Pet safety tips during July holidays
Firework and party safety tips for pet owners from the Humane Society of Utah
The Humane Society of Utah will be open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, July 4, 2016.
The July 4 and 24 holidays bring fun, food and fireworks that can cause harm to pets. Animals may be injured during barbeques or go missing during firework displays. Utah law allows an extended opportunity for fireworks to be discharged July 1-7 and 21-27 from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and until midnight July 4 and 24. There is a 30 percent increase in the number of pets that go missing due to fearful reactions from the loud noises, the smell of sulfur and bright lights from fireworks. The best tip is to prevent your pet from getting lost in the first place. Do not take your pet with you to watch fireworks and do not leave them unattended outside during parties or firework activity.
The Humane Society of Utah shares the following safety concerns and tips to pet owners during these holiday celebrations.
· Keep your pets on their normal diet. Make sure your pets do not consume the following items during summer parties: grapes, raisins, garlic, onions, guacamole, chicken wings, cooked bones, chocolate, Xylitol (artificial sweetener common in sugar-free foods), alcohol, sunscreen, insect repellant or fireworks.
· Keep pets in a safe
area
during holiday parties. Ask your guests not to feed your pet any food other than their pre-approved treats and to be mindful that they do not escape the house or yard when people come and go.
· Make sure your pets have current identification. It is highly recommended that your pet is microchipped in addition to wearing an ID collar in case fear causes them to bolt. Be sure to keep your contact information updated.
· Keep your pet safely away from firework
activity
. For pets usually kept outdoors, bring them inside during firework activity. Try to feed and walk your dog before fireworks begin.
· Prepare the house. Keep some lights on to calm your pet. Dampen the noise by closing doors, windows, curtains and keeping the TV or calm music playing.
· Prepare an escape-proof safe room. Select a suitable inner room to contain your pet for the duration of the fireworks to prevent them from running about the house and causing injury to themselves or others. Make the room comfortable by placing the animal’s favorite bedding, toys and treats to keep them amused and distracted. If the pet is frightened, their automatic response will be to run and hide somewhere in the room; this is their method of coping. Allow them to hide and do not try to coax them out. Be sure to leave sufficient food and water.
· Do a follow-up assessment. Your pet may remain anxious even after the firework activity ends. If your pet is stressed, keep them inside overnight. Check the yard to collect fireworks and party items before letting your pets back outside.
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About the Humane Society of Utah
The Humane Society of Utah (HSU) is dedicated to the elimination of pain, fear and suffering in all animals. Since 1960, the HSU has been sheltering abandoned animals, fighting cruelty and neglect, and creating an environment of respect, responsibility, and compassion for all animals across the state. As an open-admissions shelter, the doors are always open for any animal we can legally accept. The HSU is a member of the No-Kill Utah Coalition and works hard to ensure that every healthy and treatable pet that enters the facility will be placed into a loving home. In 2015, 11,318 pets received positive outcomes and we achieved no-kill statistics for both cats and dogs for the first time – a milestone in 55 years. The Humane Society of Utah is a 501(c)(3) private nonprofit organization that does not receive any tax dollars or government funding and is not a branch of any national organization. We are solely funded by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses and foundations in our community. Read more about the HSU online at utahhumane.org.
