VERO BEACH – While the Fourth of July can be exciting for people, we sometimes forget to consider how this holiday may affect our pets.
“Fireworks and festivities can scare and disorient even the calmest animal, says Humane Society of Vero Beach and Indian River County (HSVB & IRC) Animal Care Manager Maria Ramirez. According to Ramirez, July 4 and 5 are the two days when the greatest number of lost dogs and cats are reported to humane societies across the United States.
Ramirez offers the following tips so you can keep your pets safe and sound:
Don’t take your pet to fireworks displays. The bright lights and loud crackle of fireworks can frighten our four-legged friends. It’s best to keep animals at home where they’ll be out of harm’s way.
Never leave pets in parked cars. Please don’t leave Fido in the car while you’re enjoying fireworks. Heat and humidity inside a car can injure or kill your pet even after nightfall. Leaving your car window cracked isn’t a safe option either, since strangers can easily steal your pet.
Keep pets indoors. Dogs and cats left in yards or in screened patio enclosures can become so disoriented from fireworks and loud noises that they will often dig, climb or tear out. The safest place for your pet is in your home. To increase your pet’s comfort level you can create a sanctuary by putting him in a room and turning on soft music or talk radio so he’ll be comforted by the sound of human voices.
Speak with your vet. If your animal becomes anxious from loud noises such as fireworks, speak with your vet prior to Independence Day to determine if medication might be an appropriate option to help keep her calm.
I.D. your pet. It’s best for your pet to be microchipped AND wear a collar and I.D. tag engraved with your current contact information. I.D. tags are available free of charge to Indian River County residents and can be obtained by visiting the Humane Society. Microchipping is an inexpensive and fast procedure performed by a veterinarian that provides your pet with life-long, permanent identification. Please speak with your vet about microchipping your companion animals.
Call the Humane Society immediately if your pet becomes lost. The HSVB & IRC makes every effort to reunite lost pets with their families. If your pet becomes lost, call (772) 567-2309 or e-mail lostfound@hsvb.org. Pet owners should visit the Humane Society to look for their pet as well as file lost reports with all other animal shelters, humane societies and animal control facilities within a 50 mile radius of their home.
