If you've been on ThatHelps for any length of time, you know that there have been a lot of wins in recent years for animals. From Chanel (and several others) banning the use of fur and exotic skins in their products to major reductions in the testing of products on animals (in several countries), there is reason to celebrate.

But, there is still a LOT of room for improvement. Certainly not all brands have embraced the ethical and humane treatment of certain animals. Luxury brands like Gucci, Hermes, and Cartier are a few. In early 2023, actress Dakota Johnson came under fire for being the ambassador for Gucci, modelling products made of real python and crocodile skins. What's the fuss you might ask?

We will spare you the disturbing images, but the inhumane and absolutely cruel means used to obtain lizard skins (as one example) would probably leave you in tears. There is something you can do to help. Take 1-minute to urge brands to end their use of exotic skins in their products.

👉 Consider adding your name in support to tell Hermes to end their use of exotic skins: https://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/118/629/947

👉 Consider adding your name in support to tell Gucci to end their use of exotic skins: https://www.idausa.org/campaign/wild-animals-and-habitats/latest-news/tell-gucci-ban-exotic-skins/

Source: Peta, In Defense of Animals
📸: Kindness Project

If you've been on ThatHelps for even a short while, you know that we've written quite a lot about toxic chemicals (known as PFAS) in human food packaging, water, and food itself. These toxic chemicals can cause significant health issues to adults and children. What about our furry friends?

This past November, there was a groundbreaking study performed by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) on toxic chemicals found in popular pet food packaging. What's particularly frightening is that the coating of some pet food containers contain PFAS, and as it even slightly chips off it can become lodged with other dust in the home creating toxic dust ingested by our pets (and humans too).

Sadly, according to EWG, no top pet food manufacturer has committed publicly to stop using forever chemicals in their packaging. So, let's join together in urging them too. After all, our pets are part of our family and we can be their voice.

👉 Consider adding your name in support to urge pet food manufacturers to end their use of toxic chemicals. https://greatergood.com/clicktogive/ars/petition/pfas-health-risks

👉 Curious what pet foods were found to have PFAS? Find out here: https://www.ewg.org/news-insights/news/2022/11/quibble-kibbles-forever-chemicals-pet-food-packaging-add-perils-home

Source: EWG
📸: Getty

Would you know what to do if your best (furry) friend ingested something that was making them sick? There are several foods well-tolerated by humans, but to pets they are poisonous. Now in it's 46th year, National Poison Prevention Week shines a spotlight on knowing what to do quickly in the event your pet has eaten something poisonous.

🐾 If you're anything like me, many pet emergencies seem to happen when the primary vet is closed. Consider keeping these numbers in a common location (your refrigerator door, etc) so that you don't have to fumble around in an emergency. Here are three options to consider that can help:

- Contact the 24x7 Animal Poison Control line. Experts await at 855-764-7661. https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/
- The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) is also a great resource for any animal poison-related emergency, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Call (888) 426-4435.
- Find our where your nearest 24x7 emergency vet hospital is and make note of their number.

🐾 Here's a refresher on common foods poisonous to pets:

- Xylitol, commonly found in sugarless gums, mints, and some candies
- Chocolate
- Certain types of lilies including tiger, day, Asiatic, Easter and Japanese lilies, are highly toxic to cats.
- Many fertilizers are basic gastrointestinal irritants and when combined with other chemicals they can be harmful or deadly to pets. (The same applies to cleaning products.)
- Keep those human medications in hard to reach places! Common drugs like NSAIDs (Advil, Aleve, etc) and Tylenol as well as antidepressants can cause serious harm to your pets.
/x

Source: Animal Poison Control; ASPCA
📸: Dog Time