Historic, archived document Do not assume content reflects current scientific knowledge, policies, or practices. a meet re oe ee ms = Meee ie ee ‘e 2h a eet A fe ee eee ms Sith wahee tek vm uciaiaiaad eee, 3308 ¥ ‘ ‘ pei eee Pe eer’ - Sree aye it hee ie ae alt) aes Ca Rr AO cee Bere OO CH i ee ria PR iOS a ee) a ghhid oe ae es =- oe alee aie TED ie (hee ‘OEBICE OF ION~ INFORMATION it HOUSEKEEPERS' CHAT IHY ) WEDNESDAY,August 12,1936 Bureau of Animal Industry, byect: "DOG DAYS DEBUNKED." on ed States Department of ordeal anee. ——-00000—— August is supposed to be the month when dogs go mad and become dangerous, or at least get sick and act unlike themselves. §.R»Speelman of the Bureau of Animal Industry, United States Department of Agriculture says that, if it is properly cared for, there is no more reason for a dog having fits or developing rabies in August than in other months. Dogs go mad in almost any month in the year. The "dog days" legend is similar to the familiar tradition about a "baby's second summer being the hardest," and for much the same reasons. Both young dogs and second-year babies are very active and inquisitive. They get into or handle anything that seems likely to be good to eat, and in warm weather Toodstuffs spoil very easily. There are many chances that a toddler or a puppy will hose out foods not intended for their consumption, and then there is trouble. Most jogs are wary of food that does not smell just right, but some contaminated food doer not Sive any detectable warning of the presence of dangerous bacteria or poisonous Substances. A very hungry dog that has not been sufficiently fed is more likely to t up adcitional food for himself and thus run a chance of getting sick. So tne rule for "dog days" and all the rest of the year, too, is to feec a ME 2 suitable ration and enough of it; to see that it has plenty of fresh clean fool Grinking water and that all feeding utensils are thoroughly clean. Any un- aten food snould be removed as soon as the dog has satisfied its appetite, and me cish washed and scalded with the same care that would be given to tableware for human meals. (Do not, of course, wash the dog's dishes with the family's ishes. Perish the thought!) Mire Speelman knows and loves dogs. He believes that people who are not Willing to learn how to take care of them properly should not plan to own dogse M the other hanc, he says that a farm is the ideal place to raise the out-door Types of dogs. Most farms need dogs to help with their livestock, give vyarning f the presence of suspicious strangers, and for use in hunting rabbits and other Because of their livestock work the members of most farm families are likely WM have a natural understanding of the way to take care of animals, dogs included. ; Gy realize that large active dogs need space and exercise. They expect tnem to b rather heartily, but they do not mind that, since much of the proper food for fm is raised on a farm. A boy who has always had a dog as a playmate learns to Btect his canine friend from other animals or human abuse or tormenting; to see at it is fed regularly, given water to quench its thirst, and kept clean. In © ft, his interest in his dog develops character, and makes him more considerate ae ae ng: laeene tony ag hf Metis Pow ok $ ‘* regi? Vis xs ne tinge Cad Wer Re. Wey Ae. a i me Pe hs Oe oe Cre 66. BEARS: pinnae? hie Re Gah RT ee Be Oe es oe on a b? wl ROPE: Ane: pe ei rary Gk, rset PN Kt ae otal re 2 es teat 6; ig “iy ee wae ve ee Me i 40 : log a ‘ 4 oe ‘J VE ae : ere Ye) 44F , d w, eS ry ila ‘ , . BO Bink st ; Acoma, i yiNs re . Pe: hy, Heo ‘ ws i TT 4 : ovr bbe aA o i. s ae , eed . *t | + - fie 4 4 7 yyl ah VT * Pas s ; / Mo rida + A tp” 3 ae SAM gat: were My ita dp Ne ialiy Wei aa | EM ¢ a acl LP we ear tail Ae be i. pe “ie nian, rey fee oth tar ia oh cake. dey! edu inate a uw Oo a The Bureau of Animal Industry will send detailed suggestions for feeding and caring for puppies. Like human beings, they need some vegetable material _to provide necessary bulk, to act as body regulators, and to supply vitamins and “minerals. The vegetables commonly used for dog feeding are tomatoes, beets, carrots, casoage, peas and beans. Tomatoes and beets are the most useful of these. All dogs co not tolerate the same vegetables, so care should be taken in trying out whatever is offered. Do not feed »uppies peas or beans, and never potatoes. A good way to feed vegetables is to chop them fine and mix them with the meat. | ; ; : ’ Then you can give dry bread, or puppy or dog biscuits, for the cereal part of the ration. For very young puppies, moisten any of these dry foods with meat broth, milz or even water. Never feed moldy or mildewed bread. The quantity of feed required by any dog depends upon its size, condition, individuality anc age, the environment and climate, and the amount of exercise or work it gets. Do not give pork at all, or any extremely fat meat. Lean beef, lamb Or mutton, slightly seasoned with salt, either raw or cooked, may be given. Vege- tables of a non-starchy nature; meat substitutes, such as whole cow's milk, eggs, boned fish or salmon; and some cereal grains, are all good puppy foods. Eggs may be fed raw with milk. Look out for small, splintery, sharp bones, like fish bones or broken chicken bones. They may choke the dog ory tts Thtestines. Sometimes a dog may be allowed to gnaw a large bone with meat on it, but do not let the bone lie around mend become spoiled or act literally as a "bone of contention" between two Gogs. Dogs sometimes break their teeth on large bones. A puppy should gain weight gradually. A mature dog may have to eat quite heartily to maintain its weight and not ve too thin or too fat. Out-door dogs exercise more than those cooped up indoors, and in cold weather especially often Gat more, just as humans do. Going back to the subject of the so-called "dog days", in hot weather it's gooc idea to let a dog get its exercise early in the day, or late, after sun- own, If for some reason it acts peculiarly, do not immediately conclude it is mad d get out a gun. Shut it quietly avay by itself if you can, where it is cool, Provide it with water, and send for a vetenarian who can diagnose the trouble. ttt 7 fer to Mr. S. 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