and just a bit more info....
Fourth of July Pet Safety Tips
by Michigan Humane Society on Wednesday, June 27, 2012 at 10:27am
With the Fourth of July holiday fast approaching, families across metro Detroit are getting ready for some fun, sun and fireworks. However, those bombs bursting in air can be very frightening for our four-legged friends. The Michigan Humane Society (MHS) is reminding pet owners to keep their pets safe this holiday season by ensuring they are well secured, have up-to-date identification and license tags, and are microchipped.
“When fireworks and other loud noises are going on outside, pets can do some pretty remarkable things to escape,” said Terri Mallett, Animal Behavior Specialist with the Michigan Humane Society. “That’s why having up-to-date identification including ID tags and a microchip is so important – it’s the best way for a lost pet to find their way home.”
The number of lost pets arriving at animal shelters increases sharply around the holiday, as animals attempt to “escape” the loud noises and bright lights. Every year, MHS’ three metro Detroit adoption centers receive thousands of stray animals, most of which lack any form of identification. Without it, the chance that these pets will be reunited with their families is less than 10 percent.
Microchipping is a safe, permanent and unalterable way for your pet to be identified at veterinary centers and humane organizations around the country. MHS offers microchipping for dogs and cats for approximately $50, by appointment at each of the organization’s three veterinary care centers in Detroit, Rochester Hills and Westland. MHS also includes no-cost microchipping with all cat and kitten adoptions.
MHS recommends the following safety tips for pets and guardians around the Independence Day festivities:
■Keep pets inside and secure. Frightened animals may jump tall fences, bolt out gates or run through screens in order to “escape.”
■Make sure pets have ID! A visible ID tag and license with current information plus a microchip is recommended for all dogs and cats.
■If your pet is afraid of the loud noises, confine him in a safe, quiet room and turn on soft music.
■If your dog shows signs of distress, give him a peanut butter-stuffed toy to help distract him and calm his nerves.
■The holiday is often accompanied by hot weather. Prevent heat exhaustion by keeping pets inside in a cool area during the heat of the day, with plenty of fresh, cool water.
For information on finding a lost pet visit
www.michiganhumane.org/lost.