Fourth of July Pet Safety Tips
While July may be a fun time for us, it can feel like the apocalypse for animals. It is not uncommon for animals to run away from home, looking for any way to escape the noise from the fireworks. This can mean getting lost, hit by a car or ending up at a shelter. Without identifcation, many of these pets never make it home. Pets have even been known to die from heart attacks brought on by the fireworks. July 5 is the number 1 day for shelter intakes due to the panic brought on by fireworks. Fireworks are not only dangerous for pets. Wildlife become frightened of the noise and flashing, too. They become disoriented and panic, abandoning their young and sometimes crashing into walls and electrical wires. Firework residue also contains toxins that can kills animals and have a devastating effect on the environment.
Follow these steps to ensure a safe Fourth of July for your pets.
ENSURE ALL PETS ARE WEARING CURRENT IDENTIFICATION Eveif your pet has a microchip ., place a collar with an ID tag on your pet. If a neighbor finds your animal, an ID collar that includes your phone number can lead to a faster reunion. It can several days for a pet to be turned into a shelter and notification can be delayed if your pet only has a microchip.
DON’T TAKE PETS TO FIREWORKS DISPLAYS. The noise and flashing of fireworks often have the ability to turn the most calm, pet into a stressed, frightened animal. A startled animal may not only break free and run away, but may also bite. Brining your pets to these events is simply too much even for the most well behaved pet
DO NOT KEEP YOUR DOG IN YOUR CAR FOR ANY AMOUNT OF TIME The effects of heatstroke on even slightly warm days begin within mere minutes. and the results could be fatal. Stressed animals confined to cars can not only die or suffer severe brain damage, but can also experience an overwhelming stress level that can cause physical harm to the pet. Your pet is safest when secured indoors
HAVE SOMEONE HOME WITH NERVOUS PETS DURING FIREWORKS. If your pet is with someone their stress level will be greatly reduced. Keep the volume on a television music turned up to block some of the noise. There are specific shirts that swaddle your pet with compression and help your pet feel safe.
Barbeques are for people, not pets. People will drop food and spill drinks. The problem is that everyday people food and alcoholic drinks are unhealthy, or even poisonous, to your dog. Diverting from their regular food for even one meal can cause serious problems such as a dropped chicken bone which could puncture intestinal walls. Pets are safest when kept away from barbeques.
Play it safe with this holiday.Pets are part of the family and it is natural to want them to celebrate with us. But for your pet;s safety, keep them safely inside and make a safe, quiet place for them to decompress.
