By Emery and Carbon Animal Health
BABOOM, KAPOW, ZIIIP, SIZZLE! These are the sounds that remind us of the upcoming July celebrations. However, for pets, this may mean upcoming anxieties and fears.
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; holiday foods can be unhealthy; 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.
So, here is a July checklist for your pet safety:
- Keep pets in a “Safe Zone:” This can be a kennel, secluded room or another area that your pet finds comfort in.
- Identification tags and microchipping: Make sure your pet is microchipped and all the information on tags and through microchipping companies are up to date.
- Leave pets home versus taking them to large loud gatherings or firework displays. They will feel more safe and secure and benefit better being at home.
- Check all areas. Make sure the yard and safe zones are secure and there are no escape routes.
- NEVER LEAVE YOUR PET IN A HOT VEHICLE! It only takes a few minutes to cause health damage in a hot vehicle. This should never ever be an option!
- As tempting as it may be while out barbecuing, DO NOT give your pet human food. Their bodies are not designed like ours and what may seem harmless may be very toxic for your pet.
Please keep in mind that we offer boarding during holidays and during your special events. If you feel that it is a behavioral problem, please come in for an exam and we will work with your pet to help them through scary times.