HSCO offers fireworks, Pet Parade safety tips
The noise and bright lights of fireworks delight humans, but can terrify our companion animals. The week surrounding the 4th of July is the Humane Society of Central Oregon’s busiest week of the year.
There is a dramatic increase in lost and frightened animals due to the sounds of fireworks. If you lose or find a pet report it immediately to your local animal shelter.
When a pet runs away in fear, they can get disoriented and/or injured. Local veterinary clinics report an increase in injuries caused by dogs hit by cars or trying to escape. The Humane Society of Central Oregon would like to offer the following tips to have a safe Fourth of July for your pet:
• Current identification tags on your pet(s) ensures a safe and quick return. Immediately report lost and found animals to the Humane Society of Central Oregon at 541.382.3537.
• Keep your pet(s) inside the home in a safe area or in a crate. Leave music or a television playing if left alone.
• Never leave pets outside unattended, even in a fenced yard or on a tether. Dogs may chew through their tether, escape and become lost or become entangled in the tie-out, putting your dog at risk of injury or death.
• Do not take your pet to fireworks displays. The noise, sights and sounds are frightening.
• Keep pets away from all fireworks to prevent burns, hearing loss or eye damage. Safely dispose of spent fireworks. If eaten, they may cause digestive problems.
• Resist the urge to take your dog to Fourth of July celebrations where it will be too hot to leave your dog in the car and your dog may not be welcome.
• If your dog or cat is extremely fearful, consult your veterinarian before the fireworks begins.
• 4th of July gatherings can be stressful for a pet. Doors and gates left open allow pets to escape.
• If you plan to go away for the weekend, identify your animal(s) with the phone number of the pet sitter or kennel. Make sure a pet sitter reports and reclaims your pet immediately at the Humane Society if lost.
• Keep your veterinarian’s and the emergency clinic’s phone numbers handy in case of an emergency.
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Page 2 Humane Society of Central Oregon
Fireworks and Pet Parade Safety Tips
Immediately report lost and found animals to your local Humane Society. Visit the animal shelter and view stray pets at the Bend shelter on-line at www.hsco.org. Shelter space is limited during this busy holiday, so quickly reclaim your pet.
4th of July Pet Parade
The Fourth of July is predicted to be in the high 70’s F which can be dangerous for our four-legged friends. The Humane Society of Central Oregon would like to precaution people participating in the Pet Parade to consider the heat before heading out to Fourth of July festivities. Senior and short-muzzled dogs do not tolerate high temperatures well and all dogs can suffer on the hot pavement and from melted tar on the roads. If you venture out, bring water for your dog.
The Humane Society of Central Oregon will help keep your pet cool during the Fourth of July Pet Parade. To help keep your pet cool, Humane Society volunteers will provide drinking water and cooling pools at the staging area of the Pet Parade (in front of the downtown Bend library).
The Humane Society of Central Oregon sells a variety of custom pet ID tags and provides free temporary tags. For information call the Humane Society of Central Oregon at 541 382.3537 or visit www.hsco.org . The Bend shelter is located just south of Reed Market on 27th Street.
