Holiday Safety: The 4th of July
By Jolene Miklas
Animal Friends
working dog, mature pets, shelters, grief, diet, kittens, safety, stray, habitat, pit bulls, anxiety, poop, walking, chihuahua, fitness, adoption, playing, cats, fear, puppies, pet health, training, aggression, noises, litter, agility training, neuter, spay/neuter, play therapy, pet-friendly housing, calming influence, chewing, rabies, bunnies, digging, scratching, pet loss, dogs, massage, behavior, education, pet therapy, zoo, claws, feral, foster care, grooming, rabbits, WQED pets, abuse, multiple pets, vaccines, More pets are lost around the 4th of July than any other time of year. And, it’s no surprise… While Independence Day brings picnics, fireworks and fun for people, it also brings outdoor gatherings, open doors, tempting smells from the neighbors’ barbeques and lots of loud noises. There are all too many opportunities for pets to become startled by fireworks and run.
To keep your dog, cat or rabbit safe this Independence Day, keep your pet inside. Pets who are afraid of loud noises should be kept in a quiet, comfortable room, and your pet will feel most secure with the door closed and curtains drawn. Turn on a radio or television to provide familiar sounds to muffle the sound of fireworks, and be sure to visit him frequently so he doesn’t feel all though he’s been punished or banished. Never take your pet with you to watch fireworks displays, as many pets are startled and lost from these events.
Plan ahead to prevent disaster in case your pet does escape. Make sure—today—that he is wearing an ID tag, has a microchip and that the information is up-to-date. If you have recently moved or changed your cell phone number, contact that company that furnished your pet’s microchip. If you did not license your dog yet this year, do it now. Not only it is required by law, but it will buy your pet more time if he is picked up by animal control. Residents of Allegheny County should call 412.350.4111 for an application to obtain or renew a dog license.
If your pet does run off, call your local police and animal control agencies immediately. For a complete list of resources that are relevant to your neighborhood, visit www.ThinkingOutsideTheCage.com.
Tag(s): behavior, fear, safety
