Some pets say 'no' to booms
By Steve Herring
Published in News on July 3, 2008 1:45 PM
While many persons will be enjoying the noisy Fourth of July spectacle of fireworks this weekend, their pets might not share their enjoyment.
People understand what is going on, but their pets don't, said Justin Scally, director of the Wayne County Animal Control Department.
"The Fourth of July holiday is notoriously a busy day for animal control agencies all across the nation," Scally said.
Scally said he did not recall locally any pets that have run away because of the noisy celebrations, but "typically there are reports (in other areas) of pets that run away."
"It is our responsibility as pet owners to try to get them through the holiday," he said.
He said pet owners might want to talk to a veterinarian. In some cases, the veterinarian might recommend a sedative to keep the animal calm.
The Wayne County Depart-ment of Animal Control provides the following tips to keep pets safe:
* Do not take your pets to fireworks displays. The loud sounds of fireworks can scare your pets resulting in the animal running away, or biting someone when they usually would not exhibit that sort of behavior.
* Bring pets indoors. Remember, just because you do not take your pets to a fireworks display doesn't mean that they aren't going to be exposed to neighbors setting off firecrackers in the area. Also, if you have visitors make sure your pet is in a secure location so that it does not slip out past a visitor.
* Be sure your pets have their collars and other forms of identification on them. If your pet runs away during the celebration, this could help neighbors or Animal Control reunite you with your pets as quickly as possible.
* Keep pets away during other holiday festivities such as cookouts and picnics. Unfortunately, visitors can leave gates open resulting in lost pets and pets may become frightened resulting in animal bites. Other dangers include aluminum foil that pets could accidentally ingest.
Following are some emergency numbers to call in the event your animal becomes sick over the holidays:
-- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: 1-888-426-4435.