July 4th Safe Pet Tips
What day of the year is the BUSIEST for Animal Shelters? Easter with its chocolate candy? No. Christmas or Thanksgiving with table scraps of rich food? No. The American Humane Association (AHA) reports that July 5 is the busiest day of the year for animal shelters because fireworks and pets do not mix. The noise and smell of fireworks can cause pain, fear and anxiety in dogs and cats. They become terrified of the smells and noises. Often, dogs jump or dig out of fences. Cats crawl away into the night. Our pets can be injured, lost or killed. Celebrate the birth of our nation in a big way, but plan a safe celebration for your fur baby. How? Follow these July 4th Safe Pet Tips:
1. Keep pets indoors. Even if your pet is an “outside” pet, bring them indoors. Animal control officials across the country see a 30-60% increase in lost pets each year between July 4th & 6th. Turn on the TV, or radio, to drown out the sound of fireworks, music, and party noises. Close the blinds and curtains.
2. Are you going to go to a fireworks display? Great!!! Have fun!!! Leave your pup at home.
3. Make sure your pet is properly identified. Do they have an ID tag on their collar? Are they micro chipped? Mark Jakubczak, Founder of PetAmberAlert, reports that 30-60% of lost pets are euthanized because they cannot be properly identified and returned to their owners. This is a good time to take a current photo of your pet, just in case you need to post “missing” posters.
4. Cooking out? Do not give any scraps to your dog. Many people foods are toxic to dogs.
5. Don’t use citronella products around your pet. Mosquitoes are annoying but oils, candles, insect coils, and other citronella-based repellents are irritating toxins to dogs, according to the ASPCA. The result of inhalation can cause severe respiratory illnesses such as pneumonia, and ingestion can harm your pet’s nervous system.
6. Help your pet feel safe. Make sure they have access to their crate or “safe place”, and if necessary, cover their crate with a blanket.
We at Top Dog Pet Sitters hope you have a fun July 4th celebration. Your pet is counting on you to keep them safe. Don’t let them down.