Your Pet & Fireworks
Fireworks can be very scary for many pets. 4th of July is the busiest time of year for lost animals. 1st Care Animal Health Clinics urges owners to take precautions to keep pets and other animals comfortable and safe during firework shows. Never take a companion animal to a fireworks display.
Never leave a companion animal in the car while attending a fireworks show.
Keep all animals away from fireworks. Most animals have sensitive hearing and senses. Loud noise and sudden bursts of lights can frighten and cause them to panic. Sparks from fireworks and sparklers can burn them. Pets can ingest toxic material that can be harmful or fatal. Instead, keep your pets in a quiet room inside your home. Give them access to their favorite hiding place like a crate, closet, etc. Keep their favorite toys and blankets around. TV and radios can be left on to drown out the noise of fireworks. Prepare for a possible “accidents”.
Do not leave your pet outside in a yard, even if it is fenced in, as they may try to escape, injure themselves severely, fatally or even be hit by a car.
Take your pet on a long walk or extended play time earlier in the day to assist them to relax during evening firework noise.
Always have traceable identification on your companion animals at all times. Remember scared animals tend to run and may run away from home. Licenses, microchips and ID tags help reunite pets with their owners. (Microchipping is available at all 1st Care clinics for $20 including FREE registration). Make sure each pet has a collar with a license or tag with your name and telephone number.
If your pet has a history of becoming highly agitated and stressed by fireworks, consult your veterinarian. A prescription may be needed.
Do not give “people food” to pets – as it is common practice during BBQs or picnics. Remember that chicken, beef, pork and other meat often contain bones that can splinter easily when chewed by dogs and can cause choking and intestinal blockages – conditions that can be life threatening and require costly surgical procedures.
When enjoying the outdoors at a picnic, make sure your dog is on a leash and properly tethered. Make sure collars are not too tight. Remember that all dogs have the potential to bite!
When going on vacation, take your companion animal with you. Otherwise, make arrangements with family or friends for the care of your pet. Arrangements can also be made with a reputable kennel or cattery.
A portion of the above information was obtained from LA Animal Services
Following are additional links to help you keep your pet safe:
Humane Society Emergency Preparedness for Pets http://www.humanesociety.org/news/news/2010/06/july_fourth_pet_safety_tips_062810.html
Humane Society discusses in detail how to appease your pet during loud noises
http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/dogs/tips/fear_thunder_loud_noises.html
Red Cross Summer Tips for Pets
https://www.nyredcross.org/?nd=summer_safety_guide_for_pets
Pet Poison Help Line
http://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/