Dear Editor
Summer can be a fun time for pets and people alike, but many
pets would prefer to skip the fireworks activities around the
Fourth of July.
Dear Editor
Summer can be a fun time for pets and people alike, but many pets would prefer to skip the fireworks activities around the Fourth of July. With the holiday celebrations just around the corner please remember to think of your pet’s safety and provide them with a secure environment. Anxiety surrounding this holiday is not uncommon in both dogs and cats and it can result in problems from simply getting lost to being injured or even killed.
Here are some suggestions for helping Fido or Whiskers get through the holidays safely. During the fireworks keep your pet indoors with you if possible, turn on the television or play music to provide some background noise. If you can’t be with your pet make sure that they are secure in a kennel, garage or inside the house. Again, leaving a radio or television playing really helps drown out the fireworks noise.
If you already know that your pet suffers from anxiety from the loud noises you may want to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to discuss medications that may be helpful. And it goes without saying that every dog and cat should always be wearing identification tags (or better yet be microchipped!) so in the event they become lost they will have a better chance at being reunited with you.
If you do lose your pet over the holiday please visit your local shelter, fill out a lost report and walk through the kennels. If you live within the city of limits of either Gilroy or Morgan Hill please call the police department and ask for animal control. If you live in the unincorporated area of Santa Clara County please visit the shelter in San Martin.
Let’s make sure that the pets that are entrusted to us are given the care and concern that they deserve during the upcoming holiday.
Sue Padgett, Gilroy
