Canada Day Fireworks Can Leave Pets Feeling Frazzled

NEWMARKET, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - June 30, 2016) - Canada Day is a time of food, fun and festivities, but many pets are often frightened by fireworks and need a bit of extra care and consideration over the long weekend.

"We all want to have a great time this holiday," says Tanya Firmage, Chief of Humane Programs and Community Outreach, Ontario SPCA. "Keeping in mind simple pet safety tips will help your pet have a great weekend, too."

Here are a few ways to help minimize stress for your pet this Canada Day:

• Keep pets at home in a safe place indoors. This will help reduce the noise level of the fireworks and reduce the risk of your pet running away if he/she is spooked by loud noises.
• Provide a safe "escape" place for your animal. Scared animals like to hide. Allow your pet a safe place to snuggle to help ease their stress and calm their fears of the loud sounds.
• Use a leash or carrier if you must be outside with your pet and keep it on your pet at all times. This will help prevent your pet from running away from you if he/she is fearful of the fireworks or thunderstorms.

It's also important to make sure your pet's ID is current. Should your pet run away, having an updated ID tag or microchip on your pet will help ensure local animal services can find you to reunite you with your lost pet.

The Ontario SPCA would also like to remind pet owners about the dangers of leaving pets unattended in vehicles during the warm summer months. Parked cars can quickly reach deadly temperatures, even on relatively mild days with the car parked in the shade and the windows slightly open. Visit nohotpets.ca and take the pledge to never leave your pet in a vehicle.

"Leaving your pet unattended in a vehicle is one of the most irresponsible things an owner can do, leave your pet at home and if you must take your pet make sure that someone is with it at all times," says Connie Mallory, Chief Inspector, Ontario SPCA. "During the hot summer months, let's keep everyone safe and cool."

For more summer pet safety tips, visit the Ontario SPCA's blog at ontariospca.ca/blog

Ontario SPCA and Humane Society:

Protecting animals since 1873, Ontario SPCA is Ontario's Animal Welfare organization. A registered charity comprised of over 50 Communities.

Since 1919, when Ontario's first Animal Welfare legislation was proclaimed, the Ontario SPCA, with the help of its Communities, has been entrusted to maintain and enforce Animal Welfare legislation. The Act provides Ontario SPCA Agents and Inspectors with police powers to do so.

Ontario SPCA provides leadership in animal welfare innovations including introducing high-volume spay/neuter services to Ontario and opening the Provincial Education and Animal Centre.

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