News

Today, Monday, May 17^th marks the beginning of National Dog Bite Prevention Week. Based on a report done by The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), there is an estimated of 4.5 million people who suffer from dog bites every year in the United States and most of these incidents are avoidable.  It has also been said that dog attacks are the most widespread public health issue of children residing in the United States.

A majority of these reported bites are by dogs whose owners claimed that their dogs are safe.

Tips in Preventing Dog Bites

1.)  It is not recommended that you run by a dog since the natural instinct of a dog is to run after and capture its prey.

2.)  When a dog intimidates you, never scream. You also have to avoid eye contact and stay motionless until the dog starts to leave the area, then you can move away slowly carefully until the dog is finally out of your sight.

3.)  Never come close to an aggressive dog, most especially if it seems unsecured or unattended.

Ways to Become a Responsible Dog Owner

1.)  Teach proper behavior to your dogs help them engage other people and praise him for his appropriate behavior.

2.)  Keep your dogs in different room when a new person comes to visit or on a leash.

3.)  Never let others approach your kids when the dog is around.  The normal instinct of your dog is to defend the family members.

4.)  Dogs that bite are the ones which have not been appropriately socialized, get little attention and care, or the ones being left tied up for a very long time. Or, who have lived in fear or with aggression exhibited towards them. When they have experienced these things, they are most likely become biters.

It is essential for all of us to be kind to animals every day of our lives.  Since 1915, American Humane has been actively celebrating the “Be Kind to Animals Week” every year.  This week we honor, focus on animals and encourage ways of treating animals kindly.

Here are some ways on how we can be kind to animals in our own little way by providing the care they require and deserve every day:

Take a Stand and Speak Your Mind for Animals

Become informed about the different policies and laws that govern animals and the impact it creates to our community, country and the whole world.  Register  to start receiving Action Alerts from the American Humane Society so that you’ll be informed on current changes and concerns.

Report and Give Details of Animal Abuse

Animal cruelty and abuse are heartbreaking.  If you have seen an abusive act or cruelty being done to animals – report the said abuse immediately

Recognize the Value of Wildlife

Be aware of wildlife.  It could be as easy as cutting the soda can plastic that binds a six-pack.  Or, you can promote this by creating a private sanctuary in your own garden so that hummingbirds, butterflies and other living creatures feel welcome at your own home.  You may find wildlife to be closer to your own space – if you just open your eyes.

Adopt an Animal Pet from Rescue or Shelter Groups

There is an estimate of 3.7 million animals that are being euthanized every year because they have no place to live.  You may help animals by giving them another chance to look brightly in their life by adopting them.

Give the Highest Level of Care to your Animal Pet

Remember to keep vaccinations of your animal pets up to date. Be sure they wear proper identification and are taken for regular check ups with their veterinarian.  Responsibility begins at home with your own pets first.

To shine a light on the millions of dogs entering U.S. animal shelters every year, Karen Derrico, the author behind the book Unforgettable Mutts: Pure of Heart Not of Breed, has found this first Sunday in May as National Mayday for Mutts.

This event is being made possible by various animal shelters, humane organizations and pet-related businesses.  These groups are promoting the adoption of dogs that are a mixed-breed.  All of these events will happen during the whole month of May – so, while yesterday was the “official” day – the entire month is focused on bringing awareness to the need to adopt mix-breed dogs (lovingly called Mutts!)

All animal shelters participating in the awareness campaign will present certificates of “100% Pure Mutt” to future pet owners.

Mayday for Mutts is indeed an amazing effort to eradicate discrimination toward mixed breed dogs.  The hope is to wipe out the current misconceptions by the public regarding mixed-breeds.  The “Mayday” event is happening concurrently during the first day of Be Kind To Animals Week, a separate event founded by the American Humane Association.

Besides promoting the necessary information about mutts, this day also aims to encourage the adoption of grown-up and disabled dogs.  The campaign basically aims to put an end to all types of canine discrimination.  The vision is that pet owners will be open to the fact that each dog in this planet, may it be purely bred or mutt, old or young, is worthy of the equal treatment and opportunity to belong in a caring shelter and environment.

It’s one of those obscure holidays yet it does make a lot of sense.  Today, April 26th,  is National Kids and Pets Day!

Now, isn’t that what concerns us the most when we’re introducing a new pet into a home or when we have a pet and our introducing a new baby?

Here are some helpful hints from Chris Hayden, a veterinarian technician with PetFirst Healthcare. The full article is available here.

1. Teach children to approach animals slowly and to not reach for the animal’s head.  Start petting the back first and avoid the ‘belly’ area until you know a little bit more about the animal.
2. Watch toddlers, who can step on tails, pull and tug on ears – we have the words to tell them to stop doing that to us.  Your dog only has his back and little nips to let your toddler know he’s being hurt or to not touch him there.
3. Avoid giving your dog toy’s that look like baby’s toys or clothing.
4. Let older children assist with pet care. It’s wonderful to see them bond and understand the responsibility of caring for another.
5. Be sure your child(ren) knows to leave the dog food, treats and water alone (unless their helping with the care and feeding of your pet).

Any other helpful hints you would like to share to celebrate ‘the day’?