Safety First: Pet Tips for a Happy - and Safe - Fourth of July

While everyone is celebrating today, here are a few tips to keep in mind.  Special thanks to the spcaLA for compiling the following list of safety tips for you and your pet.

Firework displays and parties are an American tradition on the Fourth of July.  However, during this time of celebration there are many dangers for our family pets.  Every year around Independence Day shelters fill up with pets, lost and injures as a result of these celebrations.  The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles (spcaLA recommends taking these simple precautions that will help your pet from going astray and save the life of your pet.

• Keep pets safe and secure inside your home or a covered run.
  
• Loud noises, such as fireworks, can cause a dog to jump a fence and run away from home or a cat to hide under a building and stay there for days.
  
• If you're not able to stay home with your pets, keep them in a cool, well-ventilated room during the evening hours with a radio playing softly in the background.  Also make sure that room is very secre as some animals panic and break through windows or screens, and many are killed in traffic as they run away from the noise.
  
• DO NOT tie your dog up outside to keep him/her from escaping.  The loud noise from the fireworks can frighten a dog making the dog more likely to attempt to escape.  Many dogs injure or kill themselves trying to get away when they are tied up.
• ALWAYS make sure to have identification on your pet.  In the unfortunate circumstance your pet escapes this is the best way to ensure you are happily reunited with him or her.

Good Sit, providers of premiere pet care and professional dog walking, suggest the following tips in addition:

• Please remember as you are barbequing  to keep your pets secure and away from the enticing smells -- and hot surfaces and foods -- on and around the area.  Again, keep them safe and secure inside where they are less likely to be inadvertently burned by "counter-surfing" the grill or eating scraps that fall.
  
• Certain common condiments and foods common to picnics, BBQs, bonfires and camping (i.e. onions, chocolate for s'mores) are poisonous to dogs.  Exercise caution and care when bringing your dog to these activities and ask guests to refrain from feeding the dog please.
  
• As a precaution, if you do not have it on hand already, know the number and location of your local, preferred emergency veterinary clinic.
  
• Consider contacting a professional petsitter if you are unable to provide the supervision your pet may require.