Independence Day can be a frightening time for pets, especially dogs, with the booms and bangs that often accompany fireworks.
Confronted with all the unfamiliar noise and confusion, dogs often run away and become lost. Mason County Deputy Judge-Executive Richard Newberry said the odds are that some of those lost animals may end up in local shelters after being found and reported to animal control.
“Last year we got a few of those strays,” Newberry said.
One word of advice from Newberry — keep pets indoors during fireworks displays.
But that is not always possible since displays other than public ones are usually spontaneous rather than planned.
Fireworks and a run-away pet are not the only hazard posed by holiday celebrations. Too much “people” food, sun and crowds also present danger to animals.
In order to keep pets safe and healthy, State Farm Insurance offered the following tips:
— Loud, crowded fireworks displays are no fun for pets: They can become frightened or disoriented by the sound. Please resist the urge to take them to Independence Day festivities, and opt instead to keep them safe from the noise in a quiet, sheltered and escape-proof area at home.
— Never use fireworks around pets! While exposure to lit fireworks can potentially result in severe burns and/or trauma to the face and paws of curious pets, even unused fireworks can pose a danger. Many types contain potentially toxic substances, including potassium nitrate, arsenic and other heavy metals
— Do not put glow jewelry on your pets, or allow them to play with it. While the luminescent substance contained in these products is not highly toxic, excessive drooling and gastrointestinal irritation could still result from ingestions, and intestinal blockage could occur from swallowing large pieces of the plastic containers.
— Always keep matches and lighter fluid out of your pets’ reach. Certain types of matches contain chlorates, which could potentially damage blood cells and result in difficulty breathing—or even kidney disease in severe cases. Lighter fluid can be irritating to skin, and if ingested can produce gastrointestinal irritation and central nervous system depression.
— Keep your pets on their normal diet. Any change, even for one meal, can give your pet severe indigestion and diarrhea. This is particularly true for older animals who have more delicate digestive systems and nutritional requirements. Keep in mind that foods such as onions, chocolate, coffee, avocado, grapes, raisins, salt and yeast dough can all be potentially toxic to companion animals
— Don’t put insect repellent on your pet that isn’t specifically for pet use. The same tip applies to applying “people” sunscreen on your pet. What isn’t toxic to humans can be toxic to animals.
— Never leave your pet in your car when it’s warm outside. Vehicle interiors heat up much faster than the air around them, and even a short time in a locked car can be dangerous to pets.
Be prepared in the event that your pet does escape. Keep your pets’ IDs up to date! It’s a good idea for all your animal companions — even indoor-only pets — to always wear a collar with an ID tag that includes your name, current phone number and any relevant contact information.
Newberry said the Mason County Animal Shelter has a chip scanner and checks pets who end up in the shelter. He also urges owners to check with the shelter if they lose a pet to see it if has been either picked up or turned in.
Call the shelter at 606-564-6067 or check its Facebook page. The Bracken County Animal Shelter can be reached at 606-735-3475; Lewis County Animal Shelter at 606-796-3917; Robertson County Shelter at 606-724-2020; Brown County Humane Society at 937-378-3457; or the Adams County Humane Society at 937-544-8585
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