The Fourth of July can be a frightening time for animals, with the loud sounds of firecrackers and fireworks often sending pets scurrying out of the house or yard in search of security or shelter.
Taking special care of pets during the Fourth of July is responsible pet ownership, just like licensing and keeping identification tags on pets, and making sure they are spayed or neutered, according to Long Beach Animal Care Services (ACS).
ACS reminds all animal owners that they can save themselves and their pets heartache and anxiety by following a few simple suggestions:
• Isolate pets indoors at home; they will be happier and not tempted to try to get away during loud sounds.
• If your dog is crate trained, put him in a crate covered with a blanket to make him feel more secure.
• Create a peaceful environment in your home; play soothing music and lower the blinds to block outside sights and sounds. If your pet seems anxious, spend time with him, soothing him with a calm voice.
• A sudden change in your pet’s diet can cause stomach upset; avoid feeding your pet scraps from the grill and other human food. Some foods like onion, avocado, grapes and raisins can be toxic. Pets should never be given bones, especially from chicken.
• Keep pets away from flames, matches, and lighter fluid.
• Do not spray pets with insect repellant or sunscreen that is intended for humans. They can be extremely irritating to the stomach, lungs and central nervous system if ingested.
• Even if your pet is indoors with you, double-check yard gates and doors to make sure that pets cannot escape.
• Make certain pets are wearing identification, including the name and current telephone number of the owner. Confirm your pet’s microchip registration information is registered or updated.
Long Beach Animal Care Services offices will be closed on Monday, July 4. Officers will be responding 24 hours a day to emergency calls and shelter staff will contact owners of lost pets that have identification tags or microchips. Animals with identification will be held at Animal Care Services for 14 days. Pets without identification will be held for a minimum of six days before being evaluated for adoption.
Anyone whose animal is lost in Long Beach, Los Alamitos, Seal Beach, Signal Hill or Cerritos may visit the Long Beach Animal Care Services website at LongBeachAnimalCare.com to see the found animals in their care. It is highly recommended residents visit the shelter in person to look through the kennels, lost and found binders, and community boards. Residents who have lost a pet can also follow the Twitter handle #LBLostFoundPets to get up-to-the-minute information on animals that go to the shelter. People who find an animal can also post its picture to #LBLostFoundPets to help locate the owner.
Source: LB Animal Care Services
