The Common Cold Shouldn't Be A Death Sentence

by Stephanie Feldstein · 2009-11-29 11:00:00 UTC
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Photo Courtesy Photos8.com

Humans tend to get grumpy when we’re sick. Our instinct with our own species is to find out what’s wrong, not kick them to the curb (though knowing how belligerent some people get, it’s probably tempting at times). We should give our pets the same courtesy.

Among the top reasons why animals are turned into shelters are behavior complaints that are often linked to curable illness (such as bladder infections causing litter box problems) or the normal aging process (such as a dog who startles and growls easily because she’s losing her hearing). Most animal shelters are too overwhelmed and too underfunded to address health problems, so a dog or cat that’s dumped because of sickness is less likely to get a second chance.

A number of medical problems, from infections to hypothyroidism to plain old soreness, can cause behavior changes in our pets. That’s why regular vet care is so important. When a new habit develops, it’s time for a check-up. Vet care can be expensive, but with options out there like veterinary insurance and funds that provide financial aid, it’s often more a question of commitment. I’ve seen families on food stamps find ways to get a tumor removed from their dog, and I’ve seen wealthy people dump a cat off at the shelter for little more than chronic hairballs.

Some people will always see animals as disposable or will refuse to invest in them once there’s the slightest sign of trouble, but for others, it’s a matter of understanding that pets can act out when they don’t feel well, and that there might be an easy, affordable medical solution instead of giving up on them. If someone is venting frustrations to you about some new trouble a pet is causing, the first step is to find out if it’s been seen by a vet recently.

Wondering how else you can help? Shelters often use volunteer foster families as a way to let animals recuperate in quiet environments so they get a fair shot at adoption. If you have the space, consider becoming a foster home. (Yes, it can be hard to give them up after they've been part of the family for weeks or months, but when you see them get a great home, it's worth it!)

Photo credit: Photos8.com

Stephanie Feldstein is a Change.org Editor who has been part of the animal welfare and rescue community for over a decade, and most recently worked for an environmental organization.
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