Pets of the Month

enjoy chasing a laser, jumping for feather toys, and even fetching. Just keep them, and you, moving!

In addition to regular vet wellness check-ups, dogs and cats, even those cats who are solely indoor cats, need updated basic vaccinations. Animals that spend a significant amount of time in contact with other animals outside of the household, such as ones in doggie daycare, may require additional vaccines. Dogs and cats also require regular dental cleanings. Animals that don’t undergo regular teeth cleanings experience the same problems that people can, including periodontal disease and eventual loss of teeth. Cats are also plagued with tooth resorption (a tooth defect where the root erodes and disappears and is replaced by bone) and inflammation.

Don’t forget that older dogs and cats have special needs as they age. Senior dogs are defined as between five and seven years of age, depending on the breed. Smaller dogs have a longer lifespan than giant breed dogs. Dogs are generally considered senior once they have lived 75% of their lifespan. Senior cats are defined as those between seven and ten years of age. Senior pets may require more frequent vet visits as things can change rapidly in an older dog’s or cat’s body. Sudden weight loss in an older pet, for example, should never be overlooked; it could signal hyperthyroidism, diabetes, kidney disease, and other conditions in both cats and dogs. When in doubt, always consult your veterinarian.

Wishing you, and your pet(s), a happy and healthy holiday season!

• www.petobesityprevention.org • www.bettercitiesforpets.com/ resource/8-tips-avoid-pet-obesity/ https://be.chewy.com/vet-qa-petobesity-and-weight-management/ • www.avma.org • https://www.thesprucepets.com/ best-automatic-cat-feeders-4175145

• https://pets.webmd.com/cats/ features/well-visits-cats#1

Jaime Stephens lives with her husband and cats in Alexandria. She is currently trying to slim one of the felines down.

PETS

OF THE MONTH

By Gina Hardter

NYLA MEOWY CYRUS ALASKA AND MOANA

4101 Eisenhower Avenue Alexandria, VA 703-746-4774 alexandriaanimals.org Mon-Fri, 1-8 pm Closed Wed Sat & Sun, 12-5 pm

What does Nyla want for the holidays? Well, besides a brand new family to call her own, she’d also like toys - lots of toys. Stuffed toys, squeaky toys, balls, exercise toys - she’s a fan of the whole lot. And she’s happy to teach you how to play with her toys as well, like how to throw the ball, then get it, then throw it again. But most of all, Nyla would just like a dedicated human lap (or two or three or four) to call her own. Could it be yours? Meowy Cyrus has her eyes on the prize: Superstardom in her brand new home! Meowy is a talented feline soloist who thinks she can go all the way to the Big Show with the help of her new family. Oft-requested hits include “If I Just Had Breakfast, When Is Lunch?” and “Couch Cuddles 4 Life!” Meowy has made human fans - or friends - young and old, and can’t wait to make her most dedicated fan club out of her new family. Best buds Alaska and Moana aren’t shy about expanding their crew! When you roll with this twosome, expect to live the life: all the leafy greens you can chew, a plastic castle for chilling and of course, guinea pig “wheeeeeees” all the way home. These lovely ladies are cheerful and social, made especially confident by their time together, and they would make the perfect addition to any family this holiday season.