07/03/2025
We want to wish you and your family a safe and happy celebration! We also want to share some important reminders to help ensure your beloved canine and feline companions stay healthy and comfortable during the festivities and throughout the hot weather.
***Fourth of July Safety Tips***
**Keep them Indoors:** The safest place for your pet during fireworks is inside a quiet, secure room. Close windows and blinds, turn on a TV or radio to help mask the noise, and provide a comfortable space with their favorite bed or toys.
**Never Leave Them Alone Outside:** Panicked pets can easily escape yards or break leashes if left unsupervised during fireworks.
**Identification is Key:** Ensure your pet has up-to-date ID tags on their collar and, ideally, is microchipped and the information registered with the microchip manufacturer is up to date. If they do get out, proper identification significantly increases the chances of a safe return. If you find a lost pet, always report it to Animal Control. They're one of the first places frantic pet owners will call to try and find their pet.
**Hazardous Foods & Decor:** Keep sparklers, glow sticks, lighter fluid, and festive foods (like chocolate, corn on the cob, alcohol, onions, and fatty scraps) out of paw's reach. These can be toxic or cause digestive upset.
**Recognize Heatstroke Symptoms:** Be vigilant for signs of heatstroke, which include excessive panting, difficulty breathing, drooling, lethargy, vomiting, staggering, or collapse. **If you suspect heatstroke, contact us immediately or, if it's afterhours, go to the nearest emergency veterinary clinic, some of which include:
- Priority Pet Urgent Care in Clayton (984) 983-4986
- BluePearl Pet Hospital in Cary (919) 233-4911
- Wake Veterinary Medical Center in Knightdale (919) 266-9852
×*Have a safe and happy holiday!*×
