National Mutt Day is celebrated each December and honors the unique charm and resilience of mixed-breed dogs everywhere. It’s also a day to recognize the many adoptable mutts waiting for loving homes in shelters nationwide. While these incredible animals offer endless love, companionship, and joy, many arrive at shelters with complex health needs that often go unmet due to resource limitations. In this blog, we’ll explore the challenges shelters face and ways pet parents can keep their own pets healthy.
A Snapshot of Shelter Numbers & Health Challenges
Animal shelters across the U.S. work tirelessly to provide care and safe housing for millions of homeless pets each year. According to the ASPCA, approximately 3.3 million dogs enter shelters annually. Many of these pets arrive with undiagnosed or untreated health issues, making it difficult for shelters to provide the comprehensive care each one needs. Resources like funding, staff, and equipment are often stretched thin, which can affect everything from routine health assessments to preventive care.
For adoptable mutts, getting prompt and consistent health check-ups can be critical to increasing their chances of finding a forever home. Shelter workers and volunteers are devoted to the pets they serve, but with so many animals and limited resources, providing individualized healthcare is a constant challenge.
Using Pet Tech to Support Pet Health Monitoring
Being aware of a pet’s health status is essential for maintaining their overall wellbeing. Regular health monitoring can make a world of difference in preventing issues from going unnoticed and in giving pets a better quality of life. Mella Pet Care’s Home Thermometer, a non-invasive axillary thermometer, is an ideal tool for monitoring pets’ temperatures accurately at home. Its user-friendly design makes it easier for pet owners to keep track of their pet’s health without causing stress to their furry friends.
Accurate temperature monitoring is particularly important because a pet’s body temperature can be the first indicator of illness. It’s also worth noting that different breeds, and even mixed breeds, may have varied baseline temperatures. While the average temperature for dogs is around 101-102.5°F (38.3-39.2°C), mixed-breed dogs may have variations that owners should be aware of. With Mella’s products, pet parents can keep an eye on any abnormal fluctuations and work with their veterinarian to maintain their pet’s health.
Encouraging Adoptions by Empowering New Pet Parents
Shelter adoption numbers rise when prospective pet owners feel equipped to care for their new family members. Having access to tools like the Mella Home Thermometer helps boost confidence among adopters, as they’re better prepared to manage their pet’s healthcare.
Why Health Monitoring Matters for Shelter Pets
For shelter pets, regular health monitoring isn’t just a convenience—it can be a life-saving practice. Many pets in shelters suffer from stress or underlying health issues that go undetected until they worsen. By using Mella products, shelter staff and volunteers can offer more comprehensive care by regularly checking for common symptoms of illness, especially in high-stress shelter environments.
For shelter pets, regular health monitoring isn’t just a convenience—it can be a life-saving practice. Many pets in shelters suffer from stress or underlying health issues that go undetected until they worsen. By using Mella products, shelter staff and volunteers can offer more comprehensive care by regularly checking for common symptoms of illness, especially in high-stress shelter environments.
This article was reviewed/edited by board-certified veterinary behaviorist Dr. Kenneth Martin and/or veterinary technician specialist in behavior Debbie Martin, LVT.
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