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Pets and Pyrotechnics: How to Celebrate a Safe 'n' Sane July
4 With Your Pet
Pets and Pyrotechnics: How to Celebrate a Safe 'n' Sane
July 4 With Your Pet
The sights and sounds of July 4th fireworks can scare
pets and animals to the point of severe injuries.
SACRAMENTO, Calif., June 21, 2004 -- It wouldn't be the Fourth
of July without the celebration of a fireworks display in
the night sky. But for your pets, the holiday can be a frightening
nightmare.
Some animals aren't bothered by the sights and sounds of
fireworks. But others are terrified, becoming nervous, upset,
and stressed. Unlike humans, animals have a keener sense of
hearing, and the unexpected explosion of fireworks -- whether
a simple backyard celebration or a huge, professional production
-- can cause panic in dogs, cats, horses, and even birds.
"Pets and fireworks can be a tragic mix," said Peter Weinstein,
DVM, president of the California Veterinary Medical Association
(CVMA). "What we consider patriotic can be terrifying to our
pets. The CVMA urges all pet owners to give extra attention
to ensure their animals are safe and protected during Fourth
of July celebrations."
Because some pets, especially dogs, can become more sensitive
to sounds like thunder or fireworks as they age, even an animal
that hasn't reacted in previous years could become unexpectedly
fearful, said Dr. Weinstein.
Dr. Julie Ryan Johnson, an experienced animal-shelter veterinarian
and past president of the Southern California Veterinary Medical
Association, says July 5th is the busiest day of the year
for animal shelters. "Because some dogs will panic from the
loud fireworks and bolt through windows or other enclosures
and run away, it is critical that pet owners make sure their
animals have secure visual identification on them," she said.
Some of the common signs that your pet is spooked by fireworks
include: shaking and trembling; barking and howling; excessive
drooling; attempting to hide; refusing food; and trying to
leap a fence or escape from a house or other enclosure.
The sounds and sights of fireworks cause problems for horses
as well. Frightened horses have been known to run through
or jump fences, resulting in serious injuries, lacerations,
or impalement.
To ensure your pet stays safe this Fourth of July, here are
some safety tips recommended by the CVMA:
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Keep small pets indoors at home in a safe, sheltered
area. Turn on the radio or TV for distraction.
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Never leave pets alone outdoors, even if tethered or
in a fenced yard. Dogs, especially, may escape and become
lost or injure themselves by chewing or choking on their
leashes.
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Do not take your pet to a fireworks show or leave it
in your car unattended. If you must be outside with your
pet, be sure to keep it on a leash or in a carrier.
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Protect animals from children who may not realize that
waving sparklers or setting off "safe" firecrackers could
upset a family pet.
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Make sure your pet's I.D. tags are current, so you can
be reunited easily in the event that it runs away.
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If your dog or cat is extremely fearful or easily stressed,
talk to your veterinarian about a mild sedative or tranquilizer
to calm its fears.
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Horses may need to be sedated. Make sure all sharp objects
are removed from their enclosures. If you have stalls,
keep them in their stalls rather than outside.
The CVMA wants all pets and their owners to enjoy a safe
and sane Fourth of July. For more information, please contact
Melissa Stallings at 916-649-0599.
To access past CVMA press releases, visit the CVMA Media
Center in the News Room at http://www.cvma.net.
The California Veterinary Medical Association is the largest
state veterinary medical association in the United States,
with more than 5,000 members. Founded in 1888, its mission
is to serve its membership and community through innovative
leadership and to improve animal and human health in an ethically
and socially responsible manner.
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