As families in Shreveport, Louisiana, prepare to celebrate America’s 250th birthday with fireworks, local veterinarians and animal shelters are encouraging pet owners to take time to keep their animals safe during the celebrations.
Preventing Fireworks-Related Injuries
Veterinarian Andee Monceau says the Independence Day holiday is one of the busiest times of the year for emergency pet visits when loud fireworks trigger anxiety that leads to injuries. Monceau recommends pet owners keep holiday foods out of reach, as leftover barbecue, corn cobs, and bones can make pets sick or cause obstructions that might need to be removed.
Experts recommend bringing pets indoors before fireworks begin and creating a quiet, secure space by turning on a television or fan to help mask the noise of fireworks. Pet owners should also clean up fireworks debris that may contain chemicals which could make an animal sick if eaten.
Lost Pets and Identification
Animal shelters say the days surrounding the Fourth of July are among their busiest for lost pets. Katie McClure with the Northwest Louisiana Humane Society recommends pet owners update microchip and collar tag information to ensure their pets can be reunited with them if they become lost.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
