Paws for Reaction

World Animal Day: Get involved and show you care

October 4 is World Animal Day and animal lovers all over the world are celebrating the many creatures of the Earth with events, donations, contests and awareness campaigns. This animal themed holiday is "a special opportunity for everyone who cares about animals" to come together and raise awareness, and to make a pledge to make a difference. The idea for the holiday first originated in 1925 according to the carefully researched Origin of World Animal Day document provided by the World Anima Day Organization.

The organization has a Pledge Board for animal advocates to make a pledge to better the future of the world’s animals. The pledges can be big or small. I really enjoyed reading some of the pledges. A pledge to donate earnings to an animal welfare group. A pledge to never own a wild animal. A pledge to rescue all future pets. A pledge to take the dog on longer walks. A pledge to go vegan. A pledge to not use any products that test on animals. A pledge to raise awareness. People from all over the world are making a pledge for animal advocacy and to end animal cruelty.

If you are looking for an inspiring World Animal Day event you can search events all over the world on their website, or add an event of your own. The great thing about this “social movement to raise the status of animals and improve welfare standards around the globe” is that everyone can make a difference. There are 92 World Animal Day ambassadors in 74 countries. In a press release World Animal Day ambassador Thomas Kahema from Tanzania said "all that we do in celebration of World Animal day has been a big lesson to government, local communities and schools throughout the country. Many people now understand the reasons why it’s important for them to take the care of animals seriously." Enjoy your World Animal Day celebration!

Will you make a pledge for World Animal Day?
Are you attending or holding an event?
Tweet @PawsForReaction and let us know!
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World Rabies Day: Why I vaccinate my pets against rabies

September 28 is World Rabies Day and 2016 marks the 10th annual World Rabies Day. According to the Rabies Alliance Organization in 2007, there were over 7,000 cases of animal rabies reported in the U.S. Most of these cases were in wildlife, but these animals can expose pets and humans to rabies. In the U.S., typically 1-3 cases of human rabies are reported per year and CDC confirmed one case in 2007. Even though North America is not an endemic region for rabies, it is still prevalent enough to potentially put my pets- and myself- at risk. Even if you don't encounter a lot of wildlife, mice, rats and bats can still enter the home and come into contact with your dog or cat. Once you or your pet are infected, there is no specific treatment. According to the World Health Organization FAQ's on Rabies "Human rabies caused by the classical rabies virus continues to be almost 100% fatal, with no specific treatment available anywhere in the world."

"There are only seven recorded cases of human rabies survivors in the world, who received intensive nursing care. Almost all of them received preventive/ pre-exposure rabies vaccination that might have modified the course of illness. Only one case of human rabies caused by a bat bite did not receive pre-exposure vaccination but survived. However, this case was not caused by the classical rabies virus."

Celebrate World Rabies Day with Paws For Reaction and vaccinate your pets against rabies! Check out the infographic below about rabies endemic regions and what to do if you or your pet is bitten.

What to do if you are bitten by an animal 

-Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water for at least 5-10 minutes. This is the most effective first-aid treatment against rabies.
-Contact your physician immediately.
-Report the bite to the local health department. If necessary, you will be assessed for rabies post exposure prophylaxis.
-Prompt and appropriate treatment after being bitten and before the disease develops can stop rabies infection and prevent the disease.*Information source from Rabies Alliance Organization