As the July 4th holiday approaches, the East Bay SPCA urges pet owners to plan ahead to keep their pets safe. Each year, many dogs and cats become lost after running away because they are frightened by loud fireworks. Area animal shelters do all that they can to reunite lost pets with their families, but prevention is the key to protecting pets. To help keep your cat or dog safe, please consider the following tips:

• Keep dogs and cats indoors on July 4th. A dog that does well for periods of time in a yard might become so frightened that they will find a way to escape.
• If possible, stay at home with your pet. Doing so will provide you with an opportunity to make adjustments, such as inviting your dog to enter their kennel if they become fearful.
• Always ensure that your dog or cat is wearing identification. In addition, consider speaking with your veterinarian about micro-chipping your pet.
• Always keep an emergency folder with your local shelters’ phone numbers, as well as a current photo of your pet. Make sure that the entire family knows where this folder is kept, so you are prepared in case your dog or cat is ever lost.
• If your pet is extremely frightened by fireworks, speak with your veterinarian about whether medications to help calm his/her nerves might be appropriate.
• If you are planning to have friends over to celebrate, be especially mindful of doors and windows. Guests can be unaware that your precious dog or cat might escape, even if a door is left open for a short amount of time. Consider securing your cat in a quiet room or keeping your dog with you on her leash in your yard as guests are coming and going.

For more information about caring for your pet, please visit the East Bay SPCA’s website: www.eastbayspca.org or call 510-569-0702 in Oakland or 925-479-9670 in the Tri-Valley (Dublin).

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