Fwd: Fourth of July Animal Safety Tips

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" In Defense of Animals "

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Keep Your Animals Safe On July 4th!

 

The Fourth of July can be one of the most dangerous and

frightening holidays for animals. Loud explosions are terrifying to

animals who don't understand them.

 

With proper planning and some common sense, your companion

animals can remain safe and secure on Independence Day. Here are

some tips:

 

 

* First and foremost, leave your companion animals

at home when you go to see fireworks! Resist the urge to

take them to fireworks displays.

 

* Before you leave home for the fireworks,

make sure your animals are indoors in a sheltered, quiet area. Some

animals become destructive when frightened, so be sure that you've

removed any items that your companion animal could destroy or that

would be harmful if chewed or swallowed. Leave a television or radio

playing at normal volume to keep him/her company.

 

* Make sure your animals are wearing

identification tags (and it's even better if they're also

microchipped!) so that if they do become lost, they can be returned

promptly.

 

* Do not leave an animal in your car. With

only hot air to breathe, your animal friend can suffer serious health

effects, even death, in a few short minutes. Partially opened windows

do not provide sufficient air or cooling, but they do provide an

opportunity for your animal to be kidnapped.

 

* If you know that your animal becomes

seriously distressed by loud noises, consult with your veterinarian

before July 4th for ways to help alleviate the fear and anxiety he or

she will experience during fireworks displays.

 

* Never leave your animals outside unattended,

even in a fenced yard, and especially not on a chain. With explosions

occuring, animals who normally wouldn't leave the yard may escape and

become lost, or become entangled in their chain, risking injury or

death. (There are lots of other reasons to never leave your dog

chained! Contact us if you want more information about the negative

effects of chaining dogs.)

 

* If you find somebody else's companion

animals running at-large, either take them to the address on the tag,

if you feel comfortable doing so, or bring them to the local animal

shelter, where they will have the best chance of being reunited with

their human families.

 

And our friends at the ASPCA Animal Poison Control

Center offer the following additional tips, which are appropriate

year-round but especially so on Independence Day:

 

* Never leave alcoholic drinks unattended

where animals can reach them. Alcoholic beverages have the potential

to poison animals. If ingested, the animal could become very

intoxicated and weak, severely depressed or could go into a coma.

Death from respiratory failure is also a possibility in severe

cases.

 

* Do not apply any sunscreen or insect

repellent product to your animal that is not labeled specifically for

use on animals. Ingestion of sunscreen products can result in

drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst and lethargy. The

misuse of insect repellent that contains DEET can lead to neurological

problems.

 

* Always keep matches and lighter fluid out of

animals' reach. Certain types of matches contain chlorates, which

could potentially damage blood cells and result in difficulty

breathing - or even kidney disease in severe cases. Lighter fluid can

be irritating to skin, and if ingested can produce gastrointestinal

irritation and central nervous system depression. If lighter fluid is

inhaled, aspiration pneumonia and breathing problems could

develop.

 

* Keep animals on their normal diet. Any

change, even for one meal, can cause severe indigestion and diarrhea.

This is particularly true for older animals who have more delicate

digestive systems and nutritional requirements. And keep in mind that

foods such as onions, chocolate, coffee, avocado, grapes &

raisins, salt and yeast dough can all be potentially toxic to

companion animals.

 

* Keep citronella candles, insect coils and

oil products out of reach. Ingestions can produce stomach irritation

and possibly even central nervous system depression. If inhaled, the

oils could cause aspiration pneumonia in animals.

 

* Never use fireworks around animals! While

exposure to lit fireworks can potentially result in severe burns

and/or trauma to the face and paws of curious animals, even unused

fireworks can pose a danger. Many types contain potentially toxic

substances, including potassium nitrate, arsenic and other heavy

metals.