May 3rd is a special doggy holiday: it’s Mayday for Mutts! The word ‘Mutts’ is often used to describe dogs that are a mixture of breeds. Quite a few of our canine patients fall under this umbrella. While mutts can vary widely in shape, size, color, and personality, they have one thing in common: they can all make good pets! A Downey, CA vet discusses mutts in this article.

Mayday for Mutts was started by Karen Derrico, the author of Unforgettable Mutts: Pure of Heart, Not of Breed . As you can probably guess, she had a soft spot for mixed pooches, and wanted to help the ones that need good homes. Our canine companions could certainly use the signal boost. By some estimates, as many as 75 percent of shelter dogs are mutts! If you’re ready to bring a new pup into your life, please consider giving one of these lovable pooches a forever home. You may even get a ‘Pure Mutt’ certificate if you go through a participating shelter!

With some mutts, you can tell—or at least make an educated guess—as to what their parentage is. Others? Not so much. Some pups have an adorable, if somewhat odd-looking, combination of mismatched features, as though they pulled random doggy traits out of a paper bag. If you really want to know about your furry friend’s bloodline, consider ordering a doggy DNA kit online. Of course, curiosity isn’t the only reason to get Fido tested. This can also offer valuable insight into genetic health issues he may develop later.

If you aren’t ready to adopt right now, you can still help homeless mutts. One thing you can do is donate money or supplies to a local shelter. Even sharing posts on social media about Mayday For Mutts can help!

Is your canine companion a mutt? Fido may not care about his ancestry, but you can still get that cute tail wagging. Buy your pooch a new toy, or offer him a yummy treat. One good option here is Muttloaf. Combine minced beef, parmesan cheese, baby carrots, an egg, and some breadcrumbs, and bake at 350 for 45 minutes. You’ll find other variations online. Just stick to safe, suitable foods!

Do you have questions about your dog’s health or care? Contact us, your local Downey, CA vet clinic!