No More Homeless Pets

Fourth of July fireworks can frighten pets, and that fear can cause your dog or cat to panic and try to escape the confines of your yard or house. Please keep your pet indoors on the Fourth of July in a quiet and isolated room with covered windows, or the basement where there are no windows, to help her feel safe and secure. Turn on a fan, a radio or television to muffle the sound of fireworks. They'll provide familiar indoor sounds and may help soothe her if she must be alone on this noisy holiday. Don't take your pet to a fireworks display.

If your pet behaves nervously by pacing, whining or crying, distract her by playing with her or doing something she enjoys. Don't stroke, pet or reassure her by saying, "Don't worry, it's okay." This may actually reinforce her nervousness or fright.

Make sure she always wears an appropriately-fitting collar. If your pet is a dog, you should be able to slip no more than two fingers beneath her collar. If your pet is a cat, she should be wearing a stretch or safety collar. Your pet should always wear an identification tag with your current phone number and address, as well as a current license/rabies tag. You may want to talk with your veterinarian about also providing her with a microchip identification implant, in case she loses her collar and tags.

If your pet does stray away from home, it's important that you visit area animal shelters as soon as possible to look for her. You can find addresses and phone numbers of municipal shelters listed in the front section of the "white pages" telephone book. At each shelter, provide a photo and specific description of your pet. These steps will greatly increase your chances of finding your animal friend!

If you find a lost pet, please take the animal to your nearest animal shelter. Place a "found" ad in your local newspaper and post notices around your neighborhood.

© 2000 Dumb Friends League. All rights reserved.

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