Fat on your dog: Scary new numbers

We skipped E in the A-Z Challenge because we had some technical issues. But we are back on F, with hopefully no more troubles.

F is for fat. And it's a problem, not just because we have an obesity problem among pets, but because pet parents don't seem to realize it!

The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention is a group of vets trying to help parents
keep their dogs healthy.

This latest study was released just last month. The numbers are staggering -- 44 million dogs and 55 million cats are overweight and obesity.

But it's the fat pet gap that is the most disconcerting.

Ninety percent of overweight cat owners and 95 percent -- NINETY-FIVE PERCENT! -- of overweight dog owners say their pet is of normal weight.

Now, we have the same kind of problem with humans as well, I guess, but it's worse with dogs. Just a couple pounds in some animals is dangerous, for all the reasons that being overweight is dangerous in humans -- arthritis, cancer, diabetes (at least directly in cats, indirectly in dogs).

“We’re seeing an increasing number of obese pets and the diseases that accompany excess fat,” reports Dr. Julie Churchill, veterinary nutritionist at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. “Type 2 diabetes, osteoarthritis, high blood pressure, and many forms of cancer are associated with obesity in animals. It is critical pet owners understand an overweight dog or cat is not a healthy pet.”

So, pet parents, here's a handy chart to help you get started on figuring out if your pet is the right weight.

The Association of Pet Obesity Prevention has special charts to help you determine your breed's ideal weight.

They also have an interesting chart that explains the calories in some of the most popular pet treats.

Here are the calorie counts for Milk Bones:

• Original: 10 
• Puppy Biscuits:10 
• Small Biscuits:  20 
• Medium Biscuits: 40 
• Large Biscuits: 115 
• Extra Large Biscuits: 225 

How about Beggin' Strips?

• Bacon: 30
• Cheese and Bacon: 30
• Beef and Bacon: 30

Snausages? 25 calories

Busy bones? A whopping 300 calories for a small/medium bone!

But you could try something else -- veggies for instance are great for dogs. So are fruit.

 There are also some great low-calorie treats out there.

Here's something else. If you are giving your dogs treats, you should also consider how much food you give your dog. If you're going to do a training day, for instance, with lots of high value treats, you might want to give you dog less food.

And don't forget exercise. Not just a brief walk. It's good for you too!

Aging Pets Appreciation Month: Some love for Galadriel

My cat is senior in this house, though she may not be the dominant animal in the house.

 My brother got Galadriel in 2003. She was already 2 or 3 years old, the shelter said. So that makes her either 13 or 14 years old.

She has been with me ever since. She isn't cuddly, she hates to be picked up. But she shows affection in her own way. And it's comforting having her around.

Here's some pics of Galadriel from over the years.

Galadriel with Koko (OTRB) circa 2004 or 2005.

On top of a kitchen cabinet. She used to be quite the jumper.

Up close.

Somewhat playful.

Watching a stray cat.

Catzilla!

Stealing my computer.

Kitty in the sink.

Blogging.

Talk to the paw.

Global Pet Expo: 8 pet-friendly Orlando spots to experience

Global Pet Expo is next week!

Lulu at Global Pet Expo last year.

For those who don't know, Global Pet Expo is like Fashion Week or Consumer Electronics Show for the pet world. People from all over the world will be in Orlando, looking at products both new and classic, everything from dog bowls to fish tanks to cat condos.

Last year, the expo was three football fields long. By the end of the day, this was Lulu.

The expo is, sadly, not open to the public. So all next week I will be showing some of the neat things I find at the expo. Make sure you are watching the blog, or that you follow me on Twitter @lifewithbeagle, or on my Facebook page. I may also try to do some Vine or Instagram stuff, so stay tuned!

If you're in town for Global, or if you plan on visiting Orlando with your pet soon, please check out some of these great pet-friendly spots. We are a great community for pets.

1) Woof Gang Bakery -- Though the first store opened in South Florida, the company is actually based in Orlando. Woof Gang is a boutique offering high-quality pet food, pet gear, fresh baked cookies and sometimes more -- grooming, day care, even a medical clinic. The stores are each individually owned. There are two not far from the tourist zone, but we have them all over Orlando.

And they are not the only pet bakeries in Orlando. Also check out Bark Avenue Bakery on Sand Lake Road or Pookie's on Fairbanks Avenue in Winter Park, to name a few.

2) Orlando's dog parks -- Like a place where dogs can run and play? Orange County, Florida is home to eight dog parks run by the county, plus Fleet Peeples Park in Winter Park. My personal favorites are Dr. Phillips Park, near Disney, and Barber Park, which is near Orlando International Airport.

Dr. Phillips Park is small, but the other dog owners are friendly. I rarely see problems at the park. It;s also well kept.

Barber Park is slightly bigger, and it has agility equipment for dogs to tryout. 

Both have separate areas for small and large dogs, doggy water fountains, and places for humans.

3) Park Avenue, Winter Park -- The city of Winter Park is not too far from Orlando, and Park Avenue is the downtown area.  While dogs are not allowed in Central Park, they are welcome to walk around the street on a leash, drink from outdoor water bowls, sit with their owners in outdoor cafes and even enter the stores. As long as your dog is well-behaved, they are welcome. There is also The Doggie Door, a shop for pets and their dog lovers, with treats, toys, clothes and pet lover items like clothes, games and household items.

Dogs are welcome at some of the festivals, farmers markets and parades throughout the year. There are two big dog events on Park Avenue as well -- the Doggy Art Show, and the Halloween Costume Parade.

4) Dog-friendly dining -- While we are talking outside cafes, Orlando was actually the pilot city for dog-friendly dining in Florida. We have lots of restaurants who welcome dogs on their patios. It's good to ask ahead of time though, because not every patio allows dogs (which to me is silly, but what can you do?).

5) Quantum Leap Winery -- You won't find a vineyard growing Pinot Noir or Chardonnay in Florida. The grapes just can't survive here. However, we do have wineries that bring the grapes to Florida and make their own wine. Quantum Leap does this with an eye towards being as environmentally friendly as possible. Dogs are also welcome in the main wintery show room. You dog may meet owner Jill Ramsier's dog Kaley. And you can try some of her own wine -- Kaley's Rescue Red. Proceeds from the wine's go to benefit SPCA of Central Florida.

Quantum Leap Winery is in Orlando in the Mills 50 area.

6) Mall at Millenia -- This high-end mall may not like me broadcasting this, but you can bring your dog there. Dogs are permitted at the mall in Orlando, provided they remain in a carrier or a stroller. Of course, service dogs are welcome everywhere.

So Lulu will not be going to Mall at Millenia any time soon. However, it makes sense to me that frou-frou dogs are welcome at the frou-frouiest mall in Orlando.

7) Rocky's Retreat -- Get your dog a massage. Rocky's Retreat is a fitness center for dogs, featuring hydrotherapy, massage, Reiki and even aromatherapy. Don't have time to get out to Winter Park? They'd do your dog's massage at your hotel. Call for pricing.

8) Pet-friendly events -- Plan your trip around a pet event! There is always a pet-friendly event going on somewhere in Central Florida each month, from big events like Barktoberfest and Paws in the Park in Orlando, to smaller events like Barks and Brews, Pookie's Rescuefest and the Doggy Derby. That's why I have an Orlando-area pet events calendar.

Have an event you'd like to add to the calendar? Let me know!
*********************************
So, what would you like me to focus on at Global Pet Expo? Here's your chance to weigh-in and help me shape my coverage!

Create your free online surveys with SurveyMonkey , the world's leading questionnaire tool.

Wordless Wednesday: Cats and dogs living together

Who remembers this classic scene from "Ghostbusters?"

I always think of this every time I see Galadriel and Lulu lounging next to each other.

That picture was from last night, but they've gotten closer in the last couple weeks.

Galadriel actually crept up to Lulu and sniffed her.

So it is possible. Take heart if there is discord among the species in your house, and also consider these 10 tips from Animal Planet.

Caturday: Best ways to prevent feline diabetes

 Hello, humans -- Galadriel here, taking over the beast's blog.

The servant has been talking to you about diabetes all month. Today, we get to talk about the only diabetes that really matters (to me): feline diabetes.

I interviewed Dr. Anna Coffin, a veterinarian with an office in Guthrie, OK, about feline diabetes.

1) Welcome Doctor Human. The servant says you know about cats and diabetes. I'll
be the judge of how much you know about cats. How many do you have? And do you
care for their every whim?
Hello and nice to meet you Galadriel! I currently have one cat or should I say one cat owns me. Her name is Sylvie and she is very spoiled. She loves attention and gets lots of loving care.

2) Why should I worry about diabetes?
The symptoms of diabetes will cause you to be extremely thirsty and make you pee more than normal. If you are diagnosed with diabetes you will have to get poked by a needle twice daily every day with insulin. It can be difficult to regulate cats and this requires frequent trips to the veterinarian for more pokes with needles to test your blood sugar.

 
3) The servant says I could stand to lose some weight. Will that keep me from
getting diabetes? If not, what's the point then?
Overweight cats are three times more likely to get diabetes! So a weight loss program of diet and exercise would help decrease your chances of getting this horrible disease. Not only that but overweight pets tend to have a shorter life span so if you lose weight you can have a chance at conquering the universe.

4) I don't know WHAT you are talking about. I have no interest in being a feline overlord. AHEM.

I eat some wet food and then some dry food. Is that good for me?
Yes, a combination of dry and wet food is good for you. Canned food has increased water content which is also beneficial for your urinary health. I recommend diabetic cats eat a prescription canned food as the canned food is lower in carbohydrate than the dry which helps control diabetes.

5) I enjoy eating! I get upset when the servant doesn't keep my plate full! I
should be able to eat when I want.
Don’t we all! Self-control and patience builds good character.

6) I like to play with laser lights, and sometimes a ball on a string. How much
should I play? Is it important?
That’s great that you like to play. It’s great exercise which will help with weight loss. Cat’s in the wild typically hunt and kill 9 small prey a day. It’s best to try and mimic this life style to prevent behavioral and medical problems.

7) Do you see many diabetic cats?
Yes, I have several that I am treating right now. I have been practicing veterinary medicine for about 20 years and it seems that I am diagnosing this more frequently in dogs and cats.

8) What happens if I do get diabetes?
It is treatable but requires a serious commitment from your master, ops I mean servant, and your veterinarian. They will have to work together to get you regulated. Cats with diabetes can live a fairly normal lifestyle.

9) Sounds so unpleasant. What else can I do to keep from getting diabetes?
You’re pretty smart! It is unpleasant. For cats, weight loss or maintaining a healthy weight is probably the most important factor in preventing diabetes. Just like your servant, pets can have genetic tendencies toward these diseases so if it’s in your family’s history you are more at risk.

10) Dr. Human, you've been most helpful. Thank you. Anything else you want to
add?
You’re very welcome and thank you for helping to spread the word about diabetes and prevention. Keep up the good work. For more information about pet healthcare you can visit my blog at http://guthriepet.net/AskDrAnna/ and feel free to ask questions or add some comments as you seem highly intelligent.

The servant wants to make sure you know that Monday will include an episode on preventing diabetes in beasts (dogs). Or at least trying to.

I hope this series has been helpful to you. Don't forget to sign up for our giveaway. The water fountain is quite nice (when it's not on), and the giftcard from Petco can lead to lots of yummy food.

POSTS

• Post 1 -- Pets get diabetes too 
• Post 2  -- Diabetes in dogs and cats: Wading through the science
• Post 3 -- Living with a diabetic dog: Meet KC the cairn terrier
• Post 4 -- Living with diabetes: Products to make it easier for pets plus a GIVEAWAY
• Post 5 -- Canine diabetes and obesity: Not connected, but still a danger
• Post 6 -- Living with diabetes: Meet Loki the Rottweiler

Canine diabetes and obesity: Not connected, but still a danger

All this month we are observing National Pet Diabetes Awareness Month. We are examining different aspects of the disease in both cats and dogs. See our stories so far, and enter our giveaway.

As the experts we've talked to have said before, obesity so far does not have a direct link to canine diabetes. In cats there is a direct link, but not in dogs.

However, that doesn't mean that poor diet and lack of exercise can't be a problem for dogs, especially once they get diabetes.

So to talk about obesity, I've enlisted the help of Steve Pelletier, founder of Slim Doggy. He's an expert in the field of pet obesity, and how to whip your pup into shape. He graciously wrote this guest post for us.

Canine Obesity:  We are killing our dogs and paying a lot of money to do so.

Yes, you read that headline right.  Having a fat pet is costly:

•  To the dog’s lifespan: lean dogs will live on average almost two years longer than their fat littermates.  They will also have a more active and higher quality of life.
• To the owner’s wallet: owners of fat pets are spending a lot of money that they might otherwise not spend if their pet was fit and slim.  In the U.S. alone, according to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, there are about 37 million overweight dogs.  We estimate that the owners of these overweight dogs are spending somewhere near $8 billion dollars each year, on extra food, medical care, and medicines, all because they have fat pets.

A Human Problem

Pet obesity is actually a human problem, not a pet problem.  Most dogs (and cats) that I know do not have opposable thumbs to open the fridge and serve themselves.  Nor do they go shopping for their own food.  It is the human who controls the quantity and quality of their food.  We are the stewards of our pet’s health and heretofore, we are failing them.

Obesity is arguably the biggest health threat to our pets, yet, it is entirely, and easily preventable in most cases.   There are many health related problems that are a direct result from your dog being fat including:

• Shorter life
• Arthritis and other orthopedic problems
• High blood pressure and cardiovascular disease
• Cancer

That is a scary list, and I don’t know a single pet owner who would feel good about themselves if they were to unwittingly facilitate the development of such conditions by letting their pet become overweight.

Canine Obesity and Diabetes Linkage

You might notice that diabetes was not on the list of health problems related to having an overweight dog.  Unlike with cats, who are prone to type II diabetes, there is no evidence that supports the notion that type II diabetes occurs in dogs or that obesity is a risk factor to this disease[1].   

For some background, diabetes is classified as either type I, caused by an inability for the body to produce insulin, or type II, impaired insulin production along with an inadequate response to the insulin hormone.  Type II diabetes is directly linked to obesity in both humans and cats (but not dogs) and the treatment protocol centers around weight reduction.  Read our recent article “Exercise and Canine Diabetes” for more information on canine diabetes and suggestions on how to properly feed and exercise a dog with diabetes.

Despite the fact that there is no linkage between canine diabetes and obesity, it is still very important to keep your pet fit and slim, for all of the reasons listed above.    Below are some of our top tips to help you keep your pet at a healthy weight.

Courtesy Robin Zebrowski via Flickr Creative Commons

 5 Tips to Help Keep Your Dog Fit and Slim 

1.       Provide proper exercise for your dog.  Dogs need exercise!  They thrive on it.  Putting your dog out in the back yard does not count either.  They need 30 minutes or more each day of vigorous exercise depending on their age, breed, and medical history.  They will feel and look better.  So will you!  And don’t let excuses get in the way.  Winter weather?  No problem.  Use a dog treadmill, try alternative exercise like core and balance training using balance cushions and wobble boards, or simply bundle up and get outside.

2.       Determine your dog’s daily calorie requirement to achieve or maintain their ideal weight.  Most people have no idea how many calories they should be feeding their dog, given their dog’s age, weight, and activity level.   Our SlimdoggyiPhone app was created to supply this information.  Note that the more active your dog is, the more you can feed them.  If you exercise your dog more on the weekends, they can be fed differently than on the weekdays!

3.       Measure, measure and measure.   It is crucial to accurately measure how much you feed to make sure you stay within your dogs daily target range.  Use a measuring cup.  If you are a ‘high-tech’ person, or are not at home for long periods of time, there are actually some pretty amazing technologies and devices being created to help with the measurement problem.  PetNet.io (formerly PintoFeed.com) is one company that is building an intelligent pet feeder that will help people address the overfeeding issue.

4.       Account for treats.  We all love giving or dog’s treats and table scraps and there is nothing wrong with it.  You simply have to account for those calories and adjust your regular feedings accordingly.  It helps to know the calorie content of the dog foods and treats you use—another benefit of using the SlimDoggy app.

5.       Learn to read dog food labels.  Your pet’s overall health is greatly impacted by both “how much” and “what” you feed your dog.  Spend some time examining your dog food labels and learn to spot healthy and unhealthy ingredients.   Use your analysis to buy the best food possible given your budget.  For more tips on how to read a food label, go to slimdoggy.com and search on food.

---

[1] Canine and Feline Diabetes Mellitus: Nature or Nurture? Jacquie S. Rand2, Linda M. Fleeman,  Heidi A. Farrow,  Delisa J. Appleton, and Rose Lederer, 2004

Thanks Steve.

On Saturday, we will talk about obesity in cats and the link to feline diabetes.

In the meantime, check out our previous stories, and be sure to enter our GIVEAWAY!

POSTS

• Post 1 -- Pets get diabetes too 
• Post 2  -- Diabetes in dogs and cats: Wading through the science
• Post 3 -- Living with a diabetic dog: Meet KC the cairn terrier
• Post 4 --  Products to make life easier for diabetic pets PLUS a GIVEAWAY

Diabetes in dogs and cats: Wading through the science

How many of know someone with diabetes? I'm betting most of us do.

For me, it's my Dad and some people at work right now. In the past it included my grandfathers and one of my great-grandmothers.

So we all think we know what diabetes is. We've seen the glucose meters and the sugar free treats in the candy aisle and the little diabetic recipe magazines in the checkout aisles in the supermarkets.

But diabetes in pets, while at its heart not a different animal, is a whole lot more complex.

I'm going to try to break it down for you in a few easy parts.

WHAT IS DIABETES?

Courtesy of VCA Hospitals.

 Essentially, diabetes is when your body is not producing enough insulin to break down the sugar (glucose) in blood. So the blood sugar level is higher. That leads to all kinds of problems in the body.

There are two major types of diabetes:

• Type I: The body (specifically the pancreas) is no longer able to produce insulin. Dogs typically get this form of diabetes, though cats can too.
• Type II: The body can still produce some insulin, but whatever is produced is no longer able to lower the blood sugar level. You sometimes here this called borderline diabetes. Cats often get this type of diabetes first. Dogs very rarely get this type.

 WHAT CAUSES DIABETES?

That's a very good question. And right now there is no definitive answer.

Could it be obesity? According to Dr. Lorie Huston, DVM, certainly in cats.

"Fat tissue is actually part of the [feline] endocrine system and secretes a number of different hormones, some of which affect the regulation of glucose," Huston said. "One of these hormones, adiponectin, increases sensitivity to insulin. In overweight cats, less adiponectin is secreted, leading to a decrease in sensitivity to insulin."

So decrease the sensitivity to insulin, the less effective it will be in breaking down sugars in the blood.

But what about Dogs?

Dr. Joe Bartges is the Acree Endowed chair of small animal research at University of Tennessee's College of Veterinary Medicine. He says there's an effect, but not a direct one so far.

"Obesity plays a role in type I diabetes but does not necessarily directly cause it," Bartges said. "Obesity does induce some insulin resistance, but not pancreatic burn out."  

Could it be genetics? Some dogs are predisposed to it. According to Dr. Joe Bartges of University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, these breeds seem to be at a higher risk:

1. Miniature schnauzers
2. Toy and miniature poodles
3. Samoyeds
4. Pugs

At lower risk?

1.  German shepard
2. Golden retriever (but they have another problem -- cancer)
3. American pit bull terrier

PetMD, however, adds the following breeds to the high risk list:

1. Keeshond
2. Puli
3. Miniature Pinscher
4. Cairn terrier
5. Poodle (no specification)
6. Dachshund
7. Beagle

 And there are diseases that can lead to diabetes. Cushing's Disease and pancreatitis can both tax the system, so that pet eventually gets diabetes.

So what about prevention? We'll talk about that on Monday.

Pets can get diabetes too: Pet Diabetes Month

This is Trouble.

Trouble was my family's cat. He came to us after being taken from his mother at a young age. We weren't planning to keep him, but many of you know how that goes.

He grew to be a big, grouchy Siamese. He loved my mom most, he and I would fight (why lay on your back if you don't want a belly rub?). But after about 10 years he started to lose weight rapidly.  The doctor said he had diabetes.

The doctor didn't think he needed insulin, I guess, because he just had mom buy the special food. But it was right around the pet food scare, and Trouble's food ended up on the recall list.

I'll never forget when my parents' told me that Trouble died at home. I cried and cried.

Diabetes is on the rise in dogs and cats. There are different factors -- genetics, obesity, pancreas-related illnesses like pancreatitis can add to the issue. But how many of us really know much about how diabetes in cats and dogs?

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month, but it's also Pet Diabetes Awareness Month.

All this month, we'll be taking a closer look at diabetes in cats and dogs -- from the diagnosis to every day life with a diabetic pet, to preventing diabetes.

We'll have giveaways too. Stay tuned for that.

I interviewed a number of experts for this series. They include:

• Dr. Lorie Huston, DVM
• Dr. Joe Bartges of the University of Tennessee Veterinary College
• Dr. Anna Coffin, DVM
• Steve from SlimDoggy

Please share this infographic with your friends, and help spread the word about diabetes in cats and dogs. The earlier people recognize the symptoms, the better it will be in treating the disease.

Meowloween PLUS new pet food pantry in Orlando

Thursday is Halloween! And while we are all excited to get dressed up and have a great time, there are hundreds of kitties looking for a home.

SPCA of Central Florida and Orange County Animal Services in Orlando are hosting a one-day cat sale on Halloween called Meowloween!

All orange, black and tortie cats at only 10.31 to adopt. The two shelters have over 300 cats who need forever homes!

Both the SPCA and Orange County Animal Services are in the same compound off Westgate Drive, which is on Conroy Road across from IKEA and the Mall at Millenia in Orlando. Both shelters open at 10 a.m.

Check out the cats and dogs available at SPCA of Central Florida and Orange County Animal Services. There are hundreds of pets between the two shelters that need homes.

PLUS, this Friday Orange County Animal Services opens its pet pantry. The pantry will provide food to people who need help feeding their pets. The goal is to reduce the number of people surrendering pets because they don't have the money to pay for their care.

You can start asking for help on Friday. Call 407-254-9150.

Heard of Coupaw? Get daily deals for your dog and cat

First, The winners of my recent giveaways!

Last month I gave away a designer pee pad from Spoiled Pup Boutique, and a coupon for free Natural Balance Fat Cat or Fat Dog food.

Here are the winners:

• Spoiled Pup Boutique -- Shelley P.
• Natural Balance Giveaway -- Danielle Murgia

I'll be emailing the winners shortly, so watch your inboxes.

And now lets talk deals.

Ever heard of Coupaw.com? When you subscribe to the website (it's free to subscribe), you get deals on all kinds of pet supplies, from treats to pet beds.

Here are some good deals going on this week:

Antlerz quarter cut jumbo deer antlers on sale for $9.99. But the sale only lasts for 10 days, and you get free shipping.

These ceramic dog food bowls are $13.99 and come in different styles. The sale also lasts for 10 days and there's free shipping too.

And, here are some cool Halloween costumes from Animal Planet and Puparazzi.

There are six different costumes, and they are all available at varying prices, some as low as $12.

These costumes are only available on sale for about five days, and if you click on the link, you'll notice one of them sold out.

Not all the sales are as good. For instance, the Dogsbutter deal isn't very good. So be sure to check the deals before you commit, but most of them are pretty good, and there are lots of great companies involved, like Zukes, Kong and Nylabone.

So sign up for Coupaw today!


DISCLAIMER: I am being compensated for spreading the word about Coupaw.com, but this blog only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. 

5 ways shelters can get people to adopt pets

Summer is a tough time for animal shelters. Lots of people are busy doing other, summer-type things.

As a consequence, shelters are full, and animals are in danger of cats and dogs being euthanized.

So here are five great ideas shelters can utilize to get more people in the doors, and maybe get more pets out of those doors and into loving homes.

1) Fun themed events.

Seminole County, FL has gotten an influx of kittens. So this event completely makes sense.

On Saturday from 10 a.m.  to 4 p.m.: 

 If you are looking to add a new family member stop by the Altamonte Petco and check out ALL the babies we'll have that need forever homes. Then travel on over to Ethos Vegan Kitchen and grab some lunch or dinner and support TEARS. Hope to see you there!

2)  Take really cute pictures of the dogs and cats in the shelter.

This is Shoeshine, a 10-month-old beagle at Osceola County Animal Services. He needs a home. You can tell he's not happy -- his tail is down. But he looks like he could be a great dog, right?

In Central Florida, we have a great volunteer group called Pawsitive Shelter Photography. They take great photos of pets as a way to show people their personalities. The group works with three shelters in my area -- Orange County, Osceola County and Seminole County.

Do you have great photography skills? Shelters need help getting better pictures so that the dogs and cats look their best. Consider offering to help them. 

3) Discounts. There is always a concern about the type of people who come in on a sale to get a pet. However, a sale can also be a great way to promote the shelter, and get people interested. 

Here's what Orange County Animal Services did for Fourth of July:

4) Show the possibilities a dog or cat can have as a pet. 

My friend Sheley Revis in North Carolina does these pictures to show how a shelter pet can be amazing.

McGrady was at a kill shelter in Ashe County, NC. On top of being in a rural shelter, he's deaf. But the volunteers kept him, and eventually he found Sheley. She trained McGrady using hand signs, and now he's an amazing dog with a foundation that raises money for rural shelters in North Carolina.

Sheley's goal is to show that shelter dogs have great possibility.

You can follow McGrady on Facebook.

5) Join up with local businesses for great events. SPCA of Central Florida partners up with local businesses to do some neat things. For instance,  California Pizza Kitchen and SPCA are having an event on July 20.

Know of any other ways shelters can promote their adoptable pets? Please share. I will share them here!