Boom! Bang! Bark! Bark!
Don’t get us wrong, we love celebrating July 4th as much as everyone but we do want to encourage community members to think about their animal companions during this exciting holiday. Fireworks can not only be scary for pets, but they can be dangerous too if animals get too close or if they run away. On Friday we’ve already picked up two dogs that were hit by cars and took in a few more that were running at large. Here are some tips that can help make this 4th of July fun for everyone in the family!
- Make sure your yard and home is secure. If Fido does try to make a break for it, can he jump the fence or go through the open screen door? Pets are often startled by the loud crackling of fireworks and may run out of fear. Be sure that windows, doors, gates and fences are secure. If you tie out your pet to go potty and exercise, please consider walking your pet on a leash this weekend until the fireworks subside.
- Keep updated ID tags and rabies tags on your pets collar (and make sure your pet is wearing its collar!). ID tags are helpful in reuniting pets quickly with their owners when lost. More dogs go missing on the 4th of July weekend than any other weekend of the year!
- If you have company coming over, consider putting your pets in a secure area of your home such as a bedroom, crate, or other room that they cannot accidentally escape from. This not only provides a private and calm place for your pet it also reduces the risk of your pet being overstimulated by guests, reduces the number of animal bites, and keeps pets from running away.
- Drown out the noise of fireworks with a TV or radio. Give your pet plenty of comfort toys including Kongs and vet approved bones and chew toys. Thunder shirts have also been found to reduce stress in pets. You may even want to consider contacting your veterinarian for medication to help keep your animal comfortable.
- Do not feed your pet table scraps or allow them to drink alcohol. Feeding people food to pets can be deadly!
- Beware of other poisonous items your pet could consume such as bug spray, lighter fluid, sunscreen, citronella candles, glow sticks, & fireworks.
If your pet is in need of veterinary care this weekend (or any weekend, evening and holiday) the Animal Emergency Clinic is located three driveways south of the Humane Society at 2324 Grape Rd. Mishawaka and is open during the holiday. Call them first at (574) 259-8387 to let them know you’re on your way.
If your pet does go missing please call our on call Humane Officer and leave a description of your pet and your phone number. If by Tuesday, July 5th you have not found your missing pet, you are highly encouraged to visit us to do a lost pet walk through. Visit our Lost & Found page to fill out a lost report.
In the case you found a pet please see our Lost & Found page for more information on what to do.
We wish everyone a very happy and safe 4th of July weekend!
Other resources:
Tips on Keeping Your Pet Safe on the 4th of July
