Keep Your Pets Safe this 4th of July

[Gene]

Date: Mon, 3 Jul 2017 22:08:14 -0400

From: Susan Brinkley-Clayton <animalloversusan-at-gmail.com>

Subject: Keep Your Pets Safe this 4th of July

Fireworks, picnics and other Fourth of July traditions can be great fun for people but all of the festivities can be frightening and even dangerous for animals. Noisy fireworks and other celebrations can startle animals and cause them to run away, even the most laid back pet. Some  effects are not always seen immediately on the animal.

The American Humane Association reports that July 5 is the busiest day of the year for animal shelters. The day after Fourth of July celebrations, shelters are “inundated with pets that panicked at the noise of firecrackers and fled into the night, winding up lost, injured or killed

Whether or not you're planning your own Independence Day celebration, it's important to take precautions to keep your pets safe both during and after the July 4th festivities. Holiday foods also can be toxic to dogs and cats (Onions, beer, chocolate,coffee, avocado, grapes & raisins, salt and yeast dough are all possible hazards for dogs and cats so don't feed them table scraps; summer heat and travel can be dangerous; and potentially dangerous debris can end up lying on the ground where pets can eat or play with it.

Here are a few of the top tips from the ASPCA, Humane Society, and other rescue groups:

Keep your pet indoors. The safest and best bet for your pets is to find a safe, secure spot in the home. Make sure all windows and doors are closed and secured. Your pets will appreciate the quiet a lot more.

Make sure your pets have *identification tags* with up-to-date information. If you have horses, you might consider marking a safety (breakaway) halter with your contact information and leaving it on your horse during this stressful time.

If your pets aren't already micro-chipped, talk with your veterinarian about micro-chipping. This simple procedure can greatly improve your chances of getting your pets back if they become lost.

Take a *current photo* of all of your cats, dogs and horses just in case.

Keep horses and livestock in *safely fenced areas* and as far from the excitement and noise as possible.

If you're hosting guests*, ask them to help keep an eye of your pets to make sure they don't escape. Placing notes on exit doors and gates can help both you and your guests remain vigilant.

Don't let pets get near your *barbecue grill* while it is in use or still hot.

Remember that too much *sun and heat* (and humidity!) can be dangerous to pets. Keep them inside when it's extremely hot/humid; make sure they have access to shady spots and plenty of water when outdoors; don’t leave them

outside for extended periods in hot weather; and know the signs that a pet may be overheating.

Don't put *sunscreen or bug spray* that is made for human use on your pets. The chemicals could be toxic for pets.

Never leave your pet in your car* when it's warm outside. Vehicle interiors heat up much faster than the air around them, and even a short time of less than 10 minutes in a locked car can be deadly to pets.

Check your yard* for fireworks debris before allowing pets outside to play or relax. Even if you didn’t set off fireworks yourself, debris can make its way into your yard, where curious animals may pick it up to play with or eat.

*Check your pastures* and remove debris to protect horses and livestock.

Pets are so amazing, offering unconditional love and companionship. They count on their family to provide for them, protect them, and keep them safe. Have a great 4th everyone