Fireworks went on sale June 23, and as July 4 gets closer, there may be more people using fireworks. For many pets, this time of year is more scary than Halloween and it is a potentially dangerous time. Fireworks, loud noises and large gatherings of family and friends can all serve as catalysts for pet incidents including lost or injured pets, as well as bites.
Plan for Your Pet’s Safety
Noise
- Make sure pets are secured in a safe and quiet place during times when fireworks will be going off.
- If a pet is extremely sensitive, call your veterinarian ahead of time to check if medication may help keep them calm. Carefully monitor any pet on medications.
- Outside your home - Keep dogs on a leash.
Crowds
- Be aware of and anticipate your pet’s reactions to unusual activities and people. If your pet is not used to crowds and/or does not know visitors, introduce them carefully and monitor their activity and comfort level. If there is a potential problem, address it by securing them in a safe place away from activities.
- Dogs can misread horseplay between people as an attack and become protective of their loves ones or get excited, leading to bites. Be aware of and anticipate your pet’s reactions to unusual activities and people.
Fireworks
- Secure animals away from any area where you will be setting off fireworks. If your pet is sensitive, or if you don’t know how they will react to the noise of fireworks, secure them in a safe, peaceful location.
- Don’t let any pet chase fireworks.
- Picnics and Barbecues – be aware that children with food in their hands are at risk of bites by dogs reaching for the food and ensure the children are protected.
Other animals
- Ensure your dog is safe from other dogs that are loose, and keep them at a distance.
- Be aware that breaking up a dog fight is risky and that owners are frequently bitten when intervening.
Hot weather
- Ensure your pets have a lot of convenient water and a cool place to retreat when it is hot. Remember shade can be variable outside - Keep pets under a cool shelter or inside during peak hours when possible.
- Never leave pets locked in cars, where in the summer the temperatures can reach to 120 degrees, even with the windows down.
- Signs of heatstroke in pets include panting, staring, high fever, rapid heartbeat, vomiting, collapse and disobedience, among others. If you suspect heatstroke, call your veterinarian immediately and apply water-soaked towels to hairless areas of the animal’s body to lower its temperature.
- Just as for humans, too much exercise during hot weather can cause overheating. Consider walks during cooler times of the day.
- If you take your pet hiking, make sure you pack food and water for the animal.
Help for lost and found pets, lost and found animals, animals at large, or abuse call 541-687-4060
To contact the 1st Avenue Shelter located at 3970 W. 1st Ave. in Eugene call 541-844-1777.
To see animals in the care of the shelter visit green-hill.org and click on Lost & Found.
Remember to License your EugeneanThe average cost of a one year dog license is $18. Licenses can be obtained in person at most local veterinary offices and the 1st Avenue Public Shelter; or online and by phone through PetData at 855-328-1400 or petdata.com/eugene.
For more information: http://www.eugene-or.gov/index.aspx?NID=1919
Enjoy a safe and happy 4th of July!
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