Keep Your Pets Safe This Weekend

This weekend Spring Lake Park will be the scene of Scout O Rama. This yearly event is a great chance to let your kids see what scouting is all about. This also means fireworks and some cannon shots that your furry friends may not like.

The noise and excitement this weekend can stress your pet. It would also be a good idea to avoid the dog park this weekend too. Starting at 7 PM tonight and throughout Saturday there will be cannon shots. Tomorrow night will be the fireworks show at 8:30 PM. Here are some tips to keep your pets safe.

1. Identification: Make sure your pets are wearing identification tags. It is easier for someone to find you than it is for you to find your dog. Microchip your pets. The animal shelter will put a microchip in your dog or cat for just $20.
2. Leave pets at home: Anywhere fireworks will be set off is not a place for your pet. Do not put your pooch in the car before the fireworks start or at any time during the heat of the year. Partially opened windows do not provide sufficient air. If the temperature outside is above 70 degrees, the temperature inside a car can reach 102 degrees or hotter within less than 10 minutes.
3. Put them inside: Give them a quiet place to go. I leave the radio on for my dogs every day so they get used to it. Then it is nothing out of their normal routine and can provide a buffer for the loud noises outside.
4. Calming techniques: If your pet is an anxious type, you may want to try a few calming tricks. Thundershirts are available for cats and dogs of all sizes. If your pet is afraid of thunderstorms, the fireworks will scare them so plan ahead. Talk to your vet about possibly using medicine to help relax your pet.