Keep Your Pets Calm And Safe This July Fourth

July 1, 2009

MENANDS, NY - While you gather with family and friends this Fourth of July for a picnic and fireworks display, please keep in mind your pet's safety.

"Many pet parents don't know that during the Independence Day holiday, more pets get loose than at any other time year because they are afraid of the loud, sudden noise of fireworks," according to Brad Shear, Executive Director of the Mohawk & Hudson River Humane Society.

"The sound may cause some pets to panic, become excited or destructive, and perhaps run away from home in fear," said Shear.

To help reunite any missing pets with their families, this year the Humane Society is offering microchips for only $15 on Thursday, July 2 and Friday, July 3. The microchip is the size of a grain of rice and is implanted by a veterinarian between your pet's shoulder blades. The chip serves as a permanent identification of your pet.

Even if a pet loses her collar, shelters and veterinarians will be able to scan the chip and retrieve owner information, enabling them to reunite you with your pet.

All dogs coming in for a microchip must be on a leash, and all cats must be in a carrier. The shelter is open from 10am to 6pm on Thursday, July 2 and Friday, July 3.

Here are some safety tips for your pets for the days surrounding the Fourth of July:

1. Never take your pet to a fireworks event, and do not set off fireworks at home. (Home-use fireworks are illegal in New York State.)
2. Never leave your pet in a car unattended.
3. Keep your pet indoors in a quiet, secure place. Draw your blinds or window coverings if necessary.
4. For pets with severe anxiety, talk to your veterinarian. She may recommend a sedative or herbal remedy for use during the holiday.
5. Make sure your pet's ID tag and microchip information are up-to-date.
6. Provide plenty of fresh, clean water. Pets may pant excessively when afraid.
7. Leave a radio on with classical music or a talk show. Avoid loud or percussive music.
8. Do not leave your pet outside. He may become so afraid he will escape (or attempt to), even though he has never tried this before.
9. Do not leave your pet tied or chained up. When a pet is afraid, she may try to escape from the chain and either injure herself or pull the chain loose.
10. If your pet goes missing, check immediately with your local dog control officer and/or animal shelter.

"As we all know, fireworks are often set off during the days before and after July 4, so it is important to consider your pet's safety now," Shear emphasized. "Last year in Albany a dog ran away from home when fireworks went off and he was hit by a car. Please don't let your pet be next."