4th of July & Pets

[RanchHQ]

FROM: 4th of July Precautions for Pets

4th of July Precautions for Pets
by Jennifer Degtjarewsky

During 4th of July festivities, more animals are lost than at any other time of the year. Loud noise from fireworks frightens animals due to their heightened senses of hearing, and they become willing to do anything to escape the noise. This behavior is usually unpredictable and out of character, and it may include such things as:

• Chewing through a leash
• Jumping through screens and windows
• Digging under a fence
• Jumping over a wall
• Bolting away from the owner
• Running into traffic

The good news is that there are many things you can do to help ensure your pet's protection. Just follow these five simple guidelines to make July 4th a great holiday for both of you!

1. Don't bring your pet to a fireworks display. The "boom" of the fireworks sounds loud to the human ear. Imagine how loud it sounds to your dog, who can hear sounds up to 60,000 cycles per second -- that's three times greater than the human ear can even register.

2. Keep a collar and ID tag on your pet at all times. Make sure the tag contains legible and up-to-date information. To lessen the chance that a dog slips his collar, be sure you can put no more than two fingers between the collar and the pet's neck.

3. Cats should wear breakaway collars, and as a backup it's advised that they receive a microchip ID implant from a veterinarian. Indoor/outdoor cats are recommended to be brought indoors on the 3rd and to remain inside till the 5th. This is because fireworks are legal to buy in many areas and often individuals set them off on more than one evening during the holiday week.

Two forms of ID are always best when it comes to protecting your pet. If an individual finds your pet, the first thing he or she will look for is an ID tag. If your pet is taken to a shelter, it will be scanned for an ID chip upon admittance.

Keep your pet indoors in a cool, quiet room. The windows should be closed and the shades or curtains pulled. Often the sound of soft music or the low rumble of a television will help to calm your pet. Remember to leave a light on for your pet too. These things will help the animal feel safe and secure.

4. Don't leave your pet outside in the yard on a leash or a chain. Many animals get tangled up in their attempts to flee and end up injuring themselves. And dogs often escape their yards and get lost.

5. If you find an animal that is lost, take it to your local animal shelter right away. The quicker you do this, the sooner the frantic owner will be reunited with his or her beloved pet.

[feistylady]

so Ranch, do you have to keep an eye or two on all of your girls on the 4th? Are they disturbed by the booms of our fireworks?

[pingtheduck]

Thanks for the post Ranch. Our 4 legged pals depend on our good sense. The 4th and Halloween.. two black days in my dog's book.

[RanchHQ]

Originally Posted by feistylady

so Ranch, do you have to keep an eye or two on all of your girls on the 4th? Are they disturbed by the booms of our fireworks?

Noppers, between Parking Cars in the Discount Overflow Parking Lot, called "The Dopl" over here, selling Musica from around the World and repairing pinatas most of the Girls are kept pretty busy most of the night.

As usual, Lone Star La Longhorn will be doing double duty as Parking Supervisor and Director of Security:

[Mama Mia]

Originally Posted by RanchHQ

Noppers, between Parking Cars in the Discount Overflow Parking Lot, called "The Dopl" over here, selling Musica from around the World and repairing pinatas most of the Girls are kept pretty busy most of the night.

As usual, Lone Star La Longhorn will be doing double duty as Parking Supervisor and Director of Security:

Couple of nice hat racks there.....