Keep Your Pets Safe On The Fourth Of July

More pets panic, escape and run away on July 4th than any other time of the year. Don't assume that because they've been okay with loud sounds in the past that they will this year too. Some will be be found and taken to Animal Control. Some won't. Some will be so traumatized that they won't even recognize familiar faces and will be almost impossible to catch. Please do what you can to make sure they can be identified if they do run away and are found. Write your number on their collar with a marker, have tags with your current information on their collar, have them micro-chipped ..... whatever you need to do to keep them safe.

Make sure all pets, even indoor only cats, have on collars & tags with your current contact information. Micro-chipping and registering them is even better.

Companions Spay & Neuter Clinic in Springhill offers micro-chipping services for as low as $20. Contact Companions at 501.679.7900. Take your dogs out to potty or walk them early in the evening, before the festivities start. If your pets are agitated or scared by the fireworks, one possibility is to confine them to an inner room, preferably one with no windows and a secure door, as long as they can be confined safely. You can also put some of their bedding and a favorite toy into a dark corner, like a closet or their crate. If you have the slightest hesitation about it, don't take your dog to a commercial fireworks display. Make sure their collar is on tightly enough that it won't slip over their head and keep them on leash. If you do take them, familiarize yourself with your dog's Language Of Peace so you can recognize if your dog is experiencing distress. If they are, take them home. In cases of extreme distress, talk to your vet about the various tranquilizers to see if one might work for your pet. If your pet does escape, talk to your neighbors first. They are your most important contacts. Most people are kind, and if they see a wandering pet, they are likely to take them into their home for a day or two and try to find the owner. For more information on how to find a lost pet, click HERE. Hope you and all of your family have a safe and Happy 4th!