Like every year, World Dog Day is celebrated on August 26th . This holiday, which is increasingly celebrated around the world, thanks in part to social media, is an opportunity to recognize the importance dogs have in our lives , reflect on how to truly care for them, and consider their impact on our lives once they become part of the family.

In Italy, there are over 8 million registered dogs living in families, 80% of whom consider them full members of their families. While many people celebrated August 26th with their dogs today, some are pleased with the progress Italy has made in animal protection. Among them is Michela Vittoria Brambilla (Nm) , president of the Italian League for the Defense of Animals and the Environment and of the Parliamentary Intergroup for Animal Rights and Environmental Protection: "This year, we celebrate World Dog Day with a new and beautiful development: on July 1st, the Brambilla Law came into force, a landmark reform that Italy has been waiting for for over twenty years. This is a great victory for the country, placing Italy at the forefront of Europe and completely overturning the protection of animals: today, they are sentient beings, bearers of rights, directly protected by law. A law that finally brings justice to all animals and puts an end to the long reign of impunity with a general increase in penalties for all crimes against them. For me, personally, it's a lifetime achievement.

Laws aside, living harmoniously with a dog also means making informed choices for its health and well-being, but the information circulating isn't always accurate. Some misconceptions, even if long-standing, can lead to behaviors that put the dog's health at risk, often without the owner realizing it. "Caring for a dog, like any other pet," explains Valerio Di Marzio, Medical Director of the Policlinico Gregorio VII in Rome, Ca' Zampa Group , "means investing in prevention, information, and a relationship with the veterinarian based on mutual trust. By dispelling some false myths and relying on veterinary medicine, it is possible to significantly improve the quality and length of our pets' lives."

(Unioneonline/vf)

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