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Keep your pet safe this holiday

It’s a time of year when I cannot let an opportunity pass to offer a reminder that hopefully prevents inconvenience in the least case scenario and tragedy in the worst. In a community where people and pets are connected a few simple precautions will ensure a bang up Fourth of July holiday.

If the weather cooperates, the Independence Day weekend will be the most active of the summer. Endless possibilities for fun exist. Outdoor activities abound. Man and his best friends and their families will head out to enjoy sparkling waters, sandy beaches, lush grassy parks, highways and bi-ways all across America.

The slogan “safety first” originated here in 1913. It takes on a whole new meaning in today’s fast paced society. The lack of good judgment that humans practice never ceases to amaze me. Accidents can and will happen. Why not cheat fate by taking every precaution to minimize the opportunity for its ugly hand to appear?

While we may think the most common emergency room visits over the holiday weekend will be from fireworks injury, this is not the case. For example, ER visits involving underage drinking will spike dramatically. The number of male underage imbibers who end up in the ER will double over the holiday weekend. Overall visits will increase 87 percent with young females making up one-third of the underage drinkers.

Cleveland.com reports that for Cleveland emergency rooms, overzealous “weekend warriors” claim the number one prize for unexpected ER visits over the Fourth. Adults go for the gusto and end up with injuries related to being out of shape.

Rambunctious kids and food poisoning present in Cleveland ERs more often than firework injuries. Interestingly, the Monday following the weekend holiday will be the busiest. Seems patients take a wait and see attitude until back-to-work Monday then seek medical treatment.

Emergency Animal Hospitals are no different than human emergency facilities. They just have to run the sweeper more often since their patients have fur and hair. Be grateful that they exist; however, your goal should be to take the steps to avoid having to use one.

Keep pets confined during the Fourth of July holiday celebration period. I wish I could fly a plane with a banner that relays this message. Plan ahead. Be prepared. Use your brain. How else can I get the message across that more pets stray due to fireworks or loud events than any other time of the year?

I know of some dog owners who purchase a calming tool known as a “Thunder Shirt.” A fitted vest applies gently constant pressure that is similar to swaddling an infant. Sizes range from XXS to XXL and can be used for anxiety, fear and over excitement issues. With a money back guarantee and more than 80 percent success rate, you have no reason not to try this for the comfort of your agitated pup.

A loose dog is a recipe for disaster at anytime. Loud noise from fireworks or thunderstorms sends your pet fleeing blindly to escape it which adds to the risk. Pay attention to the signs. Panting, drooling, pacing, hiding, decreased appetite, strange potty habits, dilated pupils and excessive grooming are not normal.

Disorientation, digging, fear and flight are natural responses in noise sensitive pets. Do everything in your power to insulate them from exposure to what frightens them. Don’t take a wait and see approach. Getting the pet into secure, safe surroundings that can muffle the unfamiliar noises should be your goal.

Hot pavement and sand burn sensitive paws. If you can’t walk on it, they can’t walk on it. Enclosed heat filled spaces like vehicles kill pets in minutes. Unattended alcoholic drinks, citronella candles, glow jewelry, lighter fluids and busy waterways and roadways spell danger for your pets. As much as you like to have your furry friend with you, the safety and comfort of their home or a reputable pet lodging facility is in your pet’s best interest.

Losing a pet to the unknown is one of my top personal fears. As I always stipulate, pets are not human. However, in a community where people and pets are connected, the anguish associated with a beloved furry friend’s injury, illness or death is great. An ounce of prevention should be an ingredient in every recipe for celebration. Happy 4th of July.

(Jenny Rukenbrod Pike is president of the Humane Society of Columbiana County)

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