Trim Pets Can Live Longer Many dogs and cats in the U.S. are overweight or obese. And just like people, obesity in pets comes with health risks that include diabetes, arthritis, and cancer. Pets need far fewer calories than most of us think: • 185-370 a day for a small, inactive dog • 240-350 calories daily for a 10-pound cat Talk to your vet who can make feeding suggestions based on your pet's age, weight, and lifestyle.
The Furry Support System A recent study by the National Institute of Health followed 240 married couples. Those who owned a pet were found to have lower heart rates and blood pressure, whether at rest or when undergoing stressful events, than those without pets. Pet owners also seemed to have milder responses and quicker recovery from stress when they were with their pets than with a spouse or friend.
Delaware Dog License in 2012 DNREC’s Division of Fish and Wildlife urges Delaware dog owners to license their pets by March 1, 2012. Delaware law requires that all dogs, six months and older, must be licensed, except for Seeing Eye, lead or guide dogs, and all licensing is handled through DNREC, except for dogs residing in the City of Wilmington. The fine for an unlicensed dog ranges from $50 to $100 for the first offense. Licenses can be obtained in person from the Division of Fish and Wildlife licensing desk at DNREC’s main office, located at 89 Kings Highway, Dover, or from many veterinary clinics, pet shops, sporting goods and department stores throughout the state. For more information, including a complete listing of license agents, or to purchase a license online, please visit www.dnrec.delaware.gov/fw/ info/pages/DogControl.aspx. To encourage spaying and neutering, licenses for sterilized dogs cost $3 for one year, and licenses for unsterilized dogs are $6. Two-year and three-year licenses are available if a rabies certificate is valid for the period. A rabies vaccination certificate, including vaccination and expiration dates, is required to obtain a license. The rabies expiration date must occur after March 1 of the year the dog’s license expires. According to Patrick Emory, Director of the Division of Fish and Wildlife, purchasing a license and attaching it to their dog’s collar is one of the most important things an owner can do to protect their dog. “Each year, hundreds of dogs are lost or separated from their owners. A dog license is the best way to ensure that, if this happens, a dog and its owner can be reunited safely and quickly,” Mr. Emory said. Funds from license sales help support the statewide dog control program for which the Kent County SPCA has held the contract since 2006. Responsibilities for dog control include picking up stray dogs, answering dog complaints, responding to dangerous dog issues and inspecting dog kennels. To report dog control problems, including the location of shelters to receive stray dogs, call the Kent County SPCA at 302-698-3006 or 888-352-7722 toll-free. To report information on a dog bite or possible rabies exposure, call the Rabies Control 24-Hour Hotline at 302-744-4545. For more information on DNREC’s dog license program, contact Lynn Herman, Delaware Dog Control Administrator, at 302-739-9911. www.facebook.com/DelmarvaUnleashed
Delmarva Unleashed
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