Keep your Pet Safe on The Fourth Of July Holiday!

Keep your Pet Safe on The Fourth Of July Holiday!

Date of Record: June 30, 2006

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 30, 2006

For more information contact:
Laurie Ringquist, Director, Animal Care and Control, City of Bloomington, 349.3492
Maria K. Heslin, Communications Director, City of Bloomington, 349.3569

Bloomington, IN -- The City of Bloomington Animal Care and Control Division in recognition of Be Safe Bloomington Month is urging citizens to plan ahead and take basic precautions to protect their pet on the Fourth of July. Animals often become frightened and anxious as a result of the noise created by Independence Day festivities, primarily fireworks.

Here are a few simple guidelines to help keep your pet safe and calm on the Fourth of July holiday:

• Refrain from taking your pet to fireworks displays as the loud noises and commotion may cause them to run away or struggle against their leash.
• Avoid leaving your pet inside your car, even if you are parked in the shade, and even if your windows are open. Dogs and cats are not able to perspire and can only dispel heat by panting and through the pads of their feet. Within minutes, pets can suffer from heat exhaustion, heat stroke and brain damage and they can even die if left in hot cars.
• Keep your pets indoors in a sheltered, quiet area. Some animals can become destructive when scared, so be sure to remove items that your pet could destroy or that would be harmful to your pet. Leave a television or radio playing at normal volume to keep your pet(s) company while you're attending Fourth of July celebrations.
• If you know that your pet is distressed by loud noises like thunder, consult your veterinarian before July 4th for ways to help ease fear and anxiety.
• Do not leave pets outside unattended, even in a fenced yard or on a chain. If frightened, pets who normally would not leave the yard may escape and become lost, or become entangled in their chain, risking injury or death.
• Make sure your pets are wearing identification tags or bring your pet to the new microchip clinic every Friday evening at the [City of Bloomington Animal Shelter|www.bloomington.in.gov/adopt-today/] for a permanent, safe and low-cost form of identification.

For more information, please contact Dr. Jo Liska, Behavior Consultant/Community Outreach, at 349.3492 or [liskaj@bloomington.in.gov|mailto:liskaj@bloomington.in.gov].

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