Before the firecrackers begin to bang this Fourth of July, animal groups are reminding people to take precautions with their pets.

As people celebrate the Fourth with fireworks, pets may not be so amused. Fireworks and other loud noises terrify most animals.

"On a holiday full of activities like our nation's birthday, most pets will be more comfortable at home with their normal everyday routines," says Adam Goldfarb, director of the pets-at-risk program at The Humane Society of the United States. "So on the Fourth of July, spare your pets the stress of fireworks and crowds and ensure that everyone has a safe and happy holiday."

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When the weather gets into triple digit heat, we hear about the warning signs for heat stroke and heat illness, but don't forget about your pets because they can suffer too. Chip Maxham reports.As temperatures continue to move upward, we wondered how you can tell if your pet is suffering from the heat. I went to see Doctor Young, a veternarian who has practiced here in the hot summers since 1985 to find out what can happen if your pet gets overheated and goes into heat stroke.
Dr. Warren Young said, "You can have damaged brain cells, and one of the primary things that happens following heat stroke is sort of a delayed reaction that leads to kidney failure."

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AB 241, a bill to regulate puppy mills in California, known as the Responsible Breeder Act, has passed the Assembly and has now moved to the Senate.
This bill is scheduled to be heard in the Senate Public Safety Committee on Tuesday, June 30.
Background
Puppy mills are large-scale commercial dog breeding operations where profit is given priority over the well-being of the dogs. Unlike responsible breeders, who place the utmost importance on producing the healthiest puppies possible, breeding at puppy mills is performed without consideration of quality of life. This practice results in dogs with numerous health and social issues.
AB 241, authored by Assemblymember Pedro Nava, is pending legislation that will help law enforcement authorities to stop the inhumane overcrowding of large-scale breeding facilities by capping the number of intact animals they are permitted to own.
What You Can Do Make a polite call to the senator on the Senate Public Safety Committee to ask for his or her support of AB 241 on Tuesday, June 30.

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Your dog gives you a lifetime of unconditional love, loyalty, and friendship. In return, she counts on you to provide her with food, water, safe shelter, regular veterinary care, exercise, companionship, and more. Take care of these ten essentials, and you'll be guaranteed to develop a rewarding relationship with your canine companion.

Outfit your dog with a collar and ID tag that includes your name, address, and telephone number. No matter how careful you are, there's a chance your companion may become lost—an ID tag greatly increases the chance that your pet will be returned home safely.
Follow local laws for licensing your dog and vaccinating him for rabies. Check with your local animal shelter or humane society for information regarding legal requirements, where to obtain tags, and where to have your pet vaccinated.

Follow this simple rule—off property, on leash. Even a dog with a valid license, rabies tag, and ID tag should not be allowed to roam outside of your home or fenced yard. It is best for you, your community, and your dog to keep your pet under control at all times.

Give your dog proper shelter. A fenced yard with a doghouse is a bonus, especially for large and active dogs; however, dogs should never be left outside alone or for extended periods of time. Dogs need and crave companionship and should spend most of their time inside with their family.

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Ask any dog-loving New Yorker to describe his ideal work mate and you might be surprised to find he prefers one who has bad breath, sleeps on the job and demands frequent public displays of affection - to you.
"He's my baby, and I love having him around," said Manhattan hair stylist Deana Stroud of her 10-year-old Shih Tzu, Charlie, who shared his toys with clients yesterday at the Ruby hair salon on E. Sixth St.
"He makes people happy, and clients miss him when he's not here," she said.
Charlie was among hundreds of four-legged workers yesterday who commuted by subway, bus, bike, all fours and shoulder bags to offices around the city for the 10th annual Take Your Dog to Work Day.
Everyday is workday for India, a black Lab/Chow mix who bears the title "hair distributor" at the lifestyle e-zine Julieb.com. The 70-pound pooch spends her workdays there curled up in her own chair next to her chief collaborator Matt Milne, manager and controller, who says his co-workers feed off India's good energy.

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A dog severely injured when it was dragged behind a pickup truck in Vineland earlier this month has mobilized animal lovers to raise the reward for information in the case to $3,500.

People for Ethical Treatment of Animals on June 24 added $2,500 to the $1,000 reward posted by the Cumberland County Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, which is supervising care of the wounded animal. A witness notified Vineland police that at about 10 p.m. on June 13, a green pickup was dragging the mixed-breed dog along two local streets.

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A curious feline got her leg wedged in a Manhattan elevator shaft Tuesday and was rescued by Emergency Service cops.
But the tale of Maggie the cat doesn't have a happy ending yet: She needs surgery, and her ailing owner can't pay for it.
Animal Care & Control, which took custody of Maggie, started a donation fund Tuesday in the hopes of raising enough cash for the operation.
"It is going to require extensive medical care that we are not able to provide in the shelter," said Richard Gentles, a spokesman for the city shelters.
"We have to pay the bill. They don't do it for free - that's for sure."The 1-year-old shorthaired domestic cat somehow got out of her apartment in the Thomas Jefferson Houses in East Harlem before 2:30 p.m. and ended up stuck between the elevator and the door.

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Thanks to a loyal reader, here's a follow up to a previous story, "Your allergies could threaten your pet's life."
 
Hoopster asked: "...a former girlfriend claims that she had chihuahuas since they are one breed of dog which don't affect her allergies. Truth or fiction? Are there similiar dog breeds?"
 
According to Dr. Debra Draper, DVM, there are no such thing as "hypoallergenic pets."  Allergic reactions are to pet's dander, not its fur.
 
"This means that even dogs that don't shed, such as yorkie's or poodles (or even mostly hairless dogs such as Mexican Hairless or Chinese Crested) can still cause allergy symptoms among those who are sensitive (although maybe less severely).  Chihuahuas, while very short haired, are not among the breeds that don't shed, so if one knows they have a severe allergy to dogs, they may not be the best choice of breeds," said Dr. Draper.Feel free to ask for other information that interests you and thanks for reading.

Our horses are alway number one. We ensure our horses are healthy and happy!Our horses are vaccinated against influenza and tetanus. They are given annual boosters. They also enjoy a regular treatment against deworming, a vital aspect of horse health.

Never underestimate the power of grooming! Our horses are groomed daily. Grooming has several functions. Effective grooming not only maintains cleanliness and condition, but as a form of equine massage, also plays an important role in promoting circulation and preventing disease.A vital part of our horse care, we only purchase a high grade mixed feed of timothy and alfalfa. We aim for two-thirds carbohydrate, one-sixth protein and one-sixth fat. Our horses also enjoy daily treats which include grain, oats and barley (and of course an apple now and again, although believe it or now, a few of them won't eat them).

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Ah, the dog days of summer....We haven't even made it to July yet and the mercury is erupting out of the top of the thermometer. Don't you think man's best friend is noticing the heat just as much as you are? Why not treat your canine, big or small, to a refreshing bath next weekend? Don't fret about the hastle and mess; drive straight to Lambs Eat Ivy Salon.
Lambs Eat Ivy Salon is hosting a dog washing event to benefit Pet Rescue By Judy next Sunday, June 28th. The salon is located in Thornton Park (804 East Washington Street), downtown Orlando's up and coming neighborhood. The salon staff normally caters to people, but they are spending 9 am to 3 pm to wash your pets for a donation. There will also be a photographer on hand, Jimmy DeFlippo, to take a picture of your newly beautified best friend. Photos require a donation, but with such a good cause, it's worth it. Plus, your pet has the chance to be next year's poster child...er, dog.
Pet Rescue By Judy is one of those community service organizations that touches your heart. Since 1986, Judy has personally overseen every aspect of the non-profit, including approving the adoptions. She has a policy... if your new friend isn't the right fit for your family, bring him or her back so they can be re-placed in a forever home. Judy and her husband know all too well what happens when an animal reaches a shelter. If they aren't adopted or are deemed un-adoptable for what ever reason, that animal is often euthanized. The American Humane Association estimates that nearly 10 million dogs and cats are euthanized annually. Judy believes every animal that comes through the door of her Sanford center deserves a long, happy life.

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