Pet Tips
Caring for Your Pet:
Pet-owners are responsible for the health and well-being of their pets. Pet owners also must show concern for the safety and comfort of other citizens. The following are explanations to popular misconceptions about pet ownership:
"I am a great believer in physical fitness. My dog stays in shape by running all over town."
Dogs and cats that are not restricted to their owner's premises will tear up trash bags, get into fights, chase children on bicycles, harass walkers or joggers, and get killed by cars and trucks. An owner who does not confine his pet is actually saying, "I don’t care about my neighbors, and I really don’t care about my pet."
"My dog is always sweet to me. He plays with the neighborhood kids all of the time. He would never hurt anyone."
Dogs and cats bite and scratch, even when they are just playing. Every year, pet dogs kill people in the United States, and the victims are usually children. Thousands of children and adults are bitten by dogs and cats each year. Most of these deaths and injuries could be prevented by responsible pet owners.
"Our cat never leaves the yard so she really does not need a rabies shot every year."
Texas state law requires you to have your dogs and cats vaccinated against rabies once a year by a veterinarian. Rabies can kill your pet. It is present in wildlife, especially bats, skunks, foxes, coyotes and raccoons. Pet dogs and cats do not have to leave their yards to be exposed to rabies by a wild animal, because wild animals can easily enter your yard. If a pet develops rabies the people most likely to be exposed to this fatal disease are the owner's family. An annual rabies vaccination is very inexpensive life insurance for the pet and it’s owner.
"Neuter our pet? That would not be fair. We have almost always been able to find homes for most of her babies. Besides, I want my children to witness the miracle of life."
There is an average of 6 million dogs and 6 million cats euthanized yearly by shelters in the United States. Ask your veterinarian: neutered dogs and cats, both males and female, make better pets, enjoy a healthier life, and are less likely to stray.
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