Rockville Cancels Doggie Dip Day

Rockville has cancelled Doggie Dip Day scheduled for September 14 as a precautionary measure in response to the recent spread of canine influenza (dog flu) in Montgomery County. Doggie Dip Day is an annual event that takes place after the close of the outdoor swim season when residents can treat their dogs to an afternoon splash at the Rockville Swim and Fitness Center, 355 Martins Ln.

Lt. Eric Over of the Rockville City Police Department (RCPD) handles animal control in Rockville and knows the importance of the city taking the precautionary action of canceling the event: “The risk to an otherwise healthy canine cannot be ignored,”

he says. “It is unfortunate that the city has had to cancel the event; however, the well-being of our canine residents is paramount.”

The animal control division of the RCPD is committed to the safety and welfare of all domestic animals in the City. Lt. Over urges dog-owners to promptly consult a veterinarian should their pets show the symptoms of being affected by the dog flu.

Dog-owners of Rockville should be watchful of the symptoms of this illness, which are cough, runny nose and fever. A small proportion of dogs may be at risk to develop severe disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Protection. The dog flu is not a threat to humans. For more information on the virus, visit www.cdc.gov/flu/canine

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