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Animal Rights Awareness Week

June 15, 2022
Animal Rights Awareness Week starts June 12th. If you’re reading this, it’s probably safe to say that you love animals as much as we do, and want to help protect them. Our animal companions can’t speak for themselves when it comes to their rights, health, safety, and happiness, so we need to do it for them. Here, a Washington DC veterinarian suggests some ways that you can help.

Choose Kindness

Choose products that do not participate in animal testing. One study by Cruelty Free International found that more than 115 million animals are used for testing every year! You can find a list of cruelty-free brands online here. You can also look for products with a Leaping Bunny logo. For fish, opt for dolphin-safe brands.

Reduce Meat Intake

Factory farming is a huge issue when it comes to animal rights and welfare. While going vegan is great for this, it isn’t the only option. Even reducing your intake of red meat can help. However, the key really is to pay attention to where your products come from. Choose brands that treat their animals kindly. This can be a bit tricky in some areas: for instance, cage-free eggs may come from chickens that are not technically caged, but still spend their lives in crowded pens. Do a bit of research.

Support Animal-Friendly Legislation

We’re happy to see that animal rights awareness has been growing in recent years. There have been several laws past making animal abuse a felony. There’s still a long way to go here, though. Be sure to support legislation that helps protect our animal friends!

Spread The Word

Sharing the word on social media is another way to help. You can also participate in events, such as races, fundraisers, and yard sales. If you make products of your own, whether it’s art, clothing, or other goods, consider donating pieces to be auctioned off or won at raffles. The In Defense Of Animals site has a list of individual cases and causes that you can support here. For those of you with children, this is also an important topic to talk to them about.

Adopt

One way to make a huge difference? Adopt a rescue pet. This won’t change the world, but it will definitely change that pet’s world! As your Washington DC animal clinic, we are dedicated to offering great care. Contact us anytime!  
Poison Prevention Week starts March 20th. This is a very important topic for anyone with pets. There are over 232,000 cases of pet poisonings in the US every year! Our furry friends don't know what is and isn't safe for them, so you'll need to take some precautions to keep your beloved pet safe. A Washington DC vet lists some ways to prevent pet poisoning in this article. Keep Cabinets Locked Many toxic chemicals and household products are stored in cabinets, often underneath sinks. Keeping these locked is a simple step that can prevent tragedy. Keep in mind that your four-legged friend doesn't have to actually eat or drink these substances. Because most animals lick themselves clean, they only need to walk through it or get it spilled on their fur to ingest it. Choose Non-Toxic Plants Plants are one of the most common culprits when it comes to pet poisoning. While there are many that are dangerous to all pets, others are more toxic to some animals than to others. For instance, lilies are extremely dangerous to cats, while Sago palms are a huge risk for dogs. Check the ASPCA site here for a list of safe and unsafe plants. Know The Warning Signs Although the signs of poison ingestion can vary, depending on the pet and the type and amount of substance involved, there are some common red flags to look for. These include vomiting, drooling, lethargy, agitation, restlessness, trembling, collapse, unusual vocalizations, and diarrhea. Pale gums are also a warning sign, as is a rapid heartbeat or shallow breathing. Cats may withdraw, while dogs may pace or whimper. It’s worth noting that while these things can be indicative of many medical issues, they should always constitute a call to the vet. Understand The Dangers It's also important to know what is and isn't poisonous. Some things, such as household chemicals, antifreeze, and rodenticides, are well-known. Others? Not so much. For instance, many people don’t know that a single grape or raisin can be extremely dangerous to dogs. Medication is also a common source of poisoning. Ask your vet for more information. Training This one applies more to dogs, of course. However, consider teaching Fido to Leave It. This simple command could help prevent tragedy! Do you have questions about your pet's health or safety? Contact us, your Washington DC animal clinic, today!

Preventing Poisoning In Pets

Poison Prevention Week starts March 20th. This is a very important topic for anyone with
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