TAMPA, Fla — As the Independence Day vacation weekend begins, whereas many individuals will have a good time with fireworks; native shelters are reminding pet owners to take additional precautions as a result of of these celebrations.
“For Fourth of July, it’s a scary time for animals. Boom, growth, growth, they hear all these items and we all know what’s occurring as people, we all know it’s a celebration, however they don’t know,” Christine McLarty, with The Humane Society of Tampa Bay.
Fireworks and the colorful display can make our pets anxious. That’s why local shelters often see an influx of runaway dogs this time of year. But, this year, The Humane Society of Tampa Bay told ABC Action News that local shelters need everyone’s help.
“Shelters around the country are really crowded right now. So, now more than ever we need people to take care of their animals this Fourth of July. Take the extra precautions to keep them in their house so they aren’t running away and ending up lost,” McLarty stated.
Veterinarian, Dr. Brooke Certa, stated the Fourth of July is one of probably the most harmful instances of the yr for pets.
“When pets get out, there may be at all times the potential that they’re out on the highway. They might get hit by a automotive. They’re scared. So, damage is the largest factor that we most likely see,” Dr. Brooke Certa explained.
Dr. Certa said it’s crucial pets are microchipped or have a collar with updated contact information. She said signs to look out for in an anxious pet include: panting, pacing, or trying to hide.
“We do have medications that… We can use for the Fourth of July to help decrease anxiety… Other things would be like noise canceling. So white noise machines, maybe you have the T.V. up louder so they can’t hear the noises as much of the fireworks,”Dr. Certa added.
Dr. Certa additionally stated having a protected place your pet can escape to will assist them really feel protected.