Any animal lover’s heart will ache when they see an animal in need of some help. This can be especially true when you notice an outdoor cat in your community, and wonder if they are being cared for. While some cats are family pets with outdoor access, others might be in need of a little extra help if they don’t belong to anyone. 

It’s always important to approach any unfamiliar cat with caution, as you never know how they might react. The team at Shiloh Veterinary Hospital is passionate about helping all animals, and has put together these tips to help stray or feral cats in the Southern California community. 

Stray Cat or a Feral Cat? How to Tell 

Stray cats are felines that are socialized to humans, and can be adopted into a loving home. Or, they may belong to a family already. Feral cats, however, are not friendly or socialized to humans, and may prefer living outdoors. You can usually tell if a cat is a stray cat by how friendly they are, and if they let you approach them. Even if they are skittish and don’t let you come close, they will usually eat any food you put down immediately. You can help a stray cat by trying the following: 

• Offering food to see how they respond with you present 
• Contact the owner if the cat has visible identification on a collar or tag
• Contact nearby animal shelters and rescue groups, to see if anyone has reported a lost cat matching the description 
• Create a “found pet” in your local Facebook groups, shelters, and anyplace else in the community 
• Post signs around the neighborhood
• Ask your neighbors or local post office employee to see if they are familiar with the cat 

Feral Cats: How to Help 

Most feral cats prefer living outside, and are not friendly when approached. They might be extremely hungry, and might be dangerous to handle directly. So how can you help? Try these steps:

Offer Food and Water: Feral cats may not eat or drink in front of you, but that doesn’t mean they won’t appreciate the offering. Leave some food (dry or wet) and a water bowl outside for them to access when they are comfortable. Try placing the food or water dishes under a covered patio to protect it from the elements. 

Provide Shelter: You can provide a space for feral cats to enjoy some shade or protection from rain and other weather elements. Try building your own shelter with a plastic storage container, by cutting a hole in the side and lining it with straw or towels for them to cozy up in. 

Contact Your Local Trap-Neuter-Return Rescues: There are several nonprofit organizations whose main mission is to help feral cats through the Trap-Neuter-Return method, or TNR. This helps prevent overpopulation of feral cats by spaying and neutering them, and returning them to the outdoors. A cat who has been spayed or neutered already may have a notched or tipped ear. Cats who are brought in for spay or neuter may also be vaccinated before they are released again. You can contact local groups to see if you can get involved to help directly, or they may come out to you. 

Don’t Get Overwhelmed 

If you see a stray or feral cat (or several!) and feel overwhelmed, you can always contact the team at Shiloh Veterinary Hospital for advice. If you happen to adopt a stray cat into your family, we are also here to help with a new pet exam and wellness care throughout their life. We take the stress out of the vet visit by coming to you, so you don’t have to worry about bringing your kitty in a carrier. Contact us at (818) 614-9929 to learn more about our compassionate veterinary services. 

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Mini pigs are adorable exotic pets to add to a family. Before you run out and adopt one, though, you want to be sure that you have what you need to safely have pigs as pets in your space. Shiloh Veterinary Hospital is here to help you decide if a mini pig is the right pet for you and your family:

Not as Mini as You Think

The name “mini” pig can be kind of misleading. A lot of people picture a tiny little pet that can easily fit in with all your other inside pets. Mini pigs will grow, however, and since there are about 15-20 different breeds, it’s really hard to say just how big they will get. Most mini pigs will eventually reach anywhere from 150-180 pounds (which, granted, is much smaller than a 600-pound pig). They also might take five years to reach their full size, so it can be hard to gauge just how big your pig will be. If you do not have a big house or a lot of outside space, a mini pig might not be the right pet for you.

Warm-Up Period

Pigs do not immediately bond with their people like other animals might. Pigs get scared with new surroundings, so it might take them a little while to warm up to you. Give your new pet pig some space and let him get used to his new surroundings. Eventually, you two should form the bond you want to have. 

Pigs and Food

The phrase “eating like a pig” did not originate out of thin air. Pigs really do love to eat. Be sure you are prepared for the sheer amount of food (and feeding) they will require to feel satiated. This does mean that you can get your pig’s attention whenever you need to, however, because they are very food motivated. Keep some treats in your pocket when you go for a stroll, and your pig will definitely come to you when you call. 

Space and Company

Pigs need to spend a lot of time outside each day. This means that you must have access to a huge outdoor area where your new pig can graze. Giving your pig time outdoors also means he will be less likely to try to root your rug, which is helpful for you both! Pigs are very social creatures, and they need time with other animals (or humans). If they do not get enough, they might start to become destructive in your home. 

Veterinary Care

Just like other animals, pigs need regular veterinary care to maintain their health. They require regular hoof and tusk trims, for example, to avoid injury. A veterinarian specializing in care for pigs as pets will want to see your pig annually to make sure everything looks good with her health.

Shiloh Veterinary Hospital is here to help you give your mini pigs the best life. Our mobile veterinary services can come to you to make it easy to get the veterinary care you need. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, please call (818) 614-9929.

The post 5 Things to Know Before Adopting a Mini Pig appeared first on Veterinary Blog for Los Angeles - Shiloh Veterinary Hospital.

Adopting a pet from a shelter or rescue group in San Diego is a great way to enhance your family while saving a life. Rescue pets are in need of good, loving homes. So many pets are in shelters just waiting for their new family to find them. Shiloh Veterinary Hospital is here to help you learn more about the benefits of adopting vs buying a pet so you can navigate the process like an expert!

Adopt a Pet and Save Two (or More) Lives

Shelter pets are in need of a home. If you opt to adopt a pet instead of buying one, you are providing a safe space for an animal in need. Adding an animal to your family can also improve your health! Pets have been found to:

• Lower blood pressure
• Help with PTSD
• Assist with recovery from addiction
• Some studies even showed pet owners are less likely to die from a heart attack

Adopting a pet from a shelter or rescue group in San Diego can instantly benefit the health of your whole family.

Choose from a Variety of Breeds and Ages

Shelters are melting pots for animals of all ages, shapes, sizes, and breeds. If you are not sure what kind of pet you want to adopt or you are looking for more of a mutt, the pet rescue is the perfect place to look. If you are not interested in bringing a rambunctious puppy or kitten home, you have a much better chance of finding a slightly older dog at the animal shelter. There are also plenty of senior pets that need a loving home. 

Adopting Is a Better Investment

Adopting a pet from a rescue is much cheaper than buying one from a store or breeder. Animal shelters also work hard to provide important veterinary care. Shelter pets are well-cared for and ready for a new home.

No matter what kind of animal you adopt, Shiloh Veterinary Hospital is here to provide high-level veterinary care. Our mobile animal hospital is now partnering with Farm Animal Refuge to provide even more care to animals in need. To learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment, please call (818) 614-9929.

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If you are like us, adopting one pet is pretty exciting. It’s an amazing feeling to bring home a deserving fur friend who needs our love, attention, and good care for a wonderful life. So, naturally, it would seem like adopting two dogs would be even better, right? After all, they will keep each other company. The more, the merrier!

There are some great benefits to adopting two dogs at once, but there are also some challenges. The team at Shiloh Veterinary Hospital is here to explain these reasons and to help you prepare for bringing home two amazing adoptable pets (while keeping it real!).

When You Adopt Two Dogs at Once

There are a few scenarios that you might encounter when you choose to adopt two dogs together.

1. Bonded pairs. These dogs already came to the shelter as siblings or best friends who have a history of being together. In many cases, these dogs are only adopted out as a couple to ensure their best life and the familiarity of their bond. Lots of times, these pets come to shelters after an owner has died or when the family can no longer care for them. In this situation, it can be the ideal one because they have already been together for some time and have “ironed out” issues between them, including establishing alpha behaviors.
2. Shelter mates. These friends have already shared close quarters during their time at the rescue. Because of this, they are deemed to be amiable to other dogs and sometimes even enjoy the company. Dogs housed together in a shelter are usually those who are comfortable with other dogs or are puppies who require socialization.
3. Single dogs with unknown backgrounds. These shelter dogs have been housed alone for various reasons, including to ensure health and safety. It’s best to speak with an adoption counselor to get a good gauge on the dogs’ backgrounds and whether they have been around other dogs. Observe your potential adoptees together a few times, so you know they are good with one another.

Important Things to Consider When Adopting Two Dogs

There are many advantages to adopting two fur friends together. They can enjoy each other, get more play and exercise, keep each other company when you are at work, and have more snuggles. Bonded dogs are often better socialized and able to deal with new experiences, since they are more confident and comfortable with their “pack”. 

The downfall to adopting two dogs is that you have double the fees for adoption, food, veterinary care, pet supplies, and so on. You have to allot more time for exercise, attention, and training. There is a misconception that having two dogs somehow lightens up the load on your own time because they entertain each other. Not so. Their interaction, while wonderful, doesn’t mean they don’t need the usual daily walks and exercise that a solo dog needs.

If you understand the commitment and dedication required for taking on two dogs, what a great and heartfelt service you offer to two sweet pups. This incredible bond not only extends to you and your human family but can also be shared between your new dogs. It can be a heavenly match that gives both pets a greater sense of confidence, security, and love.

We are here to answer any questions you have about adopting two dogs together. We look forward to seeing you and your new furry loved ones at their first wellness exam with us.

The post Double Trouble, Double the Fun: Adopting Two Dogs at Once appeared first on Veterinary Blog for Los Angeles - Shiloh Veterinary Hospital.

People in serious relationships tend to make grand gestures. They make introductions to their family members, take each other to work events, and even move in together. 

A common next step for significant others is to adopt a pet. It’s not as huge of a life changer as having a child, but it shows a certain level of commitment – to one another, and to the pet. It’s a beautiful symbol of love, but this type of decision doesn’t just affect the human relationship. 

Before you adopt a pet with someone (even if you love them), it’s important to take time to consider all the possibilities.

A Big Leap

Caring for a pet together can be an incredibly beautiful opportunity to see one another in the best possible way. To see your significant other become even more nurturing, responsible, and dedicated is a gift. If you adopt a pet with someone like this, that’s one lucky pet!

Wait… This Is Like, Work!

Whether it’s with human relationships, or human-animal ones, there’s always a honeymoon period. Once the excitement fades a bit, new pet owners are in for a real wake up call. Even if you fully anticipate how needy your pet is, it’s hard to prepare for how those needs impact the relationship with your significant other.

Who’s In Charge Here?

Let’s say you and your partner see eye to eye on everything related to your shared pet. You jointly take part in all of the pet’s mental and physical needs, share all the financial responsibilities (and there are a lot of them), and proudly balance all of the other demands in your lives. Still, assign daily chores so there is no confusion about who walks, feeds, or picks up waste on any given day.

All in the Timing

What about the timing of your adoption? Do you have travel plans or major events coming up that would make it difficult to care for your pet? Remember that cats can easily live up to 15 years, and depending on breed, dogs can live an average of 12 years.

Housing

If you and your partner live together in a place that one of you owns, your pet has a better chance at a stable life. Pet-friendly rentals are not always easy to come by, and they may not be for the long term. Secure a long term environment for your pet that serves all of their needs. 

Where will you live if things don’t work out between you? Is joint custody something you could even fathom? An exit strategy might be helpful before you adopt a pet with someone else.

Bringin’ Home the Bacon

Aside from all of their daily needs, like high-quality food, toys, bedding, gear, and more, pets need routine veterinary care, parasite prevention, vaccinations, dentistry, training, and grooming (among other things). 

Do you have a job that takes you away from your pet for long hours at a time? This is where doggie daycares come into play, or you could hire a dog walker or pet sitter to visit. 

Adopt a Pet With Someone You Love

We understand the impulse of wanting to adopt a pet with someone you care about. While the experience can bring people closer together, it can also bring to the surface behaviors or character traits that you never saw (or overlooked) before. 

If you have further questions about adoption or ownership, Shiloh Mobile Veterinary Hospital is always here for you.

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