The Fourth of July means picnics, barbeques, fireworks and gatherings of friends. All of this is a great deal of fun for everybody except your pets. Pets dont consider the noise, flashes and burning smell with a good time. They are terrified of fireworks and often panic. According to statistics, more pets are lost around the Fourth of July than any other time of the year. There are steps you can take to keep your pets safe and happy.
Keep your pets away from the fireworks on July 4th and the days before the holiday. Some people start their celebrating early. Bring your pet indoors at dusk. You can close the windows, shut the curtains. A radio or tv turned on will help to cover up the noise of the fireworks. Pets who usually stay outside should be brought inside. Even if your outside pet has been fine with the fireworks in previous years, you never know when someone will set off fireworks close enough to frighten him into running away. If you have to go somewhere and you absolutely cant leave your pet home alone, keep him on his leash and under your control at all times.
Make your pet feel safe. Ideally, someone should stay home with him, especially if he is very frightened by the fireworks. Pet him. Hug him, talk to him in a soothing voice. Be sure he has access to his crate or safe place. Talk to your vet about calming products, medications, anxiety wraps and anything else that can help him cope with the holiday.
Another reason to keep your pet at home during the July Fourth festivities is the heat. Never leave a pet in the car, even if it doesnt seem that warm. The temperature in a parked car can become deadly to a pet very quickly. When your pet is outside be sure he has shade and plenty of water. Dont leave him alone outside for long periods. If you see signs of heat stroke, such as excessive drooling, panting, trembling or limited urine output, take him to your vet immediately.
Dont put insect repellant or sunscreen on your pet unless it is recommended for use on animals. Something that isnt harmful to people can be toxic to pets.
No matter how much he begs, dont feed him scraps from your barbeque or picnic. A change in diet could give him severe indigestion and diarrhea. Some foods including onions, chocolate, avocadoes and raisins can be toxic to pets. Dont leave alcoholic drinks where your pet can reach them. Those drinks can poison him. He can also become intoxicated, weak, depressed or go into a coma. Drinking too much could cause death.
After the celebration is over, remove all fireworks debris from your yard before you let your pet out. Check your house and yard for skewers, napkins or anything else he might be tempted to eat.
Prepare in advance in case your pet does get out and run away. Make sure he is wearing a collar with an up to date identification tag. If you havent done so already, have him microchipped. Take a current photo of him. These procedures can help in getting him safely back to you.
The Pittsburg County Animal Shelter is located at 1206 N. West St. in McAlester. The hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.on Saturday. The phone number is 918-423-7803. The cost to adopt a dog is $20 and $15 for a cat. All have been spayed or neutered, vaccinated and microchipped.
Continue reading here:
Your pet on the Fourth of July - Mcalester News Capital
