When it comes to addiction, humans are not the only ones who suffer. In fact, there are silent sufferers who often get the worse end of the deal when addiction is involved. Those silent sufferers are pets. Pet are often affected negatively when they are cared for my someone addicted to drugs or alcohol. Pets have no control over how or when they are fed, cared for, or loved. It’s sad state for the animals in the home of an addicted friend or family member. Below are some of the ways animals suffer at the hands of an addict.
- Malnutrition. An addict can’t feed an animal when he is preoccupied with his next “buzz.”
- Unclean/unsafe environments. Often the first thing to go with an addict is care for his physical surroundings. Unclean and unsafe environments are deadly for pets.
- Abandonment. Many pets are often abandoned when an addict realizes there is no longer time or money to properly care for their pet.
Unfortunately, for many pets the unthinkable happens. Pets often pass away because of improper care and poor nutrition. An animal is virtually helpless and depends on their owner for food, shelter, and love. An addict just can’t give a pet the attention they need.
Fortunately, there is help. If you have a friend or a loved one who is addicted to a substance, now is the time to help. Not only is the addict’s life at stake, but the beloved family pet is also in harm’s way. A great place to start for help with addiction is Rehab-International.org. Here you’ll find many wonderful resources that will help an addict heal and recover.
Remember, getting help for an addiction affects many people – and pets. Get the help needed now, before it’s too late. You could be saving the life of a beloved pet.
