How To Keep Pets Safe During Fourth Of July

SAN MATEO, CA -- Officials at the Peninsula Humane Society offered tips Wednesday for owners on how to keep their pets safe during Fourth of July celebrations.

“Like many shelters across the nation, we receive numerous animals at our facility, especially dogs who become frightened by the sounds and sights associated with 4th of July fireworks and celebrations,” Buffy Martin Tarbox, communications manager for the Peninsula Humane Society, said. “Dogs can become so scared they break through fences and gates fleeing their yards, become lost and are brought into our shelter as strays. They arrive scared and often with minor injuries such as cuts on their paws. Some simple tips can help prevent these tragedies from happening.”

Here's how you can keep pets safe this holiday:

• Don’t take pets to fireworks displays.
• While at home, keep pets inside a room in the house and make sure blinds or drapes are drawn. Leave a TV, radio or fan on to drown out the fireworks noise.
• Make sure pets have current identification and/or a microchip. This permanent form of identification -- implanted just under the animal’s skin -- will insure the animal can be identified even if their collar is missing. Microchips are available at PHS/SPCA, no appointment necessary for a small fee.
• If you know from past experiences that your pet will have severe anxiety caused by fireworks, talk to your veterinarian about giving your pet a mild tranquilizer.
• If you lose your companion animal in San Mateo County, please visit the Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA on July 5th. This process must happen in person, as staff cannot positively identify animals over the phone.

“By following these simple tips, pet owners can help keep their pets safe and out of harm’s way,” said Tarbox.

In the event a pet becomes separated from his or her owner, the shelter asks the public to visit the Coyote Point shelter, located at 12 Airport Blvd in San Mateo. The shelter will be closed to the public on July 4th, although staff and volunteers will be providing animal care during the holiday.

--Photo via Shutterstock