Okaw Vet Clinic Newsletter

Be Kind to Animals Every Week

The first week of May has been "Be kind to animals week". There is a lot of kindness to animals in our community going on. Curves in Tuscola recently ran a fundraiser for the Douglas county animal shelter, Hands 4 paws regularly donates time and money to the shelter as well as educating the community on animal welfare. There are many generous people who take food and other items to the shelter, call in to local officials when they see neglect or abuse on animals as well. These efforts go on all the time, not just the first week of May. It is good though, to focus on kindness to animals to help encourage more participation.

There are many ways to be kind to animals. Kindness can be small acts such as putting out bird feeders in the winter, using humane traps when you need to catch a wild animal, or planting areas for wildlife to get their food such as butterfly/hummingbird gardens. We often think of ways to be kind to our companion animals which is also a good place to start. I think we all know (at least I hope so!) to not tease dogs on leashes, chase down a cat, hit or strike any animal, or purposely poison an animal. Providing good shelter, care and humane control are some of the most basic ways to be kind to any animal.

People who do not have pets can be some of the most important supporters of kindness to animals. First of all, many of the animals in the shelter are there because first owners did not consider or assume the full responsibility of the pet they were taking on when they were young and cute. To be truly kind, one must look at the needs from the animal's view and provide for that. That means committing the time, the money, and the emotions for care as well. The most common age for a dog to be surrendered to a shelter is at 6 months old. At this age they are no longer the cute fluffy puppy who is easy to hold, walk or just let out the door. When they get adult size, teeth, appetite, and energy many people find it too much of an inconvenience to keep the pet, or they resent the bad behaviors that have erupted at this age. They give up on getting the help in training that is really needed or finding out from their veterinarian what to do and following that advice. Certainly some home situations change, and a pet may need to be rehomed. When this happens being kind means screening where that pet is going to well, checking out the new home, have contact information, and checking to see how the transition is going. So, holding off or realizing that your life would not be a good kind setting for a pet is a great kindness.

Those who do not own pets can be the biggest help in training pets to be good companions. You are the people who can just ring the doorbell while the owner in the home is training the dog to be better at the door. You, the stranger who just stands there as a timid dog approaches helps tremendously to prevent fear biting. When a timid cat in a friend's home just slowly comes out and you allow them to approach without reaching, you are helping that cat become more social. Helping a pet be their best is a great kindness.

People can begin at home also with their own pets. See if there is a way you can help your pet be their best. If they are calmer after a long walk, get on a regular walking program. Committing the time to walk and teach your pet how to walk on leash is a huge reward for them, better than a big box of milk bones. Cleaning the litter box more often is a huge kindness to your house cat. Providing more perches and a bigger cage for your pet bird is also nice.

You can find out more ways to see things through your pet's eyes from books, websites and magazines. The pet library on our website under behavior has some good articles. You can also go to American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior website and read up on ideas.