Prepare pets for 4th fireworks

4th of July celebrations might be a lot of fun for people, but the Oregon Veterinary Medical Association and its member veterinarians remind you that the holiday can be downright scary for our animals, especially cats, dogs and horses.

"The sights, sounds and commotion of Independence Day can confuse animals and make them nervous, which can cause them to run away or place themselves in harmful situations," says OVMA president, Rob Shimek DVM, of Hoffman Veterinary Clinic in Salem.

To help keep your animals from becoming overly stressed this 4th of July, consider the following tips:

    * Keep pets indoors and away from crowds so that they feel more protected.
    * Consider boarding your animals in a safe place that is farther away from the holiday action. If you plan to travel during this time, boarding your animal might be a better option than leaving it at home.
    * Your veterinarian may choose to prescribe a sedative for your animal if it tends to become easily spooked by the fireworks. Remember that your animal must be seen by a veterinarian in order to receive any prescribed medications.
    * If you have horses, be sure to keep them indoors and away from the sound of fireworks.
    * Early behavior training can desensitize your animal to holiday commotion.

If you have any concerns or questions about helping your animal to make it calmly and safely through the 4th of July holiday, please talk to your veterinarian.

If your dog or cat does become spooked and runs away, check your neighborhood thoroughly as your pet may not go far, and may be hiding close by. You can also check your local humane shelter or animal control agency to see if your pet was brought in. July 5th is usually a very busy day at these agencies. The OVMA Web site has more tips for finding a lost pet.

The 4th of July is also a good time to make sure that your pet is wearing an ID collar and is microchipped.

The Oregon Veterinary Medical Association is a nonprofit organization of veterinarians who are dedicated to helping people give their animals a high quality of life.