  • Open food
  • Clumping cat litter
  • Caninsulin syringes
  • Dialysis Equipment
  • Duvets
  • Electric blankets or sleeping bags
  • Human Pillows
  • Cushions
  • Rabbit or guinea pig cages
  • Used brushes, toothbrushes or grooming supplies
  • Used plastic dog or cat dishes
  • Used cat scratching posts

You might be wondering why we can’t use some of these items and it is because the vast majority of these used items cannot be properly disinfected to use in-shelter or in foster homes!

 

Thank you again for all of your support. With your help, we will make this an incredible holidays for all of the animals in our care!

 

Spread some holiday cheer with Calgary Humane Society!

Christmas Illustration

Senior pets: what are they?

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Senior

Good morning CHS Supporters!

November marks senior pet month here at Calgary Humane Society! Today on the blog, we’re bringing you a frequently asked question… what makes a pet a senior pet anyway?

Why do we need to know when our animals are considered ‘seniors’?  (more…)

Who’s ready for a cocktail!

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cocktails

 

Hi everyone, it’s me, Duke!

I can’t believe it, but it’s almost here! This is the last week to buy your tickets to Cocktails for Critters!

I told you a few weeks ago that I was a little dog with a big dream: I’m out to change the world. I see a future where no animal experiences cruelty, abuse or neglect. I see a future where no more homeless animals is not just a dream, but a reality. Most importantly? I see a future where every animal is safe and loved. I know I can’t do this alone, but together, we can make this future happen. (more…)

Two Mass Seizures puts Calgary Humane Society Over Capacity

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November 5th, 2015

Calgary, AB — Immediate Release

As a result of two mass seizures by Calgary Humane Society Peace Officers in just the last two weeks, the shelter is extremely full, especially with cats and birds.

The first seizure involved 35 cats, while in the second seizure, Peace Officers brought in 27 birds.

This year is expected to be a record breaking year for seizures at Calgary Humane Society which has put the shelter consistently over capacity.

Brad Nichols, Senior Manager, Animal Cruelty Investigations says, “What is unusual about these two recent hoarding situations is the social quality of the animals removed. Typically, a hoard consists of feral and inbred animals with a high degree of medical intervention required. These groups appear to be well adjusted and we expect they will make good house pets once treatable medical issues are resolved. If a potential adopter ever wanted to offer a new loving home to an animal at the core of an animal cruelty investigation, now is a great time to come in. ”

To help create additional space, Calgary Humane Society is offering reduced adoption fees for the month of November on all cats (7 months and older) and select birds.

Specific details regarding these recent seizures cannot be released as charges are pending.