Fireworks Prove Hazardous for Pets:

Potter League for Animals Implores Pet Owners to Act with Care

As residents begin planning their Fourth of July celebrations, the Potter League for Animals is putting out a plea asking that animals be kept in mind, as there is often an increase of lost pets following the Fourth of July. Festivities for the holiday often include fireworks and other commotion, which can be stressful to pets or result in them getting lost. For the safety and protection of pets, the Potter League recommends the following:

• Leave pets at home and inside. Fireworks can be terrifying to pets, even pets who are accustomed to being around crowds and commotion.
• Create a home sanctuary. Leave your pet in an area of your home where he or she is safe, comfortable and sheltered from any outside noise and lights. An interior room without immediate access to the outside is preferred. Playing a radio with relaxing music may help mask the sound of fireworks.
• Pet-proof your home. When scared, some animals may become destructive so be sure to remove anything from reach that can become damaged or may harm the pet if chewed or eaten.
• Identification is essential. Pets may panic, escape and become lost. Updated identification is critical to ensuring lost pets are reunited with their families. Ideal identification is both a tag and microchip (make sure your chip is registered on a site such as www.petmicrochiplookup.org).
• Consult a veterinarian for pets with anxiety. Consult your veterinarian before the Fourth of July to seek out remedies to lower your pet’s stress level if this is a known issue.

“We all want to wake up on the morning of July 5th with our pets safe at home,” said Brad Shear, Executive Director of the Potter League for Animals. “Following these few sensible precautions can make that happen.”

Click here for tips on what to do if you’re pet becomes lost.