FOURTH OF JULY - PET SAFETY!

Fourth of July - Independence Day - it’s a day of celebration, BBQs, family, friends and, of course … F I R E W O R K S!   

As far as our pets are concerned, the festive explosions, bright flashes in the sky, and thick, smokey air may as well be stuff nightmares are made of!

Around this time, there is usually a spike in the number of runaway pets in Midland who flee homes and yards out of panic and end up getting lost. So we urge all pet owners to take extra precautions to keep your pets secure during the celebrations. 
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SAFETY TIPS

• CHECK ID! Make sure your pet has identification - ID tags or microchips will let people know how to contact you in case your pet manages to get away from you! Be sure to keep your listed contact information current.  
  • Don't have an ID Tag? You can still get ID tags engraved at PetSmart of Ace Hardware today or tomorrow (check holiday hours).  
  • If your pet is already microchipped, make sure your contact information is registered and up-to-date on the microchip's website! (Microchips are a permanent and reliable form of ID. For more information on microchipping your pet, www.midlandhumane.org/microchips)
• Don't bring them to the party. Avoid bringing them over to someone else’s house for a party or to outdoor festivities. They’ll be more comfortable in familiar surroundings - not in a crowded, strange and noisy place, where they will be more prone to freaking out.  
• Keep your pets indoors, in a safe room or crate. Don’t leave them out in the yard where they can be tempted to hop/destroy the fence while they’re in full-on panic mode.
• No pets in cars. Do not lock your panicking pet in the car while you’re out enjoying the fireworks display either. It’s not the safe place you may think it is. They may suffer heat strokes or accidental injuries. It will also make for a very traumatic experience for your poor pet.   
• Distract from fireworks! Create other noise by turning on the television or playing some soothing music in the background. 
• Be there for them. You may need to calm your extremely anxious pet down by spending some time with them and speaking to them in a soothing voice until they're more "manageable" and no longer a danger to themselves. 
• Keep your pets away from the hot grill. They’ll surely be sniffing around for whatever is emitting that delicious aroma. Also, keep your pets away from matches, charcoal and lighter fluid.
• Keep your curious pets away from fireworks that they may accidentally ingest. The day after 4th of July, keep an eye out for any firework debris in your yard or surroundings that your pet may encounter and eat. 
• Avoid feeding your pet table scraps. Certain seemingly harmless human food can be toxic - such as onions, avocados, grapes, raisins, yeast, etc. If you’re not sure if something is safe for your pet, better avoid it. 
• Human products can be harmful to animals. Don’t spray your pet with insect repellent or sunscreen that is not made for animal use. Citronella products and insect coils can also be irritating to pets.
• Use proper meds if you must. For severe anxiety,  talk to your vet about proper medication to safely sedate your overly anxious pet. 

 
The best way for your pet to enjoy Fourth of July is by NOT joining in the festivities. Yep, they may have to sit this one out for their own good. 

Push that guilt aside because while you are enjoying the colorful lights and loud bangs, your pet/s will be safe and sound (albeit may or may not be suffering a panic attack) in the comforts of your home... and not lost in a dark alley somewhere. 

FOUND A LOST/RUNAWAY PET?  
Check for ID tags or get it scanned for a microchip.  MHC can help scan pets for microchips at our Adoption Center inside Midland's PetSmart.  

Check out some helpful tips on what to do with Lost & Found Pets here. ​