PYROTECHNICS PUT PETS AT PERIL

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County Animal Services Offers New Year’s Eve Safety Tips for Family Pets
 
December 31, 2011 (San Diego County) --The risk of harm to pets from loud New Year’s celebrations with fireworks can be reduced by a few simple measures, Dawn Danielson, Director of the San Diego County Department of Animal Services, said today.
New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day are two of the busiest days for animal control officers responding to emergencies involving dogs in danger after the animals have tried to escape terrifying fireworks noise.
Noise generated by fireworks – both legal and illegal – can frighten pets and trigger an escape or “flight” response that can have disastrous results, Danielson said.
“To seek safety from loud noise, many pets will dig under, climb over, or break through gates, screens, fences, or doors and injure themselves or become lost,” said Danielson. “And anytime pets are loose they are exposed to the even greater dangers of injury from vehicles or other animals.”

Animal Services offers the following tips to keep pets safe during this celebration:
 
Don’t take your pets to fireworks displays or parties with fireworks or leave them in a vehicle.
Vehicle interiors can get very hot, even with the window partially open.
 
Keep your pets at home and indoors. This will provide a familiar environment and help mitigate noise levels. A TV or radio on low volume can help pets feel more secure and comfortable. 
 
Check with your veterinarian. If your pet is very frightened during the noise, there is medication that can be prescribed to relieve anxiety.
 
Be sure your pet is wearing identification.
 

If you lose your pet, visit your local animal shelters. Owners of lost pets should visit local animal shelters frequently. Owners can also check the Animal Services website atwww.sddac.com to search for pets at any of the three County-run animal shelters in Bonita, Carlsbad and San Diego.   


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