Tuesday, June 30, 2015 – New York, NY – With the Fourth of July right around the corner, and the Farmers’ Almanac predicting a hotter and drier summer than usual, the Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals advises pet owners to take precautions to keep their furry friends safe from summertime hazards — including Fourth of July fireworks.
Jane Hoffman, President of the Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals, said, “It is important for pet owners to plan ahead for the holiday firework season. While exciting to us, fireworks can be very scary to pets. Following these simple tips will mean a happier Fourth of July for everyone.”
- Take your dog for a walk before the fireworks get underway. A good long walk or exercise can tire the dog out and help keep her calm when the explosions begin.
- Keep pets indoors when fireworks are underway. Close the windows and curtains and, if you can, run the air conditioner or the television to cut down on the noise and excessive flashes of light. Darkness can be calming to pets in these situations.
- Fireworks are scary for pets. Try not to leave your pets home alone. Be there to comfort them. Create a comforting place of escape for them — perhaps a box, a crate, or a comfy place to curl up.
- If you decide to go to an outdoor fireworks display, do not, under any circumstances, bring pets. At the very least it will frighten them and there is a great risk that they will escape from you and become lost. And no matter what time of year, make sure your dogs and cats are microchipped, and that each microchip is registered with the microchip company. Also be sure to license your dog (required by law in NYC), and provide proper ID tags.
If your pet becomes lost, immediately file a Lost Pet Report with Animal Care Centers of NYC (ACC), go to your nearest ACC to look for your pet, and search ACC’s Found Pet Database. For more information about what to do if you lose or find a pet, visit our Pet Lost & Found Resources page.
Hoffman cautioned that there are other summer hazards to be prepared for. She added, “Dogs and cats are particularly vulnerable to high heat. Following a few simple tips and taking some precautions will keep your pet safe, healthy, happy, and comfortable.”
- Never leave your pet unattended in a parked car, even for a “minute.” Even with a window cracked open, a parked car can heat up dramatically and pose immediate danger to an animal. If you see a pet in a parked car, immediately seek out a police officer or call 911 for help.
- Don’t take your dogs out during the hottest time of the day. This will help protect them from overheating and sunburn. Yes! Your dog can get sunburn. Also, remember that asphalt, blacktop, and concrete get HOT! Make sure to pick up the little ones (25 pounds and under) who are close to the ground. The radiating heat can contribute to your dog overheating — and burn their paws. Consider buying protective booties.
- If you take your dog for a walk in hot, humid conditions, wet his or her coat thoroughly — including the paws and outside of the ears — before you leave home. Bring water!
- Limit your dog’s exercise. A dog’s temperature can soar to 106 degrees in a flash. If your dog begins to exhibit signs of distress — heavy panting, difficulty breathing, bright red tongue, vomiting, and/or unsteadiness — get him or her to a cool place and call your veterinarian.
- Make sure your cats and dogs always have access to clean, fresh water.
- Check that your window screens are secure to protect your pets, especially cats, from falling out.
About the Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals®
The Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals® is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charity that works with more than 150 partner rescue groups and shelters to offer important programs and services that save the lives of NYC’s homeless animals. We are supported entirely by donations from foundations, corporations, and individuals and receive no government funding. Since our founding in 2003, we have remained committed to transforming New York City into a community where no dogs or cats of reasonable health and temperament will be killed merely because they do not have homes. www.AnimalAllianceNYC.org
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