Dear Friends,

On behalf of the Board of Directors, I am pleased to announce the appointment of Jordan Craig to the position of Executive Director of Spay Neuter Network beginning January 3, 2022. Our board of directors is thrilled to introduce a leader of Jordan’s caliber into our organization. We believe that she possesses the qualifications and expertise to grow Spay Neuter Network into a better, more successful organization to create a lasting impact on pet care in Texas.

Jordan’s appointment concludes a lengthy search process completed by a search committee led by the outgoing board president, Jennifer Lavender, DVM. It was evident to the committee almost immediately that Jordan’s ability to perform at the highest level, along with her business acumen, would align well with the work we are doing at Spay Neuter Network.  Her skills and aptitude align with the cornerstones of the launch of a new strategic plan in 2022, which calls for Spay Neuter Network to ensure all dogs and cats in Texas have access to affordable veterinary care.

As an experienced, energetic, and innovative business leader, Jordan brings a wealth of leadership experience and a passion for positive change to our organization. With 13 years of experience in animal welfare, she already has a proven track record of taking animal welfare organizations to the next level. Jordan recently served as General Manager at Dallas Animal Services. She helped lead the City of Dallas through changes that have been recognized and replicated nationally as innovative and forward-thinking. Before that, she served as the Animal Services Supervisor at Austin Animal Services. Her “let’s make it happen” attitude, combined with her penchant for evidence-based data analysis, makes her the perfect choice to help us reach the upcoming goals set in our strategic plan.

Jordan says, “I could not be more excited to accept the position as Executive Director of this well-established and well-loved organization whose long history of serving the pets and people of Texas is well-known among donors and nonprofit partners. My goal in leading this organization is to build on the achievements of the past 17 years and broaden our depth and vision throughout the animal welfare industry. Spay Neuter Network will not only continue to maintain its high level of ethical standards but will work to expand upon our impact to help build compassionate communities free of homeless pets.”

Ursula Evering
Incoming President, Board of Directors

Pets have a unique relationship with their owners. These domesticated species highly benefit from the companionship and care they get from humans.

 

Pets rely on their owners for their basic needs such as water, food and shelter. Every now and then, they also get pet treats as a snack or reward for good behavior.

 

In a study using functional MRI to predict a dog’s preference for praise vs. food, experts noted that the dogs liked food more than human interaction.

 

The results highlight the importance of using food as reward or treat. As pet owners, it’s essential that you also carefully think about the nutritional value of pet treats and your purpose for giving them to your pets.

 

This article discusses the dos and don’ts of giving your pets treats, including tips to consider when feeding your pet.

Essential Things to Consider When Giving Pet Treats

Generally, pet owners give treats as rewards for doing good in training or showing proper behavior. You can also use pet treats to show your care and affection for your pets.

However, your noble intentions should not make you overlook the number of calories or ingredients in the pet treats that could be harmful to your pets.

For example, according to an article by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP), even five pounds more than your dog’s ideal weight can put it at risk for developing serious medical conditions.

Check the Label

How can you tell if the pet treat you give to your dog is healthy? The best way to find out is to look for the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) statement on the label.

 

The AAFCO establishes pet food manufacturing standards and also verifies nutrition claims.

 

However, if you’re unsure what pet treats are suitable for specific animals, make sure to consult your vet for recommendations.

Avoid Complex Carbohydrates

VCA Animal Hospitals (originally called Veterinary Centers of America Inc.) says protein and fats are excellent energy sources. Dogs can also consume carbohydrates for energy.

The canine’s digestive system produces enzymes that specifically digest sugars and starches. This means dogs can also digest carbohydrates.

However, try to avoid giving your dog complex carbohydrates like grains. Though they can still digest them, it’s better if complex carbs are cooked.

Meanwhile, the WSAVA (World Small Animal Veterinary Association) warns that canine’s daily intake of treats shouldn’t exceed 10% of their MER (maintenance energy requirements).

Researchers from the University of Padua in Italy examined 32 famous dog treats available in supermarkets and pet shops. Products include:

 

• Five biscuits
• Ten tender treats
• Three meat-based strips
• Five rawhides
• 12 chewable sticks
• Six dental care sticks

 

They found that almost half of the pet treat products mentioned “sugars” on their labels. All had varying amounts of minerals, with biscuits being the most calorically dense pet treats.

 

The result suggested that most dog treats available in the market exceed the recommended daily energy allowance. However, the study is still inconclusive and doesn’t represent all products worldwide.

 

Just like dogs, cats use protein for energy. However, since they lack salivary amylase which initiates starch digestion, breaking down sugars may be a challenge for them.

 

In addition, cats have low concentrations of other carbohydrate-digesting enzymes. They also have a much shorter small intestine compared to dogs. A high-fiber and carbohydrate-packed diet may lead to diarrhea and abnormal intestinal function.

 

Debra L. Zora, a clinical professor of Small Animal Medicine Surgery at Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, recommends owners feed cats at least some canned food to lessen their carbs and calorie intake.

Opt for a Low-Calorie Diet

Most senior dogs have low energy requirements. It’s also true for indoor, neutered, or spayed canines. Ideally, dog food should be less than 350 calories per cup.

 

Your vet can estimate how many calories your canine companion needs each day based on its body condition score and lifestyle.

 

The standard formula for an indoor adult dog that is spayed or neutered is:

30 x weight in kilograms + 70 = recommended daily calorie intake

 

This formula isn’t exclusive to your fur baby’s main meal. It’s also used for snacks and treats.

 

For low-calorie snacks, go for water-based vegetables, such as green beans, broccoli, cauliflower, and unsalted air-popped popcorn with no butter.

 

Generally, the average weight of a domestic cat should be eight to ten pounds. However, about 57.6% of cats in the U.S. were either obese or overweight from 2007 to 2013, according to APOP.

 

You can contact the pet food manufacturer or ask your veterinarian about your pet’s recommended calorie intake.

Keep Homemade Treats Simple

The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has investigated illnesses associated with jerky pet treats.

 

As of December 31, 2015, the FDA has received roughly 5,200 complaints of illnesses linked to the consumption of sweet potato, duck, and chicken jerky treats. Many of these products are imported from China.

 

The reports indicated that 6,200 dogs had been affected, and approximately 1,140 canines had died. Aside from dogs, about 26 cats and three people had also been affected.

 

These reports prompt pet parents to proactively manage their pets’ meals and treats. Nowadays, it’s not hard to find sites that share simple and nutritious recipes that can be served to pets at home.

 

Watch out for the sugar content, and choose simple sugars like molasses and honey. Since homemade pet treats have no preservatives, make sure to store them properly in the fridge or air-tight container with labels.

 

Essential fatty acid is recommended to keep your feline friend’s skin and coat healthy. You may give them homemade sardines and tunas.

 

If you have a pet rabbit, you won’t have any problems as they have the same basic nutritional needs as humans. High-fiber fruits are the best, but make sure to feed them in small quantities and only as treats.

If your rabbit consumes too much sugar, it can cause an imbalance in fungi and bacteria within the cecum, which aids digestion.

Say No to Begging

Reward your pets with treats. However, make sure to give treats only for behaviors you want to encourage. Use pet treats as positive reinforcement.

Almost every pet loves a tasty treat. However, nothing can compare with your presence, so always make time for your pets. You can play with them after work or during weekends and give them lots of love and praise.

When they’re busy having fun, you don’t have to keep them busy chewing on treats. That’s a win-win for everyone.

 

 

Photo by Samson Katt from Pexels

Sometimes people can no longer care for a loved pet. That may be because they’ve lost their job, or lost their housing, or for some other reason.

It can be a confusing, extremely hard situation for families in this position who may think their only option is bringing a pet to the animal shelter, to help them stay safe and find a new home.

Some 36 percent of pets entering shelters are owner surrenders. But often the better course is for a family to self-rehome their pet.

Self-rehoming is more humane for pets, and gives peace of mind to the people who can select—and even stay in touch with—their pet’s new family. It’s also very important for the pets who are in physical shelters, who will have more much-needed space and resources.

This infographic is aimed at demystifying how someone can rehome a pet themselves, without the pet ever entering the shelter.

 

And here is the HASS Supported Self-Rehoming Toolkit, with more great information and resources for animal shelters to help people rehome their pets.

This information is critically important—all the more so now, as we face a looming eviction crisis that could result in 8 million pets losing their homes. Together we can ensure these pets and others stay safe, in homes, where they belong.

More information: https://www.humananimalsupportservices.org/blog/please-share-this-infographic-on-how-to-self-rehome-pets/

 

This week is National Animal Shelter Week. The week “encourages people to become acquainted with their local shelters and rescues and to learn how they can assist their lifesaving work.”

Every local shelter or rescue needs volunteers – fosters especially. Without fosters, dogs and cats cannot be rescued from shelters and given a chance to transition into a home environment. Many rescues and shelters have people who are working with limited resources and do not have the means to get these animals noticed.

There is a way that you can help. You will often see rescues ask you to share pictures and posts of animals. Sharing saves lives! The more they are shared, the more they are networked, and the better chance they have at finding a rescue that has a foster or adopter.

 

Ten Ways to Help Your Local Shelter or Rescue

1/ Share your love

Tell the world how you feel about your local shelter or rescue by sharing their messages in person and on social media.
2/ Get to know your local shelters and rescue groups

Locate the ones in your area and go visit. They are always looking for people to help walk dogs or clean food dishes or cat cages.
3/ Learn before you leap

Before you adopt, do some research to learn what to expect when adopting a pet. Each breed has its own quirks. The more you know, the less likely you will become frustrated and return your new pet. Understand the challenges and rewards of adopting a pet beforehand they come home.
4/ Say “thanks!”

Take time to say thanks to the people who work at your local shelter or rescue. When you adopt a pet, share pictures and show how well your pet is doing. Rescuers love to see updates! Send a letter, email, or post something on their Facebook page or Website.
5/ Get crafty

Combine fabric, yarn, recyclables, and imagination to bring much-needed fun into the lives of local shelter and rescue pets. There’s no end to the toys you can make. Try braiding strips of fleece into fun for dogs, or cutting and folding a surprising household object into a cat distractor.

Create attention-grabbing “Adopt-Me” vests to spotlight available pets at adoption events held by shelters and rescues.
6/ Become a fan

“like” the individual groups on Facebook.
7/ Make wishes come true

Shelters and rescue groups always need towels, toys, and other supplies. Most have a list on their websites.
8/ Volunteer

Even if you can’t adopt now, volunteer! Do you have experience as a carpenter or electrician?  All types of skills are valuable!
9/ Help at your own home

Make the jobs of shelters and rescues easier: Have the proper ID for your animals (a microchip and ID tags) at all times. Have all of your pets spayed or neutered. Keep your cats indoors, where you can keep them safe, and keep dogs on leashes when off your property.
10/ Help your shelter make positive changes