SPOKANE, Wash. — The Fourth of July is just two days away, and the Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Service (SCRAPS) is offering some tips and advice to make sure your pets are safe the night of Independence Day.
With fireworks expected to go off the night of the Fourth of July, many pets can become frightened by the noise of fireworks and the environment of fireworks themselves. It can even cause pets to become lost or get hurt.
Here are some tips SCRAPS says you can do to keep your pets safe this holiday.
These tips are provided by SCRAPS courtesy of Spokane County.
1. Keep your pet safely away from fireworks
Pets are more sensitive to loud noises, flashing lights and strong smells. On the Fourth of July, it's best to leave your pets safely indoors, preferably with a radio or TV turned on to soften jarring noises. If you're unable to leave your pet unattended at home, keep them leashed and under your direct control at all times.
2. If your pet is scared by fireworks, ask a veterinarian for help
There are medications and techniques that might help alleviate your pet's fear and anxiety.
3. Protect your pet from heat stroke during summer festivities
Another reason to keep your pets away from the often noisy celebrations is the heat. High temperatures put your pet at risk of heat stroke, which can become deadly very quickly. Keep an eye on your pets and act immediately if you see any signs of heatstroke.
NEVER leave your pet in a parked car, even if the day doesn’t seem that warm. The temperature outside may be a balmy 72 degrees, but the temperature inside a closed vehicle can rocket to a fatal 116 degrees in less than an hour.
Also remember that hot pavement can be dangerous to unprotected paws; if it’s too hot for you to hold your hand to the ground for five seconds, it's not safe for your dog or cat to walk on.
4. Safeguard your pet with a collar and ID tag
All pets, even those kept indoors full-time, should always wear collars with ID tags. Indoor-only pets can become so frightened during fireworks displays that they may take desperate measures to escape the noise, including breaking through windows or door screens. You should also ensure that your pet is microchipped and that the chip is properly registered with your current contact information.
If you are looking for more information, you can contact SCRAPS at www.scraps.org, or you can call (509) 477-2532 or their emergency number at (509) 477-2533.
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