July 5 Is The Busiest Day Of The Year For Animal Shelters, Here’s Why (VIDEO)

Happy Independence Day! May your cookouts be plentiful, may your fireworks be beautiful, and may you be surrounded by family and friends. Also, don’t forget about Fido. It’s tempting to bring pets to outdoor events such as cookouts, but it might not be a good idea.

Cats and dogs alike can become terrified from the noise, light, and smell from firework displays. The American Humane Society reports that pets running away is how July 5th has come to be known as the busiest day of the year for animal shelters.

Pet Amber Alert reports that July 4-6 sees an average of a 30-60 percent increase in lost pets.

Pets that have become terrified by the noise of firework displays are often found miles from home, exhausted, disoriented, and confused. Sadly, some pets are hit by cars or sustain other injuries in their attempts to flee.

As previously reported by Linda Estrada, Executive Director of the Animal Welfare League:

“Her organization has treated pets who have broken bones after falling from balconies or down flights of stairs, and animals who have been hit by cars…”

patriot kitty
Image screengrab via YouTube
Here are some tips to keep your pets safe on the 4th:
1. Leave your pet inside and secure your home. Do not leave them in a backyard or on a balcony. Don’t bring them with you to outdoor celebrations. Make sure all windows, doggie doors, and exits are closed.

2. ID your pet. Ensure your pet’s tags are up to date, and it’s a good idea to have them micro-chipped. If they are micro-chipped, make sure your veterinarian has an up-to-date phone number.

3. Relieve their anxiety. Give your pets a crate or a safe space to hide. Leave on some music or the television to drown out the noise from the fireworks. Speak calmly to your animals and pet them.
4. Don’t change their regular diet. A change in diet can be upsetting to an animal. In addition, barbecue scraps might be too greasy, leading to health problems. Keep alcoholic beverages away from your pet, because those can be poisonous if ingested by animals.
5. Keep human products away from animals. Products such as sunscreen, insect repellent, fireworks, and glow sticks can be hazardous to your pet.
Featured image screen grab via YouTube