Celebrating The 4th With Our 4-legged Friends

The 4th of July is one of our nation's most celebrated holidays; filled with fun backyard activities, barbecues, and booming firework displays lighting up the night sky in recognition of the birth of our great country.  But unlike people, animals don’t associate the noise, flashes, and burning smell of fireworks with happy celebrations. 

 
Animals are often terrified of fireworks and may panic at all the loud pops and bangs they produce.  The American Humane Association reports that, as a result, July 5th is one of the busiest days of the year for animal shelters.  Why?  A 2005 press release stated that, the day after the 4th of July, animal shelters are “inundated with pets that panicked at the noise of firecrackers and fled into the night; winding up lost, injured or killed.” 

 

If you want to include your pets at a 4th of July celebration, take safety precautions to ensure that your dog or cat is protected from some of these common hazards.

 

1.  Noise Phobia:
An extreme fear of a sound, such as firecrackers or fireworks, can cause our pets to act aggressively during this fearful event.  Pets can injure themselves while trying to escape or when looking for a place to hide.  If your pets are going to be home alone on the 4th of July, reduce the noise level in your home by running a fan, playing the radio, or closing the windows and doors to help block out any troubling  noise.  Pet owners can also create a safe place where their pets can retreat to when they feel threatened.  Some animals find refuge in small spaces, such as a closet or their crate.  Consider putting their favorite blanket and toys in these areas to create a sense of security for them while you're out.

 

2.  Food Toxicity:
Barbecues can offer tantalizing treats for animals; however, most of them are toxic  to our pets.  Fatty and rich foods such as hamburgers, hotdogs, chicken, and baby back ribs can reek havoc on your pets' stomach, often leading to indigestion, upset stomach, diarrhea, etc.  Raw meat and fish contain bacteria or parasites that are extremely dangerous to our pets and can even be fatal.  Onions and garlic, common ingredients in many foods, are toxic to dogs and cats and can lead to fatal poisoning.  Discarded bones from ribs, steak, or chicken can cause an obstruction or lacerations of your pets' digestive system.  Make sure to keep pets away from alcohol; wine, beer and other spirits which are extremely toxic and often cause life-threatening seizures or respiratory failure.

 

3.  Pet drowning:
Many 4th of July parties are held pool-side, at the beach, or on a lake with pets tagging along.  Thousands of animals die in drowning incidents each year.  These incidents can be avoided if the following safety measures are taken.  Don’t assume your pets know how to swim; familiarize them  with water from a young age.  Supervise your pets at all times while they’re around water and be sure they have an easy way to exit the water.  Never leave your pets unattended at the beach as they can easily become overpowered by tides and currents.  If you're taking your pets on a boat, buy a lifejacket made specifically for your four-legged companion.  This simple but effective accessory just might save your pets' life

 

4.  Lost pets:
Pets can easily become separated from us during holiday festivities; too many people at a party can create confusion, a back door may accidentally be left open, or your dogs could get pulled in the opposite direction while swimming unattended at the beach.  Pets left at home may also become anxious during a firework display and find a way to escape from the house.  Make sure your pets wear a durable collar with up-to-date information on the identification tags.  Getting microchips for all of your pets is another way to increase the chances that they are reunited with you should they become lost.

 

Unfortunately, even with the best safety plan in motion, accidents can still happen.  If there is an emergency with your pets, don’t wait to have them treated; locate a 24-hour veterinary clinic if your family veterinarian is unavailable.  

 

Perhaps the safest and best way to celebrate this 4th of July with your pets is to exclude them from the festivities altogether.  Instead, find a safe, secure spot in the home for your pets while you go out and enjoy the loud bangs, bright lights and spectator fun.  You may think your beloved pets will feel left out but, trust me, they'll appreciate the quiet a whole lot more than you’ll enjoy all the noise!

 
Here's to a safe 4th of July for all!

 

Happy tails to you until we meet again!

TYDTWDay

Doesn't it just break your heart to see your beloved furry friend staring out at you from the front window with those sad puppy dog eyes as you head out for another busy day at the office?  Do you ever wish you could spare them another lonely and boring day at home and bring them to work with you?  Well, this Friday, June 24th, just might be the day that wish can come true because its Take Your Dog To Work Day!            

 

In 1996, Pet Sitters International decided that there were far too many instances of people leaving their animals at home while they went about their workday.  This amazing organization is dedicated to saving animals from local shelters and helping them find good homes with people who will love and respect them.  As part of this project they developed Take Your Dog To Work Day in an attempt to help restore puppies to the workplace and help people understand the extraordinary bond between humans and their animals. 


Since the beginning of time, dogs have been considered man’s best friend.  They worked alongside us, hunting and tracking and even keeping us safe at night by alerting us to imminent danger.  In modern times, however, this relationship has been forgotten and the poor pooch is now left to sit at home while we go about our daily business.  Take Your Dog To Work Day is set to change this and bring the happy puppy back into our daily work lives.

 

This day of recognition  encourages employers and co-workers to experience the joys of pets in the workplace for one day to support their local pet community.  TYDTWDay is an annual event and is always celebrated on the Friday following Father’s Day.  It also accommodates cat lovers (and other pets) and those who cannot participate on TYDTWDay as the entire week leading up to this day, June 20-24, is Take Your Pet To Work Week. 

 
So how can we Celebrate Take Your Dog To Work Day?  Well that's a no-brainer isn’t it?  Take your dog to work with you!  This doesn’t mean leaving them in the car to bake in the hot summer sun; the pup should spend the entire day by your side.  Of course you will want to be sure your dog as well as your co-workers are comfortable with this situation, so here are a few tips to remember.  

 
*  Only take your dog to work if they're well-trained and listen to you.

*  Consider how your dog acts around other dogs and realize your dog may not get along with other dogs at your office.

*  Don’t assume that everyone likes your dog as much as you do.  Many people are afraid of dogs, especially big ones, but they don't want to speak up.

*  Don’t allow your dog to wander alone around your office; keep them by your desk all day to prevent them from bothering your co-workers.

*  Bring your dog’s bed so they'll feel more comfortable.  Also, bring along some of your dog’s favorite toys and treats to keep them entertained.

*  Be courteous when taking your dog out for bathroom breaks and clean up any mess they make.

 
By bringing your pet to work with you, you're helping to educate others on the importance of saving these amazing critters from rescue shelters and the streets.  It's a fun way for non-pet owners to witness firsthand the special bond their co-workers have with their pets and be encouraged to adopt a new best friend of their own.  If your place of business doesn’t yet have a Take Your Dog To Work Day organized, perhaps you can be the one to get it started and help bring some doggie goodness to your office.  Who knows, you may find some more dog fans in your co-workers, and maybe every day will become Take Your Dog To Work Day!

 
Happy tails to you until we meet again!

For All the Cat Lovers: Save a life - Adopt a cat!

Approximately 4 million cats end up in shelters across the country every year, including thousands born every spring and summer during “kitten season”.  That means there are tons of cute, cuddly newborns in addition to the older, more mellow cats and everything in between.  Since June is Adopt-A--Cat month, maybe you're ready to adopt your very first cat or perhaps bring home a friend for another beloved cat in your family!  Here's a simple but important checklist you should review before adopting your new feline companion.

 
1.  If you’re thinking about adopting a cat, consider taking home two.  This may sound like a pitch to get you to spend more money, but cats require exercise, mental stimulation, and social interaction and two cats can provide this for each other.  They can provide many positive benefits to you as well.  For example, cats’ purring has been shown to soothe humans as well as themselves, and they have an uncanny ability to just make you smile.  A great place to start your search is online.  Sites like petfinder.com help you search numerous shelters in your area simultaneously to help narrow your search and more quickly find the PURfect match for you and your family.

 

2.  Find a cat whose personality meshes with yours.  Just as we each have our own personality, so do cats.  Adoption counselors can offer advice to help you match the cat’s personality with your own.

 

3.  Pick out a veterinarian ahead of time and schedule a visit within the first couple of weeks following the adoption.  Pet Pal Animal Shelter will include a free consultation with their veterinary clinic or you can choose your own vet.  Regardless of what vet you choose, You’ll want to take all medical records you received from the shelter to your first visit with the veterinarian

 

4.  Make sure everyone in the house is prepared to have a cat before it comes home.  Visiting the shelter should be a family affair.  If you already have pets at home and you're considering adopting a new cat, discuss with the adoption counselors the best ways to make a proper introduction.

 

5.  Budget for the short- and long-term costs of a cat.  Understand any pet is a responsibility and there are costs associated with that.  A cat adopted from a shelter like Pet Pal is a bargain as they have already provided spaying or neutering, initial vaccines, and a microchip for permanent identification.

 

6.  Get all the necessary supplies before the cat arrives.  Be prepared so your new cat can start feeling at home right away.  Your cat will need a litter box, cat litter, food and water bowls, food, scratching posts, safe and stimulating toys, a cushy bed, a brush for grooming, etc.

 

7.  Cat-proof your home.  A new cat will quickly teach you not to leave things lying out.  Food left on the kitchen counter will quickly teach your new friend to jump on counters for a possible lunch.  Get rid of loose items your cat might chew on, watch to ensure the kitten isn’t chewing on electric cords, and pick up random items like paper clips (which kittens may swallow).

 

8.  Take your time when introducing your cat to new friends and family.  It can take several weeks for a cat to relax in a new environment.  Socialization is very important but remember to take it slow.

 

9.  Be sure to include your new pet in your family’s emergency plan.  You probably already have a plan in place for getting your family to safety in case of an emergency...especially if you live here in Florida, but you'll need to adjust this plan to include your pets.  Add phone numbers for your veterinarian and closest 24-hour animal hospital to your emergency contact list.

 

10.  If you’re considering giving a cat as a gift, make sure the recipient is an active participant in the adoption process.  Though well-meaning, a surprise kitty gift doesn’t allow for a “get-to know-one-another” period.  For this reason, some shelters including Pet Pal Animal Shelter will not partake in surprise adoptions.  Adopting a cat (or any pet) isn’t like purchasing a household appliance or piece of jewelry; this is a real living, breathing, and emotional being who deserves a family that is 100% in love with the idea of adopting and ready to provide a FURever home.     

 

Now, what if you can't adopt?  Here are some easy ways you can still help bring awareness to Adopt-A-Cat Month. 

 

1.  Contact your local shelter or rescue group and ask if they have a donation wish list or other flier you can post around your school, office, neighborhood, etc.  They may be having special cat-related events that you can help promote too.

 

2.  Sign up as a shelter volunteer or foster parent and tell your friends and family how fun and rewarding it is.

 

3.  Pass on an understanding of the importance of pet adoption to the next generation.  Talk to your kids, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and other youngsters about animal shelters and responsible pet adoption   

 

4.  Post this message to your social media to spread the word.  "June is Adopt-A--Cat Month.  Save a life - Adopt a cat!"

     

It may not seem like you're doing much, but even just a little help can make a huge difference in the lives of these furry felines during Adopt-A-Cat Month and throughout the year! 

 

Happy tails to you until we meet again!