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JULY
4TH SAFETY TIPS
Dear Dr. Woof:
I hate to sound like an old "party pooper"
but I need a way to explain to my family that I, for one, am NOT looking
forward to the upcoming July 4th festivities. I know they plan to put the
old red, white and blue bandanna around my neck and bring me along to the
parade and the picnics. And then, later, they will all leave and I'll be
home alone trying to figure out what all those terrible noises are. Can
you let them know that we dogs don't need to be included in all the activities--I
do love to be with them but I don't like to do EVERYTHING they do.
Nervous Nellie
Dear Spoiled:
While it's nice that you have owners who like to include you as "one
of the family," you are right that sometimes human activities are best
left to humans alone. The best place for dogs and cats on the Fourth is
safe and secure in a quiet place at home. The noise and crowds at a parade
on a hot summer day can be overwhelming for dogs and may cause them to
behave inappropriately. Every year, dogs and cats are lost, injured or
even killed as a result of their fear and excitement during the festivities.
Animal control officers are busy throughout the day and night rescuing
pets who have escaped from home and run in terror from the loud booming
and flashing fireworks. Some injure themselves on fences and things or
run in to traffic. I strongly urge pet owners to keep their animals safely
confined INDOORS for the holiday, and--just in case--to make sure they
are wearing proper collars and identification. Owners whose pets have
a history of becoming overly excited or frightened by loud noises may
wish to discuss with their veterinarians whether tranquilizers should
be prescribed to help the animal through the celebrations.
Summer,1989
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