Be Careful with Your Pets this 4th of July!

Even with COVID-19 cancellations, fireworks will be scaring animals this year.

The 4th of July is an important holiday, but one of the most dangerous for pets. “We see more pets turn up missing right after the 4th of July than any other time of year,” said Charleston Animal Society Senior Director of Animal Services Pearl Sutton. “While many places are cancelling public fireworks shows, many people are going to set them off in their backyards and that’s when we see animals run out of fear.”

FOR THIS REASON, CHARLESTON ANIMAL SOCIETY IS OFFERING “PET AMNESTY” JULY 5TH – 8TH.  ANY LOST ANIMAL THAT TURNS UP AT CHARLESTON ANIMAL SOCIETY CAN BE CLAIMED WITH NO FEES DURING THIS PERIOD. (Mandatory spay/neuter fees still apply for intact animals, per Charleston County Ordinance).

People are urged to keep your pets inside and always have them on leashes because of fireworks that will be going off even before the holiday.

If Your Pet is Lost:

  • Immediately search your neighborhood.
  • Put up signs with a picture of your pet, his or her name and other important information.
  • Post a picture and information about your pet’s last known whereabouts on social media like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
  • Visit Charleston Animal Society at 2455 Remount Road in North Charleston to see if your pet has been picked up by animal control or another member of the public and brought to the shelter.

Here are other tips to keep your pets safe during the 4th of July holiday:

  • Fireworks: Fun for Family, Not for Fido. Leave pets at home when you head out for fireworks, and don’t ignite them around pets.
  • Microchips & Collars: Make sure you have your pet microchipped (your vet can do this quickly). Also, be sure your pet’s collar and tags have current information.
  • Keep Pets Cool. Dogs and cats can become dehydrated quickly, so it is very important to provide them with plenty of water when it is hot outdoors. Pets should also have a shady place to escape the sun if outside and they should never linger on hot asphalt during periods of extreme heat. This can cause an animal to heat up quickly, and sensitive paw pads can burn.
  • Spot the Symptoms. Signs of overheating in pets include increased heart rate, excessive drooling and panting, difficulty breathing, weakness, elevated body temperature (over 104 degrees), and even seizures. Even if swimming, a dog can easily get sick in the heat.
  • Glow Jewelry is a Potential Danger. While the luminescent substance contained in these products is not highly toxic, excessive drooling and gastrointestinal irritation could still result from ingestions, and intestinal blockage could occur from swallowing large pieces of the plastic containers.
  • Holiday Food Dangers: Watch those picnic leftovers! Bones and corn cobs are especially dangerous for dogs, as they can cause painful and life-threatening obstructions.

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