DATE: June 27, 2014
MEDIA CONTACT: Lisa Mendheim, Broward County Animal Care and Adoption
PHONE: 954-359-1010
EMAIL: lmendheim@broward.org
OR
Cherie Wachter, Humane Society of Broward County
PHONE: 954-266-6831
EMAIL: cwachter@hsbroward.com
BROWARD COUNTY, Fla. - The upcoming Fourth of July holiday is marked by all kinds of celebrations, activities and food that can be fun for your family, but stressful or even dangerous for your pets. That's why Broward County Animal Care and Adoption and the Humane Society of Broward County are offering some important tips to ensure that the holiday is also a safe one for your pet.
"While we are all looking forward to the holiday, be sure that your pet is having fun as well. Sometimes the holidays, particularly the Fourth of July, can be a stressful and scary experience for cats and dogs," said Cherie Wachter, vice president of marketing for the Humane Society of Broward County.
"One of the most important things you can do for your pets during the Fourth of July celebration is to keep them inside of your home, away from firework displays and explosives. Each year pets become lost because they have tried to run away from the loud noise. Most importantly, be sure your pet is wearing its Broward County Rabies Registration Tag and other identification in case it does get frightened and escapes from home," said Lisa Mendheim, public education coordinator with Broward County Animal Care and Adoption.
Fourth of July goodies can also cause problems. While you may feel compelled to share a burger, it is important to remember to keep "people food" and alcohol away from your pet. Simple ingredients such as onions, salt, yeast dough, avocados and chocolate can all be potentially toxic to your pet.
Beyond food and fireworks, be mindful of other routine summertime staples that can harm your cat or dog, such as barbeque grills, charcoal, matches and lighter fluid. Other harmful items include sunscreen, insect repellant, citronella oils and candles. Veterinarians advise not to put any of these substances on your pet and to keep them out of your pet's reach. In addition, ingestion of these items can be dangerous and cause severe problems if swallowed. If that happens, immediate medical attention will be necessary.
The bottom line is to enjoy the celebration of the holiday weekend while ensuring that your pet remains healthy, happy and safe.
Top Five July 4th Safety Tips for Pets:
1. Keep your pet INSIDE the house away from fireworks and loud noises. Do not leave them out in the yard and do not take them to see a fireworks display.
2. Keep your pet safely away from hot grills, charcoal and lighter fluid. Sunscreen, insect repellant, citronella candles and oil are also harmful to your pet.
3. Do not give your pet "people food" or alcohol.
4. If your pet ingests a poisonous substance, contact your local veterinarian right away or the Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4435. The center is open 24/7.
5. Make sure your dog or cat is micro-chipped and that the chip is registered to a current address and phone number. In addition to the chip, make sure your pet is wearing a Broward County Rabies Registration Tag at all times. Not only is the tag required by law, but it is the easiest way to ensure your pet will be reunited with you if it becomes lost. The Rabies Registration Tag is available through Broward County Animal Care; the Humane Society of Broward County; most veterinary clinics and all Pet Supermarket stores located in Broward County. Proof of a current rabies vaccination is required. For more information about Pet Registration Tag suppliers, visit Broward.org/animal and click TAGS and SHOTS.
About Animal Care
Broward County Animal Care and Adoption is dedicated to providing shelter for lost and homeless animals. The agency provides access to hundreds of shelter pets hoping for a new home. Please prevent unwanted animals and have your pet spayed or neutered. For more information about the agency, visit Broward.org/animal, follow on Twitter.com/BrowardPetPals or "like us" on Facebook.com/BrowardPets.
About Humane Society
The Humane Society of Broward County is a private, non-profit organization supported by donations and is not affiliated with any national or local group with a similar name. For more information or to see pets looking for a home visit humanebroward.com.