Animal Care Services Advises Pet Owners for the Fourth of July Holiday

For Immediate Release

Long Beach Animal Care Services (ACS) advises pet owners that the Fourth of July Holiday can be a frightening time for animals, with the loud sounds of firecrackers and fireworks often sending pets scurrying out of the house or yard in search of security or shelter. Taking special care of pets during the Fourth of July is responsible pet ownership, just like licensing and keeping identification tags on pets, as well as ensuring that they are spayed or neutered.

ACS reminds all animal owners that they can save themselves and their pets a tremendous amount of heartache and anxiety by following a few simple suggestions:

• Isolate pets indoors at home; they will be happier and not tempted to try to get away due to loud sounds.
• If your dog is crate trained, put him in a crate covered with a blanket to make him feel more secure.
• Create a peaceful environment in your home, play soothing music and lower the blinds to block outside sights and sounds. If your pet seems anxious, spend time with him soothing him with a calm voice.
• A sudden change in your pet’s diet can cause an upset stomach, avoid feeding your pet scraps from the grill and other human food. Some foods like onion, avocado, grapes and raisins can be toxic. Pets should never be given bones, especially from chicken.
• Consult your Veterinarian regarding the use of medication to help calm your pet
• Keep pets away from flames, matches, and lighter fluid.
• Do not spray pets with insect repellent or sunscreen that is intended for humans, they can be extremely irritating to the stomach, lungs and central nervous system if ingested.
• Even if your pet is indoors, double-check yard gates and doors to make sure that pets cannot escape.
• Ensure that pets are wearing identification, including the name and current telephone number of the owner. Confirm your pet’s microchip registration information is registered or updated.

ACS offices will be closed in observation of Independence Day on Tuesday, July 4 but will be open the following day, Wednesday, July 5.

Officers are available to respond 24 hours a day to emergency calls, and shelter staff will contact owners of lost pets that have identification tags or microchips. Animals with identification will be held at Animal Care Services for 14 days. Pets without identification will be held for a minimum of six days before being evaluated for adoption.

Animals lost in the Cities of Long Beach, Los Alamitos, Seal Beach, Signal Hill or Cerritos are listed on the Long Beach Animal Care Services website at www.LongBeachAnimalCare.com. However, it is highly recommended that pet owners visit the shelter in person to look through the kennels, lost and found binders, and community boards.

Follow the twitter handle, #LBLostFoundPets, for up-to-date information on lost animals that arrive at the shelter. If you find a lost pet, contribute by posting a picture of the animal to #LBLostFoundPets to help locate the owner.