The Fourth of July is quickly approaching and this means the holiday fireworks can frighten you per, so follow these steps to keep your pet safe and sound.
4th of July celebrations might be a lot of fun for people, but they can be downright scary for our animals, especially cats, dogs and horses. Celebrate the fourth, but please leave your pets safely indoors at home.
The Animal Shelter traditionally pick up more strays a week prior, during, and the week following the 4th of July than any other time of year, primarily because pets are so frightened by fireworks. To help keep your animals from becoming overly stressed this 4th of July, consider the following tips:
- Leave your pets at home! Do not take your pets to fireworks displays. Pets and fireworks are a dangerous combination. Fireworks and the loud noises can terrify your pet, causing it to bolt and run away.
- Don’t leave pets unattended outside. Don’t leave pets outside not even in a fenced yard or tied up or in a car. Dogs may try to dig out of yards. Dogs trying to escape the noises can become panicked, scale fences they never did before, or injure themselves by becoming entangled in ropes. They can end up lost miles from home, suffer heat exhaustion, or get hit by a car.
- Exercise pets early in the day. Take your dog for a walk early in the day before the fireworks start, so it will be tired and ready for a snooze when all the excitement begins. And make sure it’s had a chance to go potty, to avoid an accident in the house later.
- Keep pets safely indoors in a quiet place. Put your pet in a quiet room, away from outside sounds. Shut the windows, close the curtains or window blinds and use your air conditioner or a fan. Turn on the TV or radio to provide a normal sound to help drown out the noise from the fireworks. If you know your pet has a history of anxiety around loud noises, consult your vet before the holiday. Your vet may prescribe a mild tranquilizer to help keep your pet calm.
- Make sure dogs and cats are wearing an ID tag or license. Finally, make sure your dog is wearing an ID tag with your current address and phone number, and a dog license so we can return it to you, if it should get lost.
If your pet does become lost
- Check the neighborhood (or area where the pet became lost), as pets have been known to be found close to home even several days later. Put up signs with your pet’s photo and your phone number.
- Contact your microchip registration company. Once notified, they may activate a lost pet recovery network and/or place your lost pet on a “hot sheet.”
- Contact your veterinarian. If your pet is wearing a rabies tag, the number can be traced to your veterinarian.
- Contact animal control in your area. If possible, visit them daily to see if your pet has been brought in.
- Place a lost pet ad in your local newspaper and/or online.
- Check the paper daily for “found pet” ads.
Featured Dog: Carly
Carly is a sweet girl, with lots of young energy and curiosity. She is adorable little sweetie who will steal your heart in no time. She is gentle and well behaved and learning basic commands and leash training. she is a blend of many breads but we know one of them is pug. She loves to snuggle and be with you. if you want a sweet and loving companion, then look no further than Carly!
Other available dogs:
Monica and Rachel Female 9month-1year sisters. Dachshund blend. Shy at first but they love people and to play.
Tia- Female 1 year old pit-bull terrier. Very friendly and calm
Gracie- Female 1yr old pit- bull terrier. Very friendly and calm
Featured Cat- Missy
Missy is one exquisite lady! Don’t you just love her unique tortoiseshell? She is DECLAWED on her front paws. Her owner passed away she’s was used to being in a quiet, calm environment and being the only cat in the home. The owner’s daughter tried to keep her but Missy did not care much for the commotion and by the other cats. She would love a more subdued home where she can curl up in your lap, relax in the sunshine, or snuggle up to you for bedtime. Will you be the one to rescue this sweet princess?
Other available cats: Sheba female 10 years old Long hair. Needs to be the only cat in the home. Quiet and loving lady.
All animals will be spayed or neutered prior to leaving shelter and receive 1 year rabies vaccination and city license. Ages are approximated.
The City of Mesquite Animal Shelter located at 795 Hardy Way is open for adoptions from 11am until 1 pm, Monday through Saturday, Sunday 1pm -3pm. Please call 702-346-7415 during these hours to speak to the front desk. Animal Control may be reached by phone or voicemail at 702-346-5268
The animals submitted to the media may have changes so please visit our Petfinder website for a current listing and more detailed information on the animals. www.mesquiteanimalshelter.petfinder.com
Please also check our Facebook pages for lost and found animals along with pet information. https://www.facebook.com/MesquiteNVAnimalControl and https://www.facebook.com/FRIENDSOFMESQUITENVANIMALSHELTER
