July 4, Reisterstown, MD – July 4th is a day filled with family and friends, cookouts, parties, and fireworks. But all that commotion can be upsetting to a pet, and according to the Missing Pet Partnership organization it is the day with the highest level of reported lost pets.
Here are tips for keeping your pet safe and protected on Independence Day and every day of the year.
- It is crucial to make sure both dogs and cats have some form of identification on them.
Multiple forms work best. Microchips are an excellent form of permanent identification. Baltimore Humane Society’s Low Cost Veterinary Wellness Center will chip your pet for only $22. A visible collar with an identification tag is also invaluable. Include the pet’s name and your best telephone number.
- Have a “safe spot” in your home for your pet to stay in.
Be sure it is secure with no easy access to the outside.
Prepare some fun food puzzles or stuff some Kong toys and stick them in the freezer for fun “pup”sicles to keep your pets happy and busy throughout the evening.
- Make sure your pets get plenty of exercise throughout the day so they do not have pent up energy that night.
- DO NOT bring them with you to the fireworks!
Fireworks are very loud to us, but even louder to our pets and will easily startle them, triggering their “flight” or fear response. Your pets will be much happier left at home in the comfort of their familiar surroundings.
If your pet runs off —
First, DO NOT run after him or her. If dogs and cats are frightened (which they most likely will be) running after them will trigger that “flight” response again and cause them to run even further. Instead, turn your back and walk away like you want them to chase you, or sit or lay down flat on the ground. Your pet will most likely come to you to investigate what you are doing.
If you come home to find your pet has run away, immediately call the microchip company (if your pet has one) to notify them. Canvas the neighborhood and contact area veterinarians, shelters, and animal control facilities to report your pet missing. Give them fliers with a recent picture, identifying features, and contact information. Be sure to post it on Facebook and other social media lost pet sites.
Keep your pets safe! Don’t take a chance on losing them this Fourth of July. But do take a chance on adopting a pet in need of a loving home. In honor of the Fourth of July, Baltimore Humane Society is running its “Take a Chance on Us” Special. Draw a red, white, or blue ticket to see if you receive a 25%, 50%, or 75% discounted adoption fee throughout the month of July.
About The Baltimore Humane Society:
The Baltimore Humane Society, founded in 1927 by Mrs. Elsie Seeger Barton, is an independent, non-profit, no-kill animal shelter, which offers low-cost veterinary care to the public, and a pet cemetery with grief support services. We receive no operational funding from the local or federal governments, or any national animal welfare organizations. For more information about BHS, and how you can contribute, volunteer, adopt, or foster, please visit www.bmorehumane.org.
