FIREWORKS. Keep your pets away from any and all fireworks! These noises can terrify animals and will cause them to run away; your safest bet is to keep your pets indoors in a secure room. Remember that animals can hear things that we can’t, so be mindful of your animal’s behavior. Make sure that your pets are in a safe, enclosed area like a crate or bedroom. Leave a TV or Radio on for them, tune it to a channel or station that is soothing.

HEAT STROKE. Temperatures in July can easily reach the triple digits. Provide all animals attending the festivities with access to the same comforts as your human guests. Remember that your pets don’t wear shoes, make sure they stay off the pavement and concrete which can reach over 130 degrees. Make sure there are shaded areas and plenty of fresh water available at all times. Adding a few ice cubes to a bowl of water can make drinking more enticing to help pets stay hydrated.

IDENTIFICATION & COLLAR. Make sure your animal is always wearing an ID tag and a secure collar. We highly recommend that you have your pet microchipped. Microchips ensure that if your pet ends up at a shelter or veterinarian’s office, they will be able to call and reunite you with your lost animal. Make sure you have a recent photo of your animal handy in case they do escape to help identify them.

FOOD & DRINKS. Keeping your pet on their regular diet is the safest way to keep them from suffering from any type of food-related illness. Dogs left unsupervised can quickly get into things that are potentially hazardous such as bones, twine, & toothpicks. Foods such as onions, avocados, grapes, and yeast dough can be dangerous to your animal’s health. Keep alcoholic drinks away from your pets!

INSECT REPELLANT & SUNSCREEN. Do not apply any insect repellant or sunscreen on your animal that is not explicitly made for pets! Animals may lick off these topical lotions and become very sick. Insect repellant with the ingredient DEET can cause neurological problems in your animal. Signs that your pet may have ingested one of these would result in drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst, and lethargy. Products such as Citronella candles and insect coils should be kept away from animals at all times. If ingested, it can affect their nervous system and even result in death.

Applying these safety precautions throughout the long weekend will help ensure that you and pets have a fun and safe holiday!

*Please note the Humane Society of Ventura County will be closed to the public and volunteers on the Fourth of July. However, if you have an emergency, please honk at the back gate, and a Kennel Attendant will assist you.