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April is an important month for abused animals, animals doomed to puppy mills and animals that are used for fighting. If you are against animal cruelty you can show your support by wearing orange during April. Spread the word and let’s see just how much orange we can get people to wear to show support. Simply wearing an orange ribbon will make a statement that animal abuse will not be tolerated.

In 1824 the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) was founded in England to pass laws protecting carriage horses from abuse. In 1866 the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) was organized to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States. Even that far back in history there were people who cared what happens to animals and it continues today.

In 2006 SPCA International was founded in the United States. There outreach programs have helped thousand of animals drastically reducing animal suffering and abuse in the U.S. and worldwide. They assist in areas of conflict and disaster in crisis situations where animals are at risk or in danger. They award shelter grants, emergency grants and offer education and support programs to advance the safety and well-being of animals.

The Humane Society of the United States helps animals by conducting campaigns to reform industries; investigating cases of animal cruelty; advocating for better laws to protect animals; providing animal rescue and emergency response; and caring for animals through their sanctuaries and wildlife rehabilitation centers, emergency shelters and clinics.

The AnimalShelter.org created a web site to assist in placing homeless animals throughout the United States. They provide a database of animals which will allow you to search for your next pet based on location, breed, gender, animal type and size. You can search their directory to find local animal shelters, lost and found pets, dog parks and find answers to frequently asked questions. Adopting a pet is saving a life.

Local shelters play an integral part in communities getting involved. Volunteers are essential to help with the many required chores to care for the abused and abandoned animals. Foster homes are always needed for temporary placement while a loving family is found. Greeters to assist customers in finding the right pet for their home are always helpful. You may find it fun to help when your local shelter has an adoption fair. If you are an idea person you would be invaluable to help arrange and plan fundraisers and publicity events. Knowledge of grooming is helpful but not mandatory to bath and groom the homeless creatures to increase there chances of adoption. Saving newspapers and old towels to donate is easy enough for anyone to do. The opportunities are endless to get involved.

These are only a handful of wonderful organizations that are dedicated to protect animals and we need to support them however we can. The most important thing we can do is report abuse or cruelty to animals. Learn how to recognize cruelty and know the signs that an animal is being abused.

“It’s almost impossible to make conclusions based on a pet’s behavior alone,” says the ASPCA Animal Behavior Center’s Kristen Collins, CPDT. “The best way to tell whether a pet is being or has been abused is to examine him and his surrounding environment.”

ASPCA’s list of signs that may alert you an animal needs help.

Physical Signs

• Collar so tight that it has caused a neck wound or has become embedded in the pet’s neck
• Open wounds, signs of multiple healed wounds or an ongoing injury or illness that isn’t being treatedUntreated skin conditions that have caused loss of hair, scaly skin, bumps or rashes
• Extreme thinness or emaciation-bones may be visibleFur infested with fleas, ticks or other parasitesPatches of bumpy, scaly skin rashesSigns of inadequate grooming, such as extreme matting of fur, overgrown nails and dirty coat
• Weakness, limping or the inability to stand or walk normally
• Heavy discharge from eyes or noseAn owner striking or otherwise physically abusing an animal
• Visible signs of confusion or extreme drowsiness

Environmental Signs

• Pets are tied up alone outside for long periods of time without adequate food or water, or with food or water that is unsanitary
• Pets are kept outside in inclement weather without access to adequate shelter
• Pets are kept in an area littered with feces, garbage, broken glass or other objects that could harm them
• Animals are housed in kennels or cages (very often crowded in with other animals) that are too small to allow them to stand, turn around and make normal movements possibly with too many other animals

“Reporting suspected animal cruelty ensures that animals in jeopardy receive prompt and often lifesaving care,” says ASPCA Special Agent Joann Sandano. “By making a complaint to the police or humane society in your area—you can even do so anonymously—you help ensure that animals in need are rescued and that perpetrators of animal cruelty are brought to justice.”

If you see signs of animal abuse, don’t keep it to yourself!

Poison Prevention Awareness Month.

March 3, 2012: If Pets Had Thumbs Day.

March 3, 2012: Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race begins. Called “The Last Great Race on Earth,” this grueling race travels along a path that alternates between two paths, changing in even and odd years. The race crosses two mountain ranges in conditions that range from 30 degrees above to 30 degrees below zero.

March 5-11, 2012: National Pet Sitters Week.

March 8-11, 2012: Crufts. Held in Birmingham, England, this is the world’s largest dog show, featuring nearly 28,000 canines in its four days.

March 18-24, 2012: National Poison Prevention Week.

March 23: National Puppy Day. The Animal Miracle Foundation sponsors this annual event that encourage dog lovers to adopt from a shelter.

February is Pet Dental Health Month and it’s a perfect time to double check how you’re doing with your pet’s own dental health.  Maybe it’s time to make some healthy changes.

It’s estimated that eighty percent of all dogs and cats have some form of dental disease and gum disease and it can be very severe. Dental disease affects much more than fresh breath, it can frequently lead to more serious health problems such as kidney and heart disease. Veterinarian experts strongly recommend daily dental care for pets and twice a year mouth exams, beginning early.

Everyone learns the importance of good dental health when we’re young.  Your dog and cat depend on you to keep their teeth and gums free of plaque and gum disease.  And it’s not as difficult as you may think it is!

Your dog and cat deserve clean, white, bright teeth, fresh breath and healthy gums.  As always, a good preventive, holistic program is the best way to ensure good dental health and avoid many of the issues that can come with poor dental care.

Tartar can lead to inflamed and infected gums (gingivitus) and periodontal disease.  This can cause many health issues, especially in animals with a compromised immune system.  Reports suggest a link between periodontal disease and diseases that effect the lungs, kidneys and heart.

This is easy to avoid with making some healthy changes in your pet’s diet.  Unfortunately it’s a myth that dry dog foods help keep teeth clean and prevent tooth decay. (do croutons keep our teeth clean?) Actually fresh meats, fruits and vegetables are great due to the enzymes in these unprocessed foods.  The enzymes help keep the tartar off the teeth so it doesn’t become a problem.  Raw meaty bones and fresh vegetables like cauliflower, celery, apples and carrots (Salem and Foster love their carrots) are excellent at maintain clean teeth.  You can always tell when a dog or cat is on a raw fresh food diet by looking at their shiny white teeth!

Here’s a short check list for you to get on a dental health program:

Check your pet’s gums and teeth regularlyGet comfortable with examining your pet’s teeth.  Do this at least once a month and look for red, swollen gums, tartar build-up, abscesses, loose teeth or any other irregularities.Make an annual teeth cleaning visit to the Vet for a professional  cleaning.Provide meaty bones and fibrous fruits and vegetables on a weekly basis.Use a toothbrush or finger brush to regularly keep tartar off their teeth.There are also natural dental oral gels, pastes and powders that work very well at keeping the teeth tartar-free.