Keep your pets safe during the Fourth of July

TOPEKA (KSNT) - The Fourth of July can stress out your pets and scare them into running away. The noise and visual effects of fireworks can spook your pets. The Helping Hands Humane Society (HHHS) said that the week prior to the holiday usually brings in a high number of stray pets. "Usually on average [...]

TOPEKA (KSNT) - The Fourth of July can stress out your pets and scare them into running away.

The noise and visual effects of fireworks can spook your pets.

The Helping Hands Humane Society (HHHS) said that the week prior to the holiday usually brings in a high number of stray pets.

"Usually on average we get around 100 additional animals the week of the Fourth of July, coming in as strays," Grace Clinton of HHHS said. "A lot of animals don't like the fireworks, but there's a lot of people that want their pets to participate in family activities."

If you want your pet to participate in the family fun this holiday, there are a few precautions you should take to keep your pets safe.

"So the first thing you're going to want to do is make sure your pet is microchipped," Clinton said. "People have been putting a little bit of tape with their phone number on their pets collar, so even if the collar doesn't have the phone number on there, we can call you if the pet comes in with their collar on them." 

For people who have pets that are easily stressed out by fireworks, there are some ways for you to calm your pets down.

"Definitely talk to your veterinarian because there are medications that can help with that, if your veterinarian feels that it's appropriate," Clinton said. "Also, if you can put them in a crate or something with like a sheet or a blanket to kind of reduce the visual stimulation, that'll help them too to just kind of feel a little bit more secure and calm like they're in a little cave." 

HHHS told 27 News that if you have not already microchipped your pet, they can get that done for you before the Fourth of July. It costs $15 for dogs and $10 for cats.

They also told us that if you have microchipped your pet, but have moved or changed your phone number, it is important to update that information. The best way to update the information is by contacting who microchipped your pet.

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