Latest news with #AmericanSocietyforthePreventionofCrueltytoAnimals
Newsweek
17-07-2025
- General
- Newsweek
Hearts Break As Shelter Volunteer Reveals Reasons Dogs Are Abandoned
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. In a viral Instagram post, a shelter volunteer revealed the most-common reasons dogs are abandoned, leaving internet users heartbroken. In the post, shared on Tuesday under the username @jsaraceno, the volunteer, Julie Saraceno, walks around the shelter filming some of the pups still waiting for a home, listing the reasons for their surrender. "When you're a volunteer at an animal shelter and you see all the reasons the dogs ended up here," the caption says. The first pup is Mishka, a 10-year-old Siberian husky who was abandoned because of his owner's health conditions, and is now desperately looking for a new foster, who can make him feel happy and safe for his remaining months. Saraceno told Newsweek: "He's been with us for just over a month, surrendered because of the health of the owner. Upon intake, a mass was found on his hip, later confirmed through X-ray. "Due to his age and medical condition, Mishka is in need of a hospice foster home where he can spend his remaining months surrounded by love and comfort." Screenshots of the viral video show the pups in shelter waiting to be adopted. On the right is Mishka. Screenshots of the viral video show the pups in shelter waiting to be adopted. On the right is Mishka. @jsaraceno Another pup featured in the clip is Jazzy, surrendered due to landlord issues back in December, still waiting for her perfect match. "She is only 1 year old. She is very shy and scared, so it takes time for her to trust people," Saraceno said. "Most people aren't willing to do more than one meet-and-greet, and I think that is what she needs to feel comfortable." Among all the other dogs in the clip are also Bowser and Mario, a pair of 5-month-old dachshund and Siberian husky-mix puppies, surrendered because the family had too many animals. "They have the most-adorable stubby dachshund legs you've ever seen," Saraceno added. With almost 3 million dogs entering American shelters in 2024 alone, adopting from a shelter has never been more important. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) says that, of all the homeless pups that ended up in shelter last year, only about 2 million were adopted, and 554,000 were returned to their owner. Of the pups left, 524,000 were transferred to other organizations, and 334,000 were euthanized. The Humane Society of the United States says that, when animals are injected with proper euthanasia drugs, they can lose consciousness in about 3 to 5 seconds. However, many local and underfunded shelters still use gas chambers. In these black boxes, it can take as long as 20 minutes for death to occur, and, in some cases, the animals are still conscious when their vital organs begin to shut down. The video quickly went viral on social media and it has so far received nearly 30,000 views and almost 3,000 likes on the platform. One user, John_baresky, commented: "Each is a TREASURE of a puppy dog to ADOPT and CHERISH! They bring cheer, fun, joy, laughs, love and loyalty to those that adopt them!" Portagebreeze added: "So many wonderful dogs who were originally placed in homes where human illness or a must move occurred. These pups are all so deserving of a wonderful family to call their own. "Won't you consider one of them? Papa has been waiting SO long. He has to be an only dog in the home it this is easily done and the folks at the shelter can help you be successful with him!!" Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@ with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
New York Post
04-07-2025
- Health
- New York Post
Does your dog need sunscreen? Which breeds are most susceptible to burns — and how to protect them
Hot dogs won't be the only ones roasting this Fourth of July weekend. While you're flipping franks and catching rays, your furry friend might be getting fried — and too much sun can bring some seriously ruff consequences. But don't sweat it: The Post fetched expert advice from two veterinarians on how to keep your pooch cool, safe and tail-wagging all summer long — including how to avoid a well-meaning but potentially 'toxic' mistake. Advertisement 6 Harmful UV rays can damage skin cells quickly, including in dogs. Thisislove – Can dogs get a sunburn? Yes, so paw-lease be careful out there. 'Dogs can get a sunburn on areas of their body with less hair, such as the bridge of their nose,' said Dr. Lori Bierbrier, senior medical director of community medicine at the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) eastern region. Other areas that are vulnerable to the sun include the ears, belly, tail and eyelids. Advertisement Are certain breeds more at risk? 'Dogs that have minimal to no hair covering their bodies are more predisposed to have sunburns,' said Dr. Timnah Lee, the medical director of Seaport Animal Hospital and Tribeca Soho Animal Hospital. Think: American hairless terriers, Chinese crested and Xoloitzcuintli. But it's not just the hairless crew who can suffer from sun damage. Advertisement 'Those with short hair, thin coats, light colored fur, or pale skin are also at a greater risk of sunburn — just like people,' Bierbrier said. 6 Some dogs are at higher risk of sunburn due to their thin fur coat. Natallia Vintsik – That includes Dalmatians, collies, Weimaraners, bulldogs, boxers, pit bulls, whippets and greyhounds. Advertisement Even fluffy breeds like huskies, German shepherds and Golden Retrievers aren't off the hook, since seasonal shedding can leave them more exposed to the sun's rays. And before you reach for the clippers, think twice. While it might seem like shaving your furry friend would help them cool off, Bierbrier warned that it can actually do more harm than good. 'A dog's coat keeps them from getting too cold in the winter, but also keeps them from overheating in the summer,' she explained. 'Shaving your dog of this natural cooling system can lead to discomfort, overheating and other serious dangers like sunburn or skin cancer.' 6 Sun protective clothing can shield your dog from harmful UV rays. Sydney – How do I keep my pup safe in the sun? 'On those more susceptible dogs, I recommend a doggy sunscreen on their bodies and face,' Lee said. 'Remember to reapply like you do for yourself.' Pet-friendly sunscreens come in a variety of forms. The AKC suggests choosing water-resistant, unscented formulas with an SPF of at least 30. Advertisement 'It is extremely important that you use the sunscreen designated for pets only, as human sunscreens can be toxic,' Bierbrier warned. Certain ingredients in human products — like zinc oxide and para-aminobenzoic acid — can cause vomiting, diarrhea and in severe cases, even zinc toxicity or liver damage if ingested. 'Sun shirts are also available to put on your pet to protect their skin,' Bierbrier noted. 'Also, avoiding the sun at the highest temperature points on the day is advised.' 6 For severe sunburns, experts recommend seeking veterinary care. anamejia18 – How can you tell if your dog's been burned? Advertisement 'Sunburns can be different in each pet depending on their coloring and how often they were exposed to the sun,' Bierbrier said. 'Similar to humans, dogs can get red skin that is tender to the touch. The skin may be inflamed, flakey or blistered,' she added. 'Your pet may also show signs of dehydration.' Dehydration symptoms in dogs include dry, sticky gums, loss of skin elasticity, heavy panting, sunken eyes, lethargy, decreased appetite and darker or reduced urine output, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC). 6 Sunburn can be exacerbated by hot weather and dehydration. mdorottya – Advertisement My dog has a sunburn — now what? If your pooch is pink, don't panic. 'Consult your veterinarian if you believe your pet has a sunburn,' Lee advised. 'We don't always want to put aloe on them like we do for ourselves, as they can lick it off, and sometimes that can create an upset tummy,' she added. Advertisement For more serious burns, Bierbrier said vets may prescribe medicated ointments. But for milder cases, there are easy at-home treatments, like oatmeal baths. 'Keeping your pet well hydrated is extremely important,' she noted. 'Cold compresses can also help relieve the inflamed skin.' 6 Pet sunscreens come in sprays, lotions, balms and wipes. Pixel-Shot – Can sunburn lead to skin cancer in dogs? 'It can, but since dogs have fur, their skin is overall better protected than humans from the risk of skin cancer,' Bierbrier said. Still, it's important to stay alert, since skin cancer in dogs is often treatable when caught early. 'Monitor the skin for any new growths, especially if they grow rapidly,' Bierbrier said. 'A veterinarian can test the growth to determine if the growths are cancerous or benign.' But skin cancer isn't the only reason to be cautious about letting your dog soak up too many rays. Besides being painful, sunburns damage the skin's protective barrier, making your pup more vulnerable to bacterial and fungal infections. It can also worsen other conditions, such as autoimmune disorders and dermatitis, according to the AKC.
USA Today
03-07-2025
- Health
- USA Today
How to keep your pets calm during Fourth of July fireworks
Get out the grill and prepare to celebrate Independence Day with BBQs, lawn chairs, and delicious food! The Fourth of July is perfect for gathering with friends, family, and pets. Just remember, while fireworks are fun for many, they can be frightening for some animals. Loud noises like fireworks or thunderstorms are the cause of nearly one in five lost pets, a survey from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals found. While we celebrate our Independence Day, here's how to keep your four-legged friends safe and happy: Petting your dog If possible, your dog should stay home with at least one human so it can be reassured if it gets anxious. Stay with your pet in a room that has minimal windows and play soft music or a movie to distract from fireworks and other noises. A little affection goes a long way – one of the best ways to calm your dog down is to give it strong, firm pats to let it know you're there, says veterinarian Diana Watkins, who owns 143 Veterinary Services in Massachusetts. Thundershirt You can try anxiety-reducing devices like a Thundershirt, which acts like a weighted blanket to soothe your dog. Medication For extra-nervous dogs, there are situational anxiety medications your vet can prescribe. They can be helpful during loud sensory events like thunderstorms and fireworks or when you're leaving your dog alone for longer than normal. Watkins advises giving your dog only veterinary-grade products because over-the-counter anti-anxiety and CBD supplements are often not FDA-regulated and can be harmful to your pup. Collar with ID Make sure your pet has an ID tag on at all times, or invest in a GPS locator for its collar if your pet isn't microchipped. Take a walk before nighttime It's a good idea to time walks earlier in the day before the fireworks start. Keep your dog on lead if you think fireworks will be set off. Consider Hiring a Trainer If fireworks and fear is impacting your animal, you can consider hiring a trainer. Working with a trainer of behavior consultant to desensitize your dog to fireworks gradually. It's never to late to plan for the next fireworks event. Sources: USA TODAY Network reporting and research; American Kennel Club
Newsweek
24-06-2025
- General
- Newsweek
Rescue Cat Enjoys First Night Sleep in Cozy Blanket: 'The Best'
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A picture of a rescue cat sleeping on a fuzzy blanket for the first time after being adopted has melted hearts on social media. In a Reddit post shared in June under the username u/gentlesoul00, a black-and-white cat can be seen napping on a fuzzy pet blanket right near its new owner, finally sleeping sweet dreams for the first time in its life. "First nights sleep of rescues are the best," the poster writes in the caption. Of the 2.9 million homeless cats who entered American shelter in 2024, only 2.2 million were adopted, says the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). About 362,000 cats were returned to their owner or the field in the same year; 369,000 ended up being transferred to other organizations; and about 273,000 were euthanized for lack of space in the facilities. Taking care of a cat means offering them the best environment to thrive, so experts suggest preparing your home for them before their arrival, to ensure a smooth transition, and make it easier for them to adapt. Posts from the animalrescue community on Reddit Before bringing a cat home, you should find a trusted veterinarian who can get them checked, vaccinated and spayed or neutered. You should also ensure your home is cat-proofed, says Cats Protection. Remove anything that might harm them, such as cleaning products, and make them a secluded space that nobody else has access to, like a spare bedroom or a corner of the living room, where they can go isolate as needed. Buy all the essential items before their arrival, including age-appropriate food; a warm, cozy bed; a litter-tray; a cat tree where they can climb and feel like their ancestors in the wild; and lots of toys to simulate catching prey. Food puzzles and cardboard boxes are also great forms of entertainment for most domestic felines. If you have another cat home, it is important that you introduce them gradually and mindfully, as this is what will set the basis for a good relationship between the two. You should first introduce them by smell via scent swapping, wrapping the new cat into a blanket and giving it to your established feline to smell, before starting supervised introductions. Only allow them to play together unsupervised when you are completely sure that they get along well. Newsweek reached out to @gentlesoul00 for comment. We could not verify the details of the case. Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@ with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
ASPCA pet insurance review 2025
ASPCA pet insurance rating: 4.3 out of 5 stars American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) pet insurance has very robust coverage but only about average pricing. Its policy includes harder-to-find coverage like behavioral and alternative therapy. One advantage to ASPCA pet insurance is that certain preexisting conditions can be covered: If the pet's preexisting condition is curable and there has been no treatment or symptoms for 180 days, it can be covered as a new occurrence. (But ligament and knee conditions would still be excluded.) Learn more: The best pet insurance companies Pros You can pay the vet directly, but your vet will need to submit a claim on your behalf. There's a generous 270-day window to submit a claim after the treatment date. Cons Costs are only average. A Health Assessment Exam is needed shortly after the initial policy effective date. There's a maximum annual coverage of only $10,000. Learn more: How does pet insurance work? A complete guide. When you're shopping for pet insurance, these are some of the crucial details to look at. ASPCA pet insurance basics Annual maximum limit choices: $2,500, $5,000, $7,000, $10,000 Deductible choices: $100, $250, $500 Reimbursement choices: 70%, 80%, 90% ASPCA waiting periods For accident coverage: 14 days For illness coverage: 14 days Special waiting period: None ASPCA age restrictions for buying a new policy Minimum pet age: 8 weeks Maximum pet age: None ASPCA offers two main options for pet insurance: accident and illness coverage and accident-only coverage. These plans can be coupled with an add-on for preventive care. ASPCA's accident and illness policy provides an extensive menu of coverage for treatments and perks for a wide variety of conditions, including: Vet exam fee Hereditary and congenital conditions Diagnostics such as X-rays and ultrasounds Cancer Dental accidents and illnesses Behavioral therapy Alternative therapy Prescription drugs Prescription food Euthanasia, cremation, and burial ASPCA accident-only policy provides a lower-cost option that can be used only for injuries related to accidents. It can pay for vet exam fees, diagnostics, and treatment for problems such as: Cuts Broken bones Bite wounds Lodged foreign objects Toxic ingestions Fractured teeth ASPCA's pet wellness plan offers two different levels of coverage for routine services. Basic preventive coverage includes the following: Annual checkups or wellness exams Vaccines, titer testing, and immunizations Dental cleanings Deworming and heartworm tests If you opt to add ASPCA's Prime preventive coverage, you'll get coverage for all of the above routine care, plus the following: Spay and neutering Flea and heartworm prevention Blood tests and urinalysis Learn more: Your guide to what pet insurance covers Like most pet insurers, ASPCA does not cover preexisting conditions. This means any health conditions or symptoms of an injury or illness that began before your policy start date or during a waiting period wouldn't be covered. But note that ASPCA will cover preexisting conditions if your pet has been free of symptoms and treatments for 180 days. (Ligament and knee conditions are still excluded.) ASPCA does include access to a 24/7 vet telehealth line through its mobile app with services provided by The Vet Connection. Telehealth lines typically provide urgent care support as well as tips and advice for certain types of pet care and conditions. While ASPCA pet insurance offers broad coverage, there are always policy exclusions. For ASPCA, these include: Cosmetic and orthodontic pet dental services Costs associated with breeding or pregnancy Anal gland expression Illness and injuries from intentional acts or neglect Procedures such as tail docking, ear cropping, or claw removal Experimental or investigative medicines or treatments Funeral services, urns, caskets, and other funeral items Grooming Nonmedical supplies such as leashes and bedding Preventive care services, such as routine exams and vaccinations, are also excluded from coverage unless you choose to add a wellness plan. Learn more: Does pet insurance cover vaccines? It's possible to increase or decrease your ASPCA pet insurance coverage during the policy term, but requests for coverage changes may be subject to underwriting and an approval process. Certain changes could be considered a new enrollment, which will reset the clock on waiting periods and what qualifies as preexisting conditions. The cost of ASPCA pet insurance is about average in our evaluation. See how ASPCA's average rates compare to other pet insurers. Learn more: How insuring a pet may save money in the long run Yes, ASPCA does have a multi-pet discount. You'll receive 10% off your premiums for each additional pet you add (discounts can vary by state). ASPCA pet insurance can pay your vet directly, but the process is a bit tricky. First, you'll have to ask your veterinarian if they can submit a claim on your behalf. Then, on your claim form, you'll need to indicate that the ASPCA should pay your vet directly. Payment comes in the form of a paper check, so be sure your vet understands the that the ASPCA recommends getting an estimate first to ensure the claim will be eligible for payment. Learn more: Pet insurance that pays the vet directly: How does it work? As a pet owner, you'll be responsible for paying for veterinarian services up front and then submitting a claim for the eligible costs covered by your policy. Claims can be submitted through the Member Center online, via email, fax, mail, or through the ASPCA My Pet Insurance mobile app. You must include an itemized invoice and your account number. ASPCA also recommends including a copy of your pet's medical records to expedite the claims process. ASPCA pet insurance allows a generous window of 270 days from the date of service to submit a claim. In case you get worried about your reimbursement getting sidetracked, the ASPCA Member Center offers the ability to track your claim online. ASPCA says it will typically resolve claims in 30 days or less from when they are received. You'll receive reimbursement faster if you select direct deposit, but you can also opt for a paper check to be sent via snail mail. The ASPCA's mobile app, My Pet Insurance, receives rather poor reviews from users who complain it suffers from frequent crashes and login problems. It does offer the ability to see benefits, submit claims, and find a vet. ASPCA pet insurance mobile app ratings Apple App Store: 2.2 out of 5 stars Google Play Store: 2.8 out of 5 stars While you might assume ASPCA pet insurance is provided directly by the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), it's actually offered through a partnership with PTZ Insurance Agency, an agency originally founded in 1997. Policies are underwritten by either the Independence American Insurance Co. or the United States Fire Insurance Co. ASPCA pet health insurance coverage is available in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. You can make claims for bills from any licensed veterinarian in the U.S., its territories, or Canada. You can use the ASPCA vet finder to locate a clinic near you. ASPCA pet insurance does not require an exam for enrollment. However, expect that ASPCA will access your pet's medical records if you submit a claim and might request the names and contact information for any vet who has ever seen or treated your pet. You can contact ASPCA pet insurance customer service at 1-866-204-6764 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET. You can also reach ASPCA pet insurance customer service via email at cservice@ To cancel ASPCA pet insurance, you'll need to contact them via phone or in writing by email, mail, or fax. Be sure to include the specific date you want your policy to end. ASPCA will refund any premium that you have already paid for any period after your last date of coverage. Learn more: Is pet insurance worth it? How to decide. Amy Danise and Tim Manni edited this article. We researched the coverage details and prices for 15 pet insurance plans. We then weighted categories, and each pet insurer was scored relative to the others to find the best pet insurance companies. Here are the factors we incorporated. Coverage types: 40% of score. We examined the coverage provided by the base policy without the extra cost of add-ons. This encompassed coverage for alternative therapy, behavioral therapy, dental illness, euthanasia or end-of-life expenses, exotic pets, hereditary and congenital conditions, preexisting conditions, prescription food and supplements, veterinary exam fees, and advertising/reward for lost/stolen pets. Average cost: 30% of score. We evaluated costs in five states for $5,000 and unlimited coverage for a mixed-breed dog (age 1), a French bulldog (age 5), and a Labrador retriever (age 8). Unlimited coverage option: 10% of score. We gave points when pet insurers offered an unlimited annual limit (or a $100,000 limit), which gives pet owners the most robust financial protection possible in the event of a catastrophic pet medical issue. Direct payments to the veterinarian: 5% of score. We gave points to pet insurers that state on their websites that they accommodate direct vet payments. No special waiting periods for special conditions: 5% of score. We gave points when pet insurers have no waiting periods for special conditions, such as cruciate ligament conditions. Routine wellness plan: 5% of score. Companies that offer a routine wellness plan in addition to pet insurance received points. Multi-pet discount: 5% of score. We gave points when pet insurers offered a discount for insuring multiple pets.
