How to Help Them Survive the Fanfare Galore
Fourth of July comes with a couple of things. Among them, barbecues, a sunny day spent at the beach, quality time spent with friends and family, and of course, plenty of fireworks. The commemoration of the birth of this nation is typically characterized by the sound of firecrackers, fireworks, and the smell of burning pyrotechnics. That is, aside from the long day spent away from our usual busy schedules or that annual family get-together that also coincides with this grand day. This year’s 4th of July celebrations would probably be any different. So, whether you’re planning to spend the day at home unwinding or catching with old friends at the local tavern, there are several things that you ought to be aware of.
For starters, unlike human beings, pets – especially dogs – don’t necessarily associate the flashes, noise, and the cracking pyrotechnics with fanfare, galore and celebrations. In fact, most of them often to panic and are always terrified of the bangs, loud whizzes, and the confusion that follows such a spectacle.
Secondly, the AHA ( American Humane Associations ) recently issued a statement reporting that the week after the Fourth of July celebration is often one of the most harrowing and gruesome for pet owners and animal shelters. Why? A good number of pets wind up lost, killed or injured after running and panicking at the startling noise of firecrackers.
This year, however, you have the chance to take the following measures before its too late. Here are some of the ways of ensuring the safety of your four-pawed barking buddy amidst the 4th of July fanfare.
1.Keep your pets indoors for the whole day, if possible. Minimize loitering and avoid going for a stroll despite that you might get some time for that.
2. Don’t take your pet with you for a fireworks display or any occasion that is expected to feature pyrotechnics. Leave them at home with a suitable handler.
3. It is also that time of the year of making sure that little Tommy is correctly identified, just in case they get lost or break loose from your leash in the course of the day.
4. Keep your dog away from any jewelry. This applies mostly if you decide to let them stay indoors with you. Your pet could easily chew up and accidentally swallow your plastic adornments without you realizing.
5. If you’re having a barbecue or throwing one of those common 4th-of-July parties, refrain from giving your dog ‘table food’ or any leftovers for that matter.
SOURCE: American Humane Association, Pet MD, Cesars Way
COPYRIGHT: Local Value
