Kingsbrook Animal Hospital's Blog

How to Choose a Kennel

2009-07-09T14:01:00.000-04:00

There's no place like home, but if you can't leave your pet at home when you are away, here are some suggestions for choosing the right kennel.

Ask Questions - ask friends, trainers, veterinarians, animal shelters and pet groomers if they have suggestions.

Make unannounced visits - go by various boarding facilities and ask for a tour. If the staff is not willing to give you a tour, look elsewhere.

Check out the staff - are they caring, professional, and knowlegable? Are they friendly and open to your questions?

Visually inspect the facility - is it clean, well stocked, and orderly? Do they have plenty of room for the pets to exercise? Is there plenty of water available for the pets? Are there any potentialy dangerous objects within reach of the pets?

Are the animals, especially older and smaller ones, provided extra blankets or beds? Do all the animals have blankets or beds so they do not have to sleep on the floor?

Is medical care provided or readily available in the event of an emergency? What procedures are taken?

What can you do to make the choice easier? Board your pet for a few hours or overnight before going away to get an idea of how he or she responds to the environment. Consider a pet sitter if your pet does not respond well to being boarded.

Give all necessary information to the staff regarding your pet's food, medications, and habits. Make sure the staff is aware of any illness and is familiar with the proper treatment procedures for you pet. Leave a favorite toy or article of clothing with your pet if the kennel will allow.

Give the facility the phone number of a local third party and your veterinarian, as well as phone numbers where you can be reached in an emergency. Call the facility while you're away to check on your pet.

This can be a stressful time for you and your pet - being prepared will help make it easier on both of you.

What's your dog thinking?

2009-07-07T08:25:00.002-04:00

Hood College is scheduling appointments to learn more about what dogs know about the world. If you are interested in having your dog participate please contact them at hooddogstudy@gmail.com

Below is a bit more information about the studies and information about arranging a time to participate.

The purpose is generally to learn more about how dogs think about the world. Participation usually takes about 1 hour total. They only use positive reward in our studies (treats and praise). Although they have 2-calorie treats, IAMs dog food, and water for use in the lab, they can also accommodate special food requests for most brands or you can bring in your dogs' favorite treats. Here's a little information about some of the tasks that they use (You can also visit http://sites.google.com/site/hooddogstudy/ to learn more.). However, the exact tasks that you and your dog(s) participate in might vary depending on when you come in.

1. How long can your dog wait for a treat? They would ask you to place a piece of food on a dish and ask your dog not to take it. They measure how long it takes before your dog takes the treat.

2. What does your dog understand about others' interactions? Your dog would watch a demonstrator interact with 2 actors displaying different traits (e.g., generous vs. selfish or stern vs. lenient). After watching the demonstration, your dog would be given a choice of which demonstrator he/she would like to take a treat from. They repeat this several times to see how your dog's choices vary over time.

3. Does your dog understand causal events? They would show your dog a series of events with toy race cars on a track. They would record how long he/she looked at each event on the track.

4. How do your choices as an owner affect your dog's choices? Most dogs prefer larger quantities of food. That is, if given a choice between 8 pieces of food and 1 piece of food, dogs choose the 8 pieces. However, what if you, his/her owner, display a dislike for that larger quantity? Would your dog then prefer the smaller quantity? In this task, They vary how you act towards food and observe your dog's reactions over a number of trials.

Participation requirements:
- Dogs must not be aggressive with new people or around food.
- Dogs must be over 6 months of age and in good health.

Paws in the Park

2009-07-06T11:26:00.000-04:00

On Sunday, June 7th, Ranee and Jen attended Paws in the Park, a benefit for Montgomery County Humane Society. It was held in Wheaton Regional Park in Wheaton, MD. They completed a 1-K walk with their dogs- Ranee's Basenji's Kylie and Cricket and Jen's Daschund Austin. There were several vendors and rescue organizations present. Ranee was able to raise over $200 in donations for MCHS!

For upcomong events you can participate in, visit MCHS's website: mchumane.org

Doggie Tip: 4th of July Fireworks

2009-06-25T12:36:00.001-04:00

Although most of us love the pyrotechnics (the bigger the better!) on the 4th of July, most of our canine companions (and some of our feline ones, too) get anxious, stressed, and just plain terrified.

With training we can remedy or prevent this stressful day for our loved ones.
But conditioning them to be relaxed while the sky suddenly explodes can take several months.

Here are some helpful tips for this year's celebration to keep you, your house, and most importantly your pet safe.

1)- If they haven't had a physical exam in a while- at least a week before the day you know fireworks will be set off- take your pet to the vet for a physical and discuss anxiety medications.

2) Stay home with your pet. If you are planning on leaving- don't make a big production out of it, this may alert you pet that something is up and make them more stressed.

3) Stay inside.

4)If you are going out (and maybe even if you are staying in ) Crate your pet. In a panic your pet may try to escape and destroy any number of things in the house in their pursuit of safety. Also they may potentially escape the house.

5) Mask the noise by turning on the radio or t.v

6) Stay calm yourself. If you stay calm it will help reinforce the concept that everything is ok.

6)Give them a toy or a Kong filled with cheese or peanut butter (anything they love). This will keep them distracted (if you freeze the kong several hours before, it may even distract them longer).

7) You can also distract them by playing a game they love to play. Again, it's best if this is an activity that can be done indoors.

Good luck and have a safe and wonderful Independence Day from all of us here at KAH!

Wildlife Encounters Continue

2009-06-22T12:03:00.000-04:00

Dr. Cardella examines a fawn for injuries. The fawn was found by herself and seemed wobbly. It turns out she was an uninjured newborn and was returned to the area she was found, where her mother was looking for her. At the last sighting, mother and fawn were doing well.

Poster Dog

2009-06-19T12:25:00.000-04:00

"Clover found a poster that she really liked today!!"

She's Here!!!

2009-06-18T15:19:00.002-04:00

She's finally here! Kaitlyn Jaeun Park arrived on Sunday, June 14th at 4:17 pm. She weighed 5 lb & 14 oz. Kaitlyn & Dr. Kim are both doing great. Dr. Kim's husband, Sung, is still recovering.... (Dr. Davis can certainly relate!) What a beautiful baby!

Walk-N-Wag 2009

2009-06-16T11:57:00.002-04:00

Eileen, Allison Smith, Ranee and Ethel (the Cuban Rock Iguana) greet two and four-legged friends at the Frederick County Humane Society's 2009 Walk-N-Wag.

Wildlife Encounters

2009-06-13T15:50:00.000-04:00

Pictured above is Nora's daughter Harmony holding Howard the duck.

This is the time of year when wildlife is reproducing and babies are abundant. The thing to remember is that housing and attempting to rehabilitate wildlife that is either injured or orphaned is illegal if you are not a certified rehabilitator. There are many helpful resources if you find yourself in a situation where you have an animal you feel is in danger in its present situation. Here are some numbers you can call if you need assistance:

Department of Natural Resources wildlife hotline 1-877-463-6497

Gimme Shelter Wildlife Rehab. Union Bridge 301-538-2488

Second Chance Gaithersburg 301-926-9453

Frederick County Animal Control 301-600-1546

Service Dog In Training

2009-06-10T12:15:00.000-04:00

"Laurie Luck of Smart Dog University has a new Service Dog puppy she is raising. He is a Great Dane named Talos. To see more pictures and stories about him, go to SmartDogUniversity.com"

Latest Survey Winner

2009-06-08T17:49:00.002-04:00

Congratulations to our latest survey winner - Dannielle Snowden.
Dannielle is the winner of a $50.00 Giant gift card. Thanks to all our clients who participated in the survey.

Dogs and Thunderstorm Phobia

2009-06-07T16:51:00.000-04:00

Does your pooch bury his head into your side every time it thunders out? Does he dive under the bed whenever rain starts to fall? From your point of view, this may seem like cute and endearing behavior but it's a sign that your dog is terrified of storms. Some owners are willing to simply put up with symptoms of storm phobias like hiding, trembling, whining, drooling and pacing. In more severe cases, panicking dogs have been known to chew furniture, tear drapes, break windows and cause themselves harm during thunderstorms. In either case, the behavior is a sign of a terrified, unhappy dog.

Causes

Storm phobias are one of the most common behavioral problems dog owners face but their cause is not entirely clear. Behaviorists are not yet sure what part of the storm frightens dogs most, whether they're reacting to lightning flashes, the sound of thunder, wind blowing around the house or the sound of rain hitting the roof. Some dogs even start to pace and whine half an hour or more before a storm. They may be reacting to a sudden drop in air pressure, sounds of thunder that we can’t hear yet, or the electrical charge of the air.

What to do?

Talking to your veterinarian is the first step to helping your pup overcome his thunderstorm fears. Your veterinarian can help you develop a program to gradually retrain your dog by gradually and gently helping him adjust to storms through behavior modification. Technically called "systematic desensitization," this procedure involves exposing the storm-phobic dog to some gentle reminders of a thunderstorm, such as a very soft tape recording of thunder or a flashing light. The dog is rewarded with lots of treats, attention and other positive reinforcement only if there is no evidence of anxiety. Over time, the intensity of the stimulus is increased and only calm behavior rewarded (get profession guidance, either from a veterinarian or a veterinary behavior specialist, before you begin this process). If you introduce frightening stimuli too quickly or don't see signs of fear your dog may be showing, you could possibly end up making the phobia worse.

If gentle, patient retraining doesn't help your pooch, there are some prescriptions that can. Your veterinarian can prescribe an anti-anxiety or antidepressant medication to help your dog remain calm during storms. You can also make sure your dog has a warm, safe "den" to retreat to when the weather gets too scary. Try padding a crate with blankets or clearing a space underneath your bed. Just make sure that it's somewhere your pup can get out of whenever he wants. A panicked dog can do a lot of damage to his crate and himself if he's confined.It is very important that you remain calm when your dog is afraid. Don't cuddle and reassure him, because it will reward his fearful behavior but don’t punish him for it either. Instead, just be calm and provide him with a safe, familiar place where he can feel secure and ride out the storm.

Walk-N-Wag 2009

2009-06-04T12:18:00.004-04:00

A good time was had by all at the Frederick County Humane Society's Walk-N-Wag last Saturday. Above are two participants that look vagely famililar. The terrier is Eileen and she is most commonly seen, sans fur coat, at the reception desk. The pug is Ranee, one of our six registered veterinary technicians.

Adopt-a-Shelter-Cat Month

2009-06-02T08:15:00.001-04:00

Animal shelters are vibrant and exciting places to go; barking, bustling, and busy. You'll find wonderful animals, many choices for your new companion. Our shelter employees have a wealth of information and experience to offer you about selecting the right pet for your family. You'll also find a pet adoption process that's designed to find a good home for our pets and a good pet for your home.

Our shelter employees will ask a number of questions about you; your pet experience and what you expect from the pet; questions you may not have expected. Some people feel that it's harder to adopt a pet than a child, but we want to insure our pets find good homes and our citizens find the right pet. So hang in there; adopting a pet is worth it.

If you are ready to make a commitment to the right pet, not only will you save a life, you'll enhance your own. People with pets live longer and recover from illness faster than people who have none. Kids with pets learn empathy earlier than other kids. Research suggests that kids with pets handle family tragedy, such as divorce, better, too and may have fewer problems with allergies.

The Frederick Animal Control Center (FCAC) cares for abandoned and relinquished animals through funding from Frederick County Government. Each year, several thousand animals come into the shelter. While a few hundred of these pets are eventually reunited with their owners, the remaining thousands need new homes. Because the FCAC accepts all unwanted, injured, stray and sick animals in the County, we are often unable to find homes for all the pets in need.

How to Adopt

Find the pet of your dreams, bring your family to the shelter to meet the pet and fill out an application to adopt.

Make an appointment with an adoption counselor the following day. In the meantime we check references you provide.

Our adoption counselors will give you information on integrating your new pet into your household. If we've found a good match, you will pay adoption fees and take your pet home. If your pet is not yet altered, our vets will perform the surgery here at the shelter BEFORE you take your pet home.

Flea Facts

2009-05-30T18:19:00.000-04:00

These pesky bugs are something every pet owner dreads. They cause continual itching and scratching for our pets and can make their lives miserable. For some dogs and cats a single flea bite can cause an allergic reaction known as flea allergy dermatitis. This allergic reaction can cause hair loss and skin lesions as well as the miserable itching and scratching. Here are some other interesting facts about fleas:
* Fleas can transmit tapeworms to your pet.
* Fleas can cause a pet to become severely anemic in large numbers.
* A Flea can jump 150 times it's own length - a human equivilent would be able to jump 1,000 feet!
* The female flea can lay 2,000 eggs in her lifetime.
* If all 53 million dogs in the US hosted 60 fleas, we'd have more then 6 trillion flea eggs surrounding our pets. Laid end to end, those eggs would stretch around the world more than 76 times!
* The female flea consumes 15 times it's body weight in blood daily
* If you happen to see 1 flea, there may be more that 100 offspring or adults looming in furniture, corners, cracks, carpeting, or on your pet.
* Fleas cannot tolerate cold temperature - hence spring and summer are the most active months for fleas.
* Our houses are kept warm and cozy during the fall and winter months so fleas can survive on your pet year round!!!

Frontline Topspot is a flea prevention that can be used year round to keep fleas off your loved one. It even takes care of ticks!

Call our office today if you have any questions or would like to pick up some prevention today to keep your pet FLEA FREE!!!

Hospital Survey

2009-05-27T11:43:00.000-04:00

At Kingsbrook Animal Hospital we are always striving to better serve you and your pet. Please let us know how we are doing by taking our on-line survey at www.vet-survey.com/kingsbrook. In apprecation, you will be entered into a monthly drawing for a $50.00 Giant Food gift card. But hurry, the contest ends may 31, 2009.

Congratulations to: March Winner - Nadine George
April Winner - Shenelle Jennngs

Please take a moment to give us your commets - you could be our next winner!

Pet First Aid Kits

2009-05-24T16:46:00.000-04:00

A good first aid kit is a must to be prepared for emergencies. There should be a first aid kit in your car, and in your home. The more complete your first aid kits are the better you can deal with emergencies as they come up. The best time to assemble those kits is now. If you wait until an emergency happens, you will be too late. If you have animals, then supplies for them should be included in both your car and your home first aid kits. These goals will help you assemble your first aid kits. Consider all of the possible emergencies which can happen.

If you do not want to prepare your own kits, there are very good prepackaged kits on the market. Peruse their contents carefully so that you know whether or not the kit is appropriate as there are also kits which are nothing more than "band-aids". You will need to know if the kit you are purchasing has perishables such as aspirin in it so that they can be replaced when they expire. If you decide to prepare your own kits, you will find that many supplies will come packaged in larger quantities than you find in a single prepared kit. Divide the packages into the different kits you are making. Many supplies are appropriate for all kits.

First aid kits should be kept in containers that are labeled as such. Small containers which can be used for first aid kits can be found as cosmetic boxes, sewing boxes, tackle boxes, tool boxes, etc. If you purchase your supplies first, you will have a better idea what size box you will need to find to store them. Keep the box in a single location in your house, car . Everyone should know where It is, and always keep out of reach of children Here are some basic items that all first aid kits should contain.

1. Rectal Thermometer - this can be the glass kind or the newer electronic kind. The electronic ones beep when they are finished registering a temperature. They are slightly smaller than the glass kind. They do not break as easily. They can be covered with thin sleeves to halt the spread of germs. They can also be used as oral thermometers. They do have a battery which will need replacing and they are more expensive then the glass ones. [normal canine temperature - 100.5 to 102.5F]

2. Lubricating jelly to lubricate thermometer

3. Instant hot and cold compresses

4. Adhesive tape to secure bandages - both non-stick tape (ie. Dermicel or another brand of paper tape) and water proof tape

5. Blunt tipped scissors (a must for animal first aid - used for cutting hair away from wounds)

6. Bandage scissors

7. Splints

8. Alcohol swabs to sterilize instruments or small areas of skin

9. Antibiotic ointment for wounds (not for eyes) (ie. Betadine ointment, Bacitracin, Neosporin (for non puncture type wounds)

10. Contact lens solution for rinsing eyes, to clean wounds (water can be substituted)

11. Cotton swabs (ie. Qtips)

12. Green soap - a mild antibacterial soap for cleaning skin, wounds 13. Sterile cotton or cotton balls

14. Sterile Gauze Pads (the larger 4" size is better since it can easily be cut smaller if necessary)

15. Rolls of gauze or cling gauze bandage(1-2")

16. Hydrogen Peroxide - 10 ml every 15 minutes to induce vomiting in animals that have ingested a non-caustic poison (syrup of ipecac is not always effective for animals but should be included for humans)

17. Razor blade for snake bites

18. Stockingette to protect bandage on leg or foot

19. Rubber bulb ear syringe - used for flushing eyes, ears, wounds

20. Forceps and/or tweezers

21. Self-adhesive bandage (ie. Vetrap)

22. Numbers for the Animal Poison Hotline & Poison Control for Pets (800/548-2423 or 900/680-0000 both numbers charge a fee). The National Poison Control Hotlines for humans should also be included.

Baby Bunny ALERT!

2009-05-21T15:05:00.000-04:00

Rabbits hide their nests in plain view, often putting them in the open; for example, in the middle of the lawn, as well as in brush piles and long grass. If you find a nest that has been disturbed, do all you can to restore and protect it rather than bring the infants inside.

Rabbit mothers nurse their babies for approximately 5 minutes a day. They will be in the nest early in the morning and then again in the evening. The milk is very rich and the babies "fill up" to capacity within minutes. Mother rabbits do not "sit" on the babies to keep them warm as do some mammals and birds. They build a nest with fur and grasses which helps to keep the babies warm in between feedings.

If you come across a nest of bunnies in the wild and the mother is no where to be seen, please DO NOT disturb them...this is normal. By removing them from the nest you are greatly reducing their chances of survival.

If your dog disturbs a nest or you find a wild bunny with its eyes open, please put him back if not injured. Keep your dog away from the area and reconstruct the nest with grasses. If need be, you can move the nest up to 10 feet away where safer.

Mom will be coming back at night to call and feed him only once in the middle of the night. Do not take the bunny inside or feed him. That is the mom's job. IT IS A MATTER OF HIS/HER SURVIVAL AND UP TO US AS HUMANS TO LEAVE NATURE BE AND LET THE MOM CARE FOR HER YOUNG. We often hear of mothers moving their babies and their nests, and have seen moms come back every night for up to a week to look for her missing baby. Do not take the baby from the mom or she will be frantic.

If you come accross an injured bunny, the best thing you can do is to call your veterinarian or get in touch with a skilled wildlife rehabilitator.

Should I worry if my dog has missing teeth?

2009-05-18T10:38:00.002-04:00

YES!

Because there are many reasons a tooth could be missing, we should never assume that an absent tooth in a dog’s dentition is simply not there. A tooth could be missing secondary to physiologic reasons, trauma, breed predisposition, a tooth not erupting, or impaction. To find out which of these causes we are dealing with, dental radiographs need to be taken. This allows the doctor to see if the tooth is truly absent or if it is impacted, as well as valuable information about the root structures and bone around the rest of the teeth.

So what if the tooth IS impacted?

Impacted teeth can lead to further damage in a dog’s mouth. Extraction of these teeth is always recommended to prevent or treat a dentigerous cyst. These cysts can be invasive and destroy nearby teeth and surrounding bone, potentially leading to further extractions. With the extraction of impacted teeth and removal of the cyst (if present) prognosis is excellent and further damage can be prevented.

AKC Announces New Program for Mixed Breeds

2009-05-15T08:40:00.000-04:00

For the past 125 years, the American Kennel Club® has been the nation's premier advocate for dogs and the people who love them. The AKC's Board of Directors has voted unanimously to proceed with a program for mixed breed dogs which will allow it to act even more broadly and effectively as the dog's champion. The creation of this program ushers in new opportunities for AKC's constituents and clubs and will allow the organization to grow and flourish.

"Our goal in creating a program specifically designed for mixed breeds is to share our passion for dogs and our sport," said AKC President and CEO Dennis Sprung. "AKC will broaden its legislative influence by representing more dog owners and achieve greater exposure for our responsible dog ownership messaging. But ultimately, the positive developments that this program creates will benefit dogs the most, and this is what we value above all."

The mixed breeds program will be implemented in three phases. As of October 1, 2009 owners can begin enrolling their pets and receive an AKC ID number. Then beginning April 1, 2010 enrolled dogs will be eligible to compete in mixed breed classes at stand-alone AKC Agility, Obedience and Rally events. Soon after they will have access to benefits such as discounted AKC Companion Animal Recovery Lost and Found service, a free AKC Canine Good Citizen® certificate for dogs passing the CGC test, a free initial veterinary visit, a trial offer of pet health insurance and discounted coupons for dog supplies.

The third phase will offer a dedicated Web site where dog owners can interact via an online community with discussion forums and access dog care video downloads, advice from experts and the most up-to-date news on canine health and welfare. The site will be continually enhanced with new features and benefits in order to respond to the changing needs of pet owners.

This new AKC initiative is the first designed to specifically benefit mixed breed dogs and their dog owners, however the AKC has long included mixed breeds in programs such as AKC Canine Good Citizen®, AKC S.T.A.R. Puppysm, AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day and the AKC CAR Canine Support and Relief Fund's disaster relief efforts. In addition, AKC has always actively advocated for the rights of all dog owners and the welfare of dogs through its Government Relations efforts and serves dog owners through its affiliate organizations such as the AKC Humane Fund, AKC Canine Health Foundation and AKC Companion Animal Recovery.

For more information about the AKC's mixed breeds program, visit www.akc.org/mixedbreeds.

Seasonal Allergies in Dogs

2009-05-12T09:49:00.000-04:00

Ahh...spring.

The flowers are in bloom and the weather is getting warmer. Certainly our love for outdoor activities are growing by day. Spring also exposes us and our four-legged friends to flower and tree pollens, making us highly attractive with itchy eyes and runny noses.

You may have noticed how our dogs scratch and/or lick a little more since we have started to enjoy the colorful flowers and warmer weather. These may be signs of seasonal allergies in our companions. Dogs can certainly have mild to moderate tear-like discharge from the eyes but more commonly, they start to scratch their bodies or lick their paws.

Antihistamines, either over-the-counter or prescription, can help relieve signs of seasonal allergies. Some dogs may require more than antihistamines to have their allergy-related signs under control. Flea or mite infestation, bacterial skin infection, or fungal skin infection can cause similar signs. If you notice that your four-legged friend is experiencing severe itchiness, please contact your veterinarian for an evaluation.

Pampered Pooch

2009-05-09T09:30:00.001-04:00

A young Thai jewelry designer has crafted a tiara worth $4.2 million for his pet dog, using precious stones given to him by his mother.

Riwin Jirapolsek, who showcased the tiara at a dog show in Bangkok recently, said he wanted to make something special for Kanune, his 15-year-old male Maltese.

He took almost two months to finish the piece, which is made from titanium encrusted with 250-carats of emeralds and diamonds.

Jirapolsek said he has no plans to sell the tiara, and now wants to create a jeweled hair clip for his beloved canine.

"I will make a hair clip next time because my dog has to wear clips everyday otherwise its fur will block its view," he told Reuters Television. "It may be decorated with jewels."

Despite the global economic crisis cutting into people's expenditure, the Bangkok dog show saw several canine lovers dressing up their pets in elaborate costumes and accessories and participating in events.

Bark in the Parkl

2009-05-07T14:47:00.001-04:00

Join Ranee and Lynn for a fun day with your four-legged friend. We will be at Bark in the Park on Saturday, May 9th from 10-2pm. Stop by our booth for a goodie bag. For more information http://www.co.frederick.md.us/index.asp?NID=3152

Calling All Dogs

2009-05-06T08:34:00.000-04:00

The Eastern Veterinary Bloodbank Needs Your Help!!!

The Eastern Veterinary Blood Bank is an all-volunteer canine blood bank and they are having a blood shortage. Could your dog be a blood donor "Hero" for someone else’s canine companion?

Benefits to Donating:
 Dog receives a Physical Examination prior to each donation.
 Free Blood Tying
 Free Blood Chemistry and CBC
 Free Heartworm test
 Free Ehrlichia, Hemobartonella, and Babesia testing (diseases spread by ticks)
 Brucella testing
 For each unit of blood donated, the donor is eligible to receive one unit of blood or plasma should illness or injury occur.

Donor Requirements:
 Dog must weigh over 35 lbs.
 Be between the ages of 9 months and 7.5 years
 Dog must have no previous history of serious diseases
 Dog must maintain regular veterinary care and vaccines
 Dog must be on heartworm prevention monthly.

Did you know a single blood donation can save up to 4 lives?

Did you know your dog can donate right here at KAH?

For more information please call our office at 301-631-6900 or the Eastern Veterinary Blood Bank Staff at 1-800- 949- 3822.

Be Kind to Animals Week

2009-05-03T08:19:00.000-04:00

Join the event that’s been celebrated every year since 1915 -- American Humane’s Be Kind to Animals Week. In this annual tradition, we commemorate the role animals play in our lives, promote ways to continue to treat them humanely, and encourage others, especially children, to do the same.

And while Be Kind to Animals Week is celebrated only once a year, there are ways people can be kind to animals every day. Here’s how:

Speak out for animals
Get informed about policies and legislation that can impact the animals in your community and throughout the country. Also, register to receive Action Alerts from American Humane -- you’ll be able to speak out for animals with just the click of a mouse. Advocacy for animals can make a huge difference in their safety and well-being.

Report animal abuse
Animal cruelty and abuse is not only tragic for animals, but also an indicator that other forms of abuse such as domestic violence could be happening. If you see something that looks suspicious -- a dog chained in your neighbor’s yard that looks underfed, a child putting a cat in a box and kicking it around the yard -- don’t hesitate. Let someone know.

Appreciate wildlife
All animals deserve to be treated humanly -- family pets and animals in the wild. Create an inviting space in your yard and garden for butterflies, hummingbirds and other creatures. If wildlife comes too close to home, look for ways to coexist with animals or to protect your property humanely.

Adopt a pet from a shelter or rescue
Every year, an estimated 3.7 million animals must be euthanized at our nation’s shelters because they could not be adopted into loving homes. Help animals find a second chance at happiness by adopting your next pet from your local shelter or rescue group. American Humane has tips to find the animal companion that’s right for you and develop a bond that will last a lifetime.

Take care of your pet
Pets are like children who never grow up. They need you to help keep them healthy and safe throughout their lives. Keep your animal’s vaccinations up-to-date. Make sure he’s wearing proper identification. Take your pet to the veterinarian regularly. Know what it takes to be a responsible pet owner.