Canada Day is a time of food, fun and festivities, but the Ontario SPCA Sudbury Animal Centre wants to remind pet owners that many animals are often frightened by fireworks and need a bit of extra care and consideration over the long weekend.
“The Canada Day weekend is a time for fun with friends and family, but let’s not forget about our pets,” said Rachelle Lamoureux.
“Following a few simple safety tips will help your pet have a great weekend, too.”
Here are a few ways to help minimize stress for your pet this Canada Day:
- Keep pets at home in a safe place indoors. This will help reduce the noise level of the fireworks and reduce the risk of your pet running away if he/she is spooked by loud noises.
- Provide a safe "escape" place for your animal. Scared animals like to hide. Allow your pet a safe place to snuggle to help ease their stress and calm their fears of the loud sounds.
- Use a leash or carrier if you must be outside with your pet and keep it on your pet at all times. This will help prevent your pet from running away from you if he/she is fearful of the fireworks or thunderstorms.
It’s also important to make sure your pet’s ID is current. Should your pet run away, having an updated ID tag or microchip on your pet will help ensure local animal services can find you to reunite you with your lost pet.
The Ontario SPCA would also like to remind pet owners about the dangers of leaving pets unattended in vehicles during the warm summer months.
Parked cars can quickly reach deadly temperatures, even on relatively mild days with the car parked in the shade and the windows slightly open.
Visit nohotpets.ca and take the pledge to never leave your pet in a vehicle.
“Leaving your pet unattended in a vehicle is one of the most irresponsible things an owner can do, leave your pet at home and if you must take your pet make sure that someone is with it at all times,” said Connie Mallory, Chief Inspector, Ontario SPCA.
“During the hot summer months, let’s keep everyone safe and cool.”
For more summer pet safety tips, visit the Ontario SPCA’s blog at ontariospca.ca/blog
