4th of July - Humane Happenings

Suzy-Q

Keep your pets safely at home on the 4thof July. While 4th of July fireworks can be exciting for any patriotic person, it can be a stressful and chaotic event for your pets. The loud noises and flashing lights caused by fireworks can spook household pets and cause wildlife animals to flee their natural habitats, possibly leaving their young behind. Some pets have been known to become so frightened during a fireworks show that they have jumped through window glass to run away.

Here are a few tips to help keep all animals safe this 4th of July:

* Leave your pets at home. Most pets don't enjoy the crashing and flashing caused by fireworks and even the most trustworthy pet could become scared and run away.
* Don't leave your pets in the car during a fireworks display, as the temperatures inside the car may rise drastically.
* Don't leave your outdoor pets unattended, even in a fenced yard. The chaos may cause them to panic and try to escape.
* Be sure your pets are wearing proper identification in case they DO become lost during the events. IDs can help your pet find its way home to you again. Microchips are the most reliable forms of ID possible. You can contact your veterinarian about getting one for your pet, or contact the Sierra County Humane Society for more information.
* If you know your pet usually becomes scared at loud noises, such as during thunderstorms, be sure to keep them in a safe room with lots of treats and favorite toys to help them alleviate any anxiety caused by the exploding fireworks. You may also like to speak with your vet to find some herbal remedies safe for your pet to help keep them calm during stressful times.
* If you have horses or other animals usually kept in stalls, be sure they are kept calm during the events so they don't thrash around and possibly injure themselves.
* Remember not to set off any of your own fireworks near a wildlife-inhabited area. The bursting noises and flashing lights may disturb the wildlife causing them to leave their natural nesting areas. And, any stray sparks caused by the careless use of fireworks can cause serious damage by starting a forest fire