Coolers to Cat Condos: New Life for our Shipping Materials

As a part of one of our many efforts to recycle and reuse, we donate our excess styrofoam shipping coolers to a local animal shelter organization. With the help of volunteers, the insulated coolers are repurposed into outdoor shelters to help stray cats and other animals stay warm during the harsh midwest winters. The kitty shelters or cat condos are provided free of charge by the local animal shelter.

Without this partnership, these styrofoam coolers would, unfortunately, end up in a landfill.

On a regular basis, we receive many of these insulated, styrofoam coolers to our pharmacy. They arrive cold-packed to ensure sensitive medications like insulin are kept cool. After the medications are unpacked, the coolers have served their intended purpose, but being in good condition, we knew these could go to good use somewhere.

Paired with straw or other bedding materials, stray cats keep warm and out of the wind inside their insulated condos. They also provide a safe shelter during the warmer months. If not occupied by a cat, small wildlife may take advantage of the luxury accommodation.

A local news station picked up on the story, watch the volunteers in action!

Interested in making your own outdoor cat shelter? Learn more.

Churu Vet Appetite Motivator and Flavor Enticer for Cats

Churu Vet at VetRxDirectChuru is a flavor enticing, appetite motivating puree designed exclusively for cats. Churu is an all-natural, liquid-based puree that comes in an easy to feed, lickable tube. It has a variety of beneficial uses for you and your cat whether at home or while at the vet. It can help stimulate cats with poor appetite, give a tasty distraction, help with giving medications, or be used It can be used with training and socialization.

 

  • Medication Delivery- Mix medicine in with the puree or hide pills inside the tube to give medication to your cat.
  • Distraction- Provides a tasty distraction while giving medications, injections, topicals, grooming, or nail trimming. Take with you on trips to the vet for less stress during exams and vaccinations.
  • Appetite Motivator- Encourages cats with a poor appetite because of illness, surgery, stress, medication, or treatments.
  • Positive Reinforcement- Use as a training aid or when socializing cats to a new home or environment

Because Churu has a high moisture content, it also gives cats a quick and easy source of hydration. It comes in two flavors that are made with 100% all-natural animal proteins from wild tuna and farm-raised chicken. It does not contain grains, artificial preservatives, or artificial colors. Churu Veterinarian Formula comes in two different selections: Diet and Nourish. Both the Diet and Nourish jars contain packets in separate tuna and chicken flavors.

Churu Diet for Cats at VetRxDirectChuru Diet

  • Diet has an ultra-low calorie content for cats with dietary restrictions and to help maintain healthy body weight.

 

 

Churu Nourish for Cats at VetRxDirectChuru Nourish

  • Nourish is highly palatable to help stimulate appetite and provides additional dietary nourishment to cats.

 

 

Has your cat tried Churu Vet? Leave us a comment below!

Dispose Your Pet’s Expired and Unused Medications

Have you ever wondered how to get rid of your pet’s expired or unused medications? If you have unused medications accumulating around your home, it may be time to round them up. Besides gaining back your cabinet space, disposing of unwanted and expired medications helps reduce the risk of accidental poisoning. While prescription and over-the-counter medications help people and animals when used appropriately, the same medicines can be dangerous when disposed of improperly. Fortunately, there are many options available to help, check them out below.

Ask Your Pharmacy

Most pharmacies will offer to dispose of medications originally purchased from them. Some pharmacies offer mail-back programs or offer disposal kiosks for unused medications. For example, VetRxDirect will properly dispose of any medications purchased from our pharmacy. Please contact our pharmacy for proper shipping instructions.

Consider Donation

Contact your local animal shelter or humane society to donate unexpired, unused, or leftover medications to help homeless pets. Some organizations are able to provide medications for pet owners with low incomes.

Ask Your Veterinarian

Contact your veterinary clinic. Some veterinary clinics will offer to safely dispose of your pet’s expired or unused medications. 

Find a Drug Collection Site

Some facilities and businesses are registered with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to collect old, unused, unneeded, or expired medicines. These authorized drug collection locations safely and securely gather and dispose of pharmaceuticals containing controlled substances and other medicines.

In your community, the authorized collection locations may be in retail pharmacies, hospitals or clinic pharmacies, and law enforcement agencies/ facilities. Some authorized collectors may also offer mail-back programs or collection receptacles like drop off boxes to assist you in safely disposing of your unused medicines. To find a local drug collection site:

  • Go to the DEA website and search your area by zip code or city & state
  • Use Google Maps and type in “drug disposal near me” or “medication disposal near me”.

Go to a Drug Takeback Event

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) periodically hosts National Prescription Drug Take-Back events. During Drug Take Back Days, temporary drug collection sites are set up in communities nationwide for safe disposal of prescription drugs. Also, local law enforcement agencies may sponsor drug take-back events in your community.Expired Medication Takeback

All medicines dropped off at drug collection sites or events will be destroyed and discarded. If you are interested in donating your medication, use this online resource to determine whether pharmaceutical donation and reuse programs exist in your state.

Safe Disposal of Medicines at Home

When none of these options are readily available, the FDA provides step-by-step guidelines for safe disposal of prescription and over-the-counter medicines in your home. 

Can I Get a Refund for My Pet’s Unused Medications?

For your pet’s protection, state and federal laws do not permit pharmacies to resell, restock, or redistribute prescription products if they have been returned after the sale, even if they are unopened. Once a prescription medication leaves the pharmacy, the efficacy, safety, and integrity of the medication cannot be guaranteed once returned. For this reason, pharmacies generally do not provide refunds for prescription medications.

 

Did you find this article helpful? Leave us a comment below!

References
  • “Disposal of Unused Medicines: What You Should Know.” U.S. Food and Drug Administration. FDA, 2019. Web.17 Nov. 2019.
  • “Drug Disposal Information.” US Drug Enforcement Administration. DEA Diversion Control Division, 2019. Web. 17 Nov. 2019.
  • “Disposal of Unwanted Medications.” American Veterinary Medical Association. AVMA, n.d. Web. 17 Nov. 2019.

When Your Dog or Cat Rejects Their Medication

Do you find it difficult to give your dog or cat medicine? If you find your pet’s medication on the floor instead of in their mouths, it may be time for other options. Your pet may need medications at one time or another during their lifetime. Whether it be medicines to treat an illness or injury, relieve pain, prevent infection, or manage a disease, knowing how to administer medication to your dog or cat is important. We have put together a few tips for giving your pets a pill that will make the process more pleasant for everyone involved.

Cutting, Splitting, and Crushing

Depending on the type of medication, splitting, cutting, or crushing can make pills easier to give or hide in food. Some tablets or caplets are scored with a visual marking which makes them easier to split. Using a Pill Cutter or Pill Splitter to slice medications is not only easier but also keeps the task clean and contained. It’s important to ask your pharmacist or veterinarian if your pet’s medication can be crushed, split, or mixed with food. Some medications may become less effective if they are altered or not given whole. Also, some medications require an empty stomach or are given before meals.

Hide The Pills

One of the most popular methods for giving pills is to hide them in human food or treats. This especially works well for pets who readily accept treats or have favorite foods. This hands-off approach creates less stressful for everyone involved. A variety of pill treats designed to hold medications.

Advita Critter Cups at VetRXDirectAdvita Critter Cups

Advita CritterCups are a tasty probiotic supplement and pill masking treat all in one!  Give CritterCups as a daily treat or to hide medications. They contain live probiotic cultures and prebiotics to support proper digestion and overall health in dogs and puppies.

Frenzies Pill Treats at VetRxDirectFrenzies Pill Treats

Turn your dog’s medication into a tasty snack with Frenzies Pill Treats. Frenzies Pill Treats hide most tablets and capsules in a chicken-flavored soft chew, making oral medications easier to give to your dog. These pill treats are wheat-free, BHA free, and made in the USA. 

Wonderbars Shapeable Treats at VetRxDirectWonderbars

Wonderbars are tasty, shapeable treats that can be molded around any pill medication. The Wonderbars have a low allergen formula and are made without corn gluten, wheat or soy. They contain no sodium and have low-calorie content to help meet dietary and weight concerns.

EZ-Med Pill Holes at VetRxDirectEZ-Med Pill Holes

EZ-Med Pill Holes are soft chew, pill pods that hide the odor and taste of capsules, tablets, or other pills. Dogs enjoy the hickory smoked flavor, and forget about the medication!

 

Camo Pill Masking Paste at VetRXDirectCamoPill

Camo Pill is a soft, easily-shaped paste that wraps
around any size pill or capsule. The bacon-flavored paste masks the smell and taste of medications and contains no wheat flour or corn syrup. Use Camo Pill for dogs or cats.

 

Some dogs and cats refuse to be tricked by medicated food or have finicky tastes. It is common for pets to spit out pills after eating medicated food or treats or just reject it completely. Dietary restrictions may also limit the use of treats or foods. If your pet falls in this category, there are still a few more options.

Pet Piller at VetRXDirectPet Piller, Pill Gun, or Pill Popper

These pill devices are designed to deliver capsules and tablets directly into your pet’s throat. The top holds the medication, and the other end has a plunger to push the pill into your pet’s mouth. Pet Pillers also help keep your hands farther away from the mouth to prevent possible bite injury.

 

Compounded Transdermal and Liquid Medications

Compounded medications offer an easier alternative for pets that hate taking pills, and for owners who hate giving them. To completely avoid the mouth, a compounded transdermal gel is applied to the skin and the medication absorbs into the bloodstream. A compounded oral suspension can be made in a variety of flavors including unflavored to help make them more appealing to your pet. Talk with your veterinarian and pharmacist to determine if your pet’s medication can be compounded. Learn more about compounded medications on our blog.

Change Your Technique

Dogs and cats constantly observe our actions and behavior and are quick to associate them with certain situations, especially negative ones. Additionally, our pets adapt quickly to daily routines. Stay positive and reward your pet after pill time with a favorite treat, toy, petting, or playtime. Ask your veterinarian or your clinic’s veterinary technician to show you methods to administer medications and how to handle your pet if they are difficult to handle. Proper restraint can make medications easier to give and reduce the risk of injury for both animal and owner.

Does your pet reject medication? Share your tips, tricks, and comments below!

How to Prevent Dog Dehydration

The Hydration Station

Great summer pet care entails keeping your pet well hydrated at all times, especially during the heat of the day. There are many articles describing the health benefits of humans increasing their water consumption and the same goes for our furry friends. Keeping your pet hydrated can keep them healthy and less likely to experience heat strokes. Here’s a list of the top 5 ways to prevent dog dehydration:

  1. Good quality water is most important. A rule of thumb I like to tell pet parents is if you wouldn’t drink the water, then don’t expect your pet to. This is not to say we need to give them expensive, bottled water; rather we should ensure their water is up to our standards. Some well water, city water, and rural water can still be of good quality and great options for our pets.
  2. Fresh water is needed at all times. Giving your pet good quality water can turn to an effort-wasted if it isn’t replenished daily. Refreshing their water daily encourages them to drink it.
  3. Make it available at all times. This may seem like an obvious tip, but it can be a forgotten one. Pets that are able to go inside and outside will need two sources of fresh water that are refreshed daily. Sometimes, we can forget to refresh one or the other. Depending on your schedule, some dogs may need water while they are in their crate. It would be a great topic to discuss with your pet’s veterinarian and there are several devices designed for making water available to crated pets.
  4. Freeze the bowls on extra hot days. To help prevent dehydration and heat stroke in your pets, it may be a good idea to freeze the water bowls for a couple of hours before filling them. This will ensure a cool source of water for your pet to drink and it can cool their body temperature.
  5. Keep a good eye on their drinking habits. Most pet parents have a good idea of how much and how often your pet drinks. If your pet has any sudden changes (including a decrease or increase) in drinking water, you should contact the veterinarian. They may need a checkup to make sure they aren’t sick.

Since dogs are at a higher risk of dehydration, it’s important to know how to evaluate their hydration status. Below is a video of a veterinarian demonstrating how to evaluate a dog’s hydration:

What secrets and techniques do you have to keep your pet hydrated? Please leave us tips in the comments section below. Thank you.

How to Keep your Dog Cool

How Hot is Too Hot?

Summer is a great time to take our dogs with us for a variety of exciting excursions, from camping and hiking, to boating and swimming.  With a few simple precautions, we can make great memories and keep our pets safe.

How to keep your dog cool in the summer heat

Courtesy of Gloria/Flickr

Because dogs don’t sweat like humans, it can be difficult to keep your dog cool.  Dogs only sweat through the pads on their feet and release the heat in their bodies primarily through panting.  This can make hot pavement even more dangerous for dogs.

  • When walking your dog in the summer, try to walk them early in the morning before the pavement gets hot – if the pavement is too hot for your bare feet, it is too hot for your dog’s.
  • Dogs should be kept inside in air conditioning whenever possible, but if your dog must be left outside, ensure adequate shade, take into account the movement of the sun, and provide adequate water.  A sprinkler or kids’ pool with a couple inches of water can be a good way to help a dog cool down.
  • When hiking, ensure plenty of shade, water breaks, and avoid exercising in the hottest part of the day.
  • Pets can get sunburned too – if your pet has a thin coat or light-colored fur, apply a waterproof kids’ sunscreen at least to their noses, ears, and backs.

Ways to keep your dog cool if they become too hot:

  • Apply cool water to your dog either by soaking the dog in a kids’ pool or bathtub, applying water soaked towels, or using a water hose.
  • Ensure an adequate supply of drinking water, but don’t try to force your dog to drink, instead try running cool water over your dog’s tongue.

If you suspect your dog has overheated or is dehydrated, they may be in danger of a heat stroke, it’s important to contact your dog’s veterinarian or an emergency clinic right away. Heat stroke can be deadly, so watch for the following symptoms:

  • Heavier than usual panting
  • Tongue and gums may appear bright red and become tacky, and saliva may thicken
  • Skin may become less elastic
  • Excessive drooling
  • Weakness, muscle tremors, and seizures
  • If your dog vomits, becomes unsteady, or refuses to move, he may be getting worse
  • Gray or blue lips and membranes may indicate your dog is having a heat stroke

Other tips for a safe summer with your pet:

  • Bring your pet’s vaccination records – some parks may require proof of a rabies vaccination before permitting your dog into the park
  • Bring a pet first aid kit – you never know what trouble your furry friend may find
  • Locate the nearest emergency clinic when travelling with your pet
  • If you’re camping or hiking in an area with any venomous pests (like rattlesnakes) consult your pet’s veterinarian about the proper precautions to take and any additions to your first aid kit the veterinarian might recommend
  • When swimming with your dog, be careful not to let him drink too much pool water – the chemicals can cause an upset stomach
  • Make sure flea and tick prevention and heartworm medication are up-to-date
  • Take along plenty of medication if your dog has any chronic ailments
  • Double-check that your dog has proper identification or talk to your dog’s veterinarian about microchipping

Whenever you’re in doubt about the best summer care for your pet, contact your pet’s veterinarian – different locales can necessitate different precautions, and your veterinary clinic can offer great advice.

What are your tips for keeping dogs cool in the summer. Leave us a comment below. Thank you.

Keeping Your Pet Safe from Winter Household Items

Courtesy of Chris Vaughan / Flickr

Courtesy of Chris Vaughan / Flickr

While we know to steer our beloved pets away from items like chocolate and household cleaners, there are lesser-known hazards around the home that our cats and dogs can easily digest. During the colder months, our four-legged friends are often able to spend less time in the great outdoors, leading to the build-up of pent up energy and mischief. To keep your pets safe and sound during this season, make sure they don’t digest the following items.

Plants

Both dogs and cats are opportunistic eaters who will occasionally try new things. If left within reach, many wintertime plants are toxic to our pets. The popular poinsettia, for example, can cause nausea and vomiting if consumed. However, it is not nearly as dangerous as lilies are for cats. Swallowing a single leaf can result in sudden kidney failure in our feline friends; if you own breeds that are particularly susceptible to this condition, like Persian or Siamese, make sure these beautiful but dangerous blooms are elevated out of reach. Pet parents should contact their veterinarian or call the Pet Poison Helpline ASAP if any of the aforementioned plants are ingested.

Alcohol

With people not going “out on the town” as much due to blistery weather, there may be an increased amount of booze around the house. While a few extra mugs of eggnog won’t kill you, it can do serious damage to your pets, especially diminutive breeds. Remember, alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream, which means its effects will hit a small animal almost immediately. Even a few laps of an intoxicating drink could result in a deadly case of alcohol poisoning. Common symptoms of potentially dangerous inebriation include vomiting, seizures, and respiratory failure. Since many cocktails sugary and sweet, pets will imbibe them if given the opportunity; and once started, a cat or dog will continue to lap the alcohol up until stopped.

Desserts

While we may not enjoy the freezing temperatures and icy conditions winter brings about, there’s no denying that our stomachs longingly rumble at the thought of cakes, pies and other delectable sweets. As every dog pet parent knows, canines must steer clear of chocolate; even a small amount of the world’s favorite flavor can cause vomiting and diarrhea, while larger quantities may precipitate seizures and heart arrhythmias. But what you may not know is that raisins, currants, and grapes can be every bit as dangerous. Found in fruitcakes and many other treats, these ingredients can cause kidney failure in dogs.

Liquid Potpourri

A home redolent nutmeg or pine may be inviting to guests, but it poses a risk to your pets. When heated in a simmer pot, these scented oils can cause serious chemical burns that have claimed the lives of cats in the past. Although not quite as sensitive to these hot oils, dogs can be harmed by them as well. The only way to prevent an injury with 100% certainty is to keep these items out of reach. Do not place them on low-lying tables or shelves that pets have easy access to.

Manufactured Fire Logs

It simply wouldn’t be a toasty winter night without a roaring fire. Unfortunately, the most popular commercial fire starters and logs contain ingredients that can be harmful to pets. Although the waxes and oils in these products are not chemically toxic, the sawdust can cause serious intestinal issues, including blockage and bloating. As you might expect, the seriousness of these issues depend on how much of the log your pet consumes; large dog have been known to eat entire logs in no time. If this occurs, contact your veterinarian or Pet Poison Control immediately. Even though your furry friend will almost certainly regurgitate the indigestible sawdust in these products, it is important to seek veterinary attention as soon as possible.

Other household items causing problems for your pets?

Let us know about them by click the ‘Leave a reply’ link at the end of this post. Thank you.

What to do if Your Pet Digest Poisons or Prescription Pills

Courtesy of Douglas O'Brien / Flickr

Courtesy of Douglas O’Brien / Flickr

America is the most medicated nation on Earth. According to data from the Department of Health and Human Service (HHS), at least half of the country’s citizens are on prescription pills. But this article isn’t about the drugs we take and why we take them; it’s about the effects these pills are having on our pets.

Around forty percent of the poison control calls the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) receives involve pets that ingested pills for people. That’s more than 25,000 cases on an annual basis! Since they obviously can’t open pill bottles themselves, most cases of pet exposure are the result of human error.

What goes wrong?

Many animals will get into anything we leave out. Most will lap up dropped pills, especially when they’re sugar-coated, as well as tablets left on low-lying tables. Some dogs can even chew through plastic pill bottles in a matter of minutes. On occasion, pet owners make the mistake of giving their dog or cat the wrong medication, or too much of the right one. Either can result in poisoning or overdose, both of which may be fatal.

How to respond when your pet takes your pills.

Don’t panic! Before you call anyone or go anywhere, make sure you know exactly what your animal ingested. Take a few seconds to collect the pills or materials involved. That way, the veterinarian or toxicologist that treats your furry friend will know exactly what (s)he’s dealing with.

If your animal consumes a substance you suspect might be toxic, do not hesitate to seek immediate emergency assistance. Many pet owners wait until they observe adverse effects, which is always a mistake. Why? Contrary to popular belief, some poisons can take hours, even days to affect your pet’s health. Therefore, it is always best to seek treatment as soon as possible after an incident.

Emergency assistance options 

When their pets swallow something they weren’t supposed to, most owners rush them to their local veterinarian. In many cases, that is an intelligent move. However, when an animal has ingested a particularly powerful poison, time is of the essence. It is for this reason that the ASPCA created the Animal Poison Control Center so you can personally take action on the spot. After you dial (888) 426-4435, a trained professional at the Control Center will ask you a series of questions in order to determine your best course of action. Therefore, you must be ready with the following information:

  • The species, breed, age, sex, and weight of the pet involved.
  • The animal’s symptoms.
  • The substance, material, or agent involved, as well as the amount that was ingested.
  • The time that has elapsed since first exposure.
  • Have the product, bottle, or packaging on hand for reference.

There are certain circumstances when calling the APCC may not be the best option. If your animal is having seizures, has lost consciousness, or is having trouble breathing, he needs immediate medical assistance. Make sure you call ahead and bring your pet to a local veterinary clinic or emergency veterinary clinic as soon as possible.

Prevention is Key

As careful as you may be, there’s a good chance your pet will ingest something that isn’t good for him in his lifetime. When this occurs, it is important to be prepared. In addition to having the APCC phone number on speed dial, veterinarians also recommend that you purchase an emergency first-aid kit for your animal.  This kit should contain the following items:

  • A small bottle of hydrogen peroxide (to use as an emetic)
  • A medicine syringe, bulb syringe, or a turkey baster (to administer the hydrogen peroxide and induce vomiting)
  • Eye solution (to flush poison from your pet’s eyes)
  • Dishwashing liquid (for bathing your pet’s coat after exposure to a poisonous substance or gas)
  • Forceps (to remove bee or wasp stingers)
  • A muzzle (to protect against biting caused by anxiety or fear)
  • A pull-tab can of your pet’s favorite wet food
  • A pet carrier (for storage of the actual kit or your animal, if needed)

Last but not least, we wanted to take a moment to talk about common medications that may be dangerous to pets.

Here are the top five most dangerous medications for pets:

  1.  Ibuprofen: Found in most households, handfuls of them can cause stomach ulcers and kidney failure.
  2.  Tramadol: A popular pain reliever even for pets, Tramadol has a laundry list of side effects, including sedation, agitation, disorientation, vomiting, tremors, and potentially deadly seizures. If your pet is on tramadol, follow your veterinarian’s instructions closely.
  3.  Xanax: The most prescribed anti-anxiety pill on the planet, Xanax can cause weakness and collapse when ingested by our pets.
  4.  Ambient: A drug that helps tens of millions of us get a restful night’s sleep, Ambient makes most pets anxious and agitated.
  5.  Acetaminophen: The popular painkiller can cause liver damage in furry friends.

For additional tips on how to keep your pets healthy, subscribe to our blog!

Putting a Stop to Animal Cruelty

“Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could only do a little.” – Edmund Burke

There is no better feeling than coming home to your pets after a long day. No matter what, they welcome you with wagging tails and open hearts. They have spent their day waiting for the door to swing open and have you, their owner and dearest companion, home with them. They are full of unconditional love.

This gift of the human-animal bond is one that is not reached for every animal. In the United States alone, there are 6-8 million animals entering shelters each year. Around half of these animals will never experience the love of a forever home. Animal cruelty and neglect can be associated with homeless animals and those in shelters and rescues around the country. It is no secret trying to put a stop to animal cruelty can be a heartbreaking and crushing cycle. However, there are ways you, as a pet parent, can help animals in need. Regardless of your personal circumstances, you can take action and make a difference in an animal’s life.

It is natural to feel angry and upset when learning about the realities of animal cruelty and neglect. Education plays a vital role in taking action against these situations. By educating yourself on the laws and rules in your county, city, state, and/or country, you will have a better backbone in fighting against those who break said laws. Once you are educated, turn your anger and sadness into action. Do not remain neutral in situations of injustice. Take a stance and be the change.

The most important education you can provide for yourself is how to recognize animal cruelty and neglect. This may not always mean obvious signs of physical wounds on an animal. Examples of animal abuse and neglect can be seen in chained dogs, animals outside without shelter in extreme temperatures, abandoned animals living in empty homes, obvious and untreated wounds and physical suffering, emaciated animals without provided food or water, too many animals living on one property, and obvious violence against an animal(s).

Once educated, you can make a change by taking action. For example, animal shelters, rescue organizations, and animal rights and welfare groups are always in need of donations. These can vary from monetary donations that can be done via computer, to donating your time, efforts, and energy.

Fundraising events, enrichment activities at your local shelter, and educating and raising awareness to the public on animal cruelty and neglect is just as important as donating money. You can contact your local shelter and ask what they are in need of. Most shelters could always use more supplies to better their facilities and make the animals more comfortable. Donating extra linens, dog food, toys, cleaning materials, and bedding can be incredibly beneficial. Nothing is too small.

Becoming a shelter volunteer can also be a wonderful way to help animals in need. In rescuing, animals are sometimes found terribly neglected or having suffered some kind of physical or mental abuse. When they come into shelters they can associate humans with negativity and harm. They are unaware of the love people can give to animals and how to handle kindness. By volunteering at a shelter and providing enrichment to these animals, you can mean the difference between life and death. Some shelters will euthanize animals after a certain period of time or if they are deemed unable to be adopted. By helping these fearful animals and showing them life outside of a shelter, they will become more social and easier to be adopted, therefore finding a home and opening up space for another animal. Fostering is another way to donate your time and efforts, and help an abused animal heal their physical, emotional, and mental wounds.

However, busy work and life schedules often make it difficult to volunteer your time at a shelter. There are other ways to help fight animal cruelty within your lifestyle. Larger scale organizations such as the ASPCA and Humane Society of the United States make it easy for people to help. For example, if you are informed of or notice animal cruelty going on around you, report it. The ASPCA and Humane Society have tips on how to report animal cruelty in your area. If you are able to document abuse with a photograph or written statement, that will make for a stronger case. Be sure to follow up and keep detailed records when reporting an abuse case to the police or welfare organization.

There are also ways you can take the initiative and use social media such as Facebook or Twitter to fundraise, share information, and spread the world of possible cruelty cases. Social media is an amazing tool in raising awareness and educating the public at the press of a button. This is a great way to be proactive against animal cruelty while still going about your daily life.

Lastly, there are wonderful organizations out there working globally to stop animal cruelty. The World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) works tirelessly with multiple countries to ensure the proper treatment of animals. By supporting the WSPA, you can work together to raise awareness about animal welfare, and prevent the misuse of animals everywhere.

All in all, no matter big or small, local or global, any action against animal cruelty, mistreatment, and neglect is going to make a difference. By not sitting back and letting it happen, you are putting a dent in this constant battle for justice. You are giving a voice to the voiceless. If everyone does a part in this fight, we will work together to save the lives of animals around the world. Be the change.

Information about the following organizations can be found below:

ASPCA – http://www.aspca.org/

Humane Society of the United States – http://www.humanesociety.org/

World Society for the Protection of Animals – http://www.wspa.ca/