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VANCOUVER, BC – "Summer is a beautiful season for both people
and their pets, but the hot weather is accompanied by a number
of hazards we need to protect our pets from", according to Al
Hickey, Western Regional Director of The Humane Society of
Canada (HSC)
Thunderstorms
"Many pets are frightened, even terrified of thunder and
lightning," says Al Hickey. "These frightened animals can run
off, get injured or cause damage in their terrified state. Even
if they quietly endure these storms, they are still frightened
and upset during these displays."
According to HSC Chairman & CEO Michael O’Sullivan, people have
to be particularly patient and understanding with their pets who
are frightened of storms. O’Sullivan, who has four dogs and two
cats, says planning for your pets’ safety will alleviate
considerable suffering and possibly prevent a serious injury or
lost animal companion.
"Being aware of when storms are coming and helping our pets
through them is very important," states O’Sullivan. "By
listening to weather forecasts we can plan for storms. By
knowing when storms will occur and being prepared for unexpected
storms we can help ensure our best friends comfort and safety."
To assist people in looking after their pets who are frightened
of storms and fireworks displays, the Humane Society of Canada
offers the following recommendations:
- Keep pets indoors well before, during and after (for
a while) storms.
- Always ensure that pets have effective identification
such as the free personalized tags offered through our
Pet Recovery Team, microchips or both. Make sure that
your pet’s collar fits properly.
- When outside with your pet, ensure that he/she cannot
run off. Put the animal in a pet carrier or have him/her
on a leash.
- Set up a "sanctuary" in your house where your pet
will be comfortable and safe. This might be a crate or
carrier in an inner room sheltered from the storm.
Closing the drapes may also help. You might also want to
provide your pet with a safe, favourite item or provide
other distractions like turning up the radio or
television. If you have pet birds who are affected by
storms you might want to keep them in their cage with
the cover on.
- Help your pet deal with storms by taking his/her mind
off of the activity. Try playing with your pet. Act
normal or upbeat about the situation. Be sympathetic to
their situation. Reward appropriate behaviour, but don’t
praise your pet for any inappropriate behaviours or
stress-related behaviours, as you don’t want to
reinforce fearful behaviour.
- Stay with your pet (or have someone whose company
your pet enjoys stay with your animal companion during
these stressful times.)
- Discuss your pet’s phobia with your veterinarian.
- Always have a quality animal first-aid kit on hand.
You can buy one from The HSC by phoning, toll-free,
1-800-641-KIND (5463) or through the Online Adventure
Store on our website.
Fireworks Displays
Some of the popular events enjoyed by people of all ages are
the fireworks displays. "Unfortunately, most of our animal
friends do not share our enthusiasm for these loud, bright,
pyrotechnic shows. In fact, many animals are terrified of them,"
says HSC Chairman & CEO Michael O’Sullivan. "One of our dogs,
Chewie, is terrified of fireworks and hides shaking under the
bed," he said.
It is a good idea to keep your pets indoors during these
displays. By leaving a radio and/or television on along with
some lights you can reduce the negative effects that the noisy,
bright fireworks may have on your animal companions.
Animals may become separated from their human guardians when
they are frightened by fireworks displays and run off. The
fortunate animals return home on their own unharmed or they are
reunited with their families with the help of humane societies
or other caring people. Tragically, some families may never see
their animal companions again or their pets are injured in their
frantic attempts to avoid fireworks displays.
The Humane Society of Canada would like to warn people of this
potentially dangerous situation and to ask them to protect their
pets by keeping them inside in a safe, comfortable place during
fireworks and other noisy displays. If you live in the country
ensure that horses and other farm animals are stabled during
fireworks displays.
Sometimes people have large, outdoor, bonfires to go along with
the fireworks. If you are going to have a bonfire please follow
all safety precautions and regulations and make sure that small
animals or birds are not inside the material used for the
bonfire. Never set off fireworks near an animal.
Heat Stroke
"Every year numerous pets suffer and even die from the heat,"
explains Al Hickey. Companion animals who are particularly at
risk of heat stroke include those who are tied up or who are
left in poorly ventilated areas, such as cars. Some signs of an
animal that is suffering from heat stroke include:
- exaggerated panting;
- anxious or staring expression;
- salivating;
- weakness;
- lack of coordination;
- convulsions;
- muscle tremors;
- collapse or death.
You can help to protect your animal companion from the heat
by ensuring that he/she: always has access to:
- plenty of clean, fresh water in a spill-proof bowl
(two or three bowls are even better)
- is kept in a cool environment with adequate
ventilation has good protection from the sun (remember
that a shady location will likely soon be in direct
sunlight)
- and cannot get caught on objects which prevent her
from getting access to shelter and/or water
Animals who are suffering from heat stroke need to be cooled
down. First, remove the affected animal to cooler surroundings
and apply cold water to her skin. Allow the animal to rest in a
cool spot with small amounts of drinking water and then seek
immediate veterinary attention. The best prevention is leaving
your pets in the safety and comfort of your home during hot
summer days.
Poisonous Plants
There are many plants that are toxic to pets. Some of the
plants have a low toxicity while others are very toxic and can
result in death. A few common poisonous plants that can be
harmful to pets are: buttercup, chokecherry, daffodil, eggplant,
foxglove, lily-of-the-valley, philodendron, tulip, rhubarb,
English ivy and rhododendron. You can obtain more information on
poisonous plants from books, your veterinarian or from the
Internet.
Dogs & Pick-up Trucks
As incredible as it sounds, there are still people who allow
their dogs to travel in the bed of a pick-up truck. Many dogs
are killed or seriously injured when they are tossed about or
are thrown or jump from the truck. Other injuries sustained by
canines riding in this dangerous environment include burns to
the pads of their paws when the floor of the flatbed becomes
very hot and injuries to the eyes and ears from wind and grit in
the air. People can also be put at risk when dogs are thrown
onto the road and into traffic.
Be Prepared (and Prepare Others)
"Even when we are careful, our animal friends sometimes get
hurt," said Michael O’Sullivan. It is a good idea to always have
the phone number of a veterinarian nearby (including their
emergency phone number.) To help people provide care for their
pets in emergency situations the Humane Society of Canada has
put together a comprehensive first-aid kit. You can order this
potentially life saving kit from the Humane Society of Canada by
calling our toll-free phone number 1-800-641-KIND or ordering
one from our web site at www.humanesociety.com. Finally, take
the time to inform others as to how they can keep their pets
safe. After all, animal welfare is everyone’s business!
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