Los Angeles, June 28, 2022 – For many of us, the 4th of July celebrations include fireworks, picnics, and barbeques, which can be great fun for people, but can be frightening and even dangerous for our animal companions. The festive foods served can be harmful to pets while loud noises and bright, streaking lights from fireworks can scare animals and cause our furry family members to escape their homes and yards, roam lost in the streets, and make their way into shelters across the City
So as you plan and celebrate Independence Day, LA Animal Services would like to share the following pet safety tips to keep you and your pets safe during and after the 4th of July festivities. Be sure to follow us this week on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram as we post daily reminders to keep these 4th of July pet safety tips top of mind.
Pet Safety for Dogs, Cats, and Rabbits
Keep away from fireworks.
Fireworks are illegal in the City of Los Angeles. You can prevent potential burns, injuries, or possible ingestion by keeping all pets out of the vicinity of fireworks and asking friends and neighbors to avoid using them. Even if your pet does not seem obviously upset by fireworks, they can still cause harm to pets.
To report fireworks in your neighborhood, you may call LAPD’s non-emergency number at 877-275-5273 or file a complaint online.
No festive foods for pets.
Avoid the urge to feed your pets table scraps or other foods intended for people. Be especially careful to keep them away from common foods that are potentially toxic to pets, like onions, chocolate, coffee, avocado, grapes, raisins, salt, and yeast dough.
Keep your dogs, cats, and rabbits indoors and create a calm environment.
The best way to keep your pets safe is to make sure they stay indoors and in an enclosed room, if possible. If you allow your dog outside, be sure that your gates or fence are secure or that your pet stays on a leash.
If hosting a gathering w/friends, try creating a safe place in your home where your pet can have some quiet space away from your company like a room that is off-limits to guests, or a familiar crate with their favorite toys or comforting blanket. For bunnies, provide extra places for them to hide within their living spaces (like an extra hidey hole). You can also play calm and soothing music and keep the room as quiet as possible. In addition, closing doors, windows, and blinds will also help to distract pets from the sounds of fireworks.
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