Pet Safety

PETS AND FIREWORKS DON’T MIX; FOURTH OF JULY SAFETY TIPS FROM THE HUMANE SOCIETY OF MISSOURI

The loud crack and boom of fireworks can frighten animals and cause even the most obedient pets to behave out of character. A startled dog or cat may hide or try to escape the noise by digging under, chewing through or climbing over fences.

To help make the holiday fun for humans and safe for pets, the Humane Society of Missouri has a few tips for this Fourth of July holiday.

DOs:

• Give your dog or cat a quiet, cool place to retreat inside where sounds are less intense. Dogs and cats are more sensitive to loud noises than people are. In fact, loud noises can be painful to their ears. Their retreat could be a basement or an interior room like a bathroom. Make sure your pet has access to clean, cool water.
  
  
• Close all windows and/or turn on a radio or television to mask the sounds. Have your pet’s favorite toys and bed to comfort him.
  
  
• If you can’t avoid taking your dog to the festivities, keep your pet on a short, secure leash at all times.
  
  
• Make certain your dog wears a collar and ID tag at all times.
  
  
• As additional, more secure identification, pet owners should all consider microchipping as a permanent way to identify pets and help ensure a safe return if lost. The Humane Society of Missouri offers microchip IDs at its three Veterinary Medical Centers – St. Louis City, Westport Area, Chesterfield Valley.

DON’Ts:

• NEVER leave your pet unattended in a parked car. The heat inside your car can climb to more than 100 degrees in only minutes. Your pet can suffer dehydration, heat stroke or death.
  
  
• Don’t take your pet to Fourth of July festivities. The holiday excitement and noise could cause your pet to become nervous and run away.
  
  
• Don’t let your pet run loose or remain in a yard unattended during the Fourth of July weekend - even if you are only a few backyards away. A stray bottle rocket zipping through your yard could frighten or injure your dog.
  
  
• Don’t confine a fearful dog on a chain or in a small area such as a crate. This could actually increase his panic.
  
  
• Don’t punish your pet for his behavior related to the loud noises. It will only make him more afraid.

When the weather is dangerously hot, bring your pets inside.
To report an animal in heat-related jeopardy, please call the Humane Society of Missouri at (314) 647-4400. More pet care information --- www.hsmo.org or info@hsmo.org.