Canada Day celebrations pose risk to pets: OHS
Posted Jun 30, 2022 03:10:29 PM.
As Canada Day celebrations return following two years of pandemic cancellations, the Ottawa Humane Society (OHS) says it is preparing for a possible spike in lost dogs due to fireworks.
Dozens of pets become lost or injured because they are spooked by fireworks during Canada Day festivities, and with the move back to in-person events from virtual celebrations, the OHS is concerned pet owners may not be prepared to protect their pets from the increased noise and activity.
The OHS says dogs are particularly vulnerable to loud noises.
“Even very confident and calm dogs can become frightened by fireworks and other loud noises,” said OHS president and chief executive officer Bruce Roney in a release. “While humans understand what is happening, animals with sensitive hearing have no idea what those booming noises are. Animals can become very scared, very quickly, increasing the risk that they might try to bolt and become lost. We strongly advise people not to take their dogs to firework displays.”
The OHS advises pet owners to take the following precautions in their home to protect their pets during fireworks:
Remain calm and take your pet to a place protected from the noise, including a bathroom, basement or perhaps a crate padded with blankets.
Draw your curtains and block all exits. If your pet is used to the television or a fan, you can turn that on to mask and camouflage the sound.
“Do your pet and yourself a favour. The last thing you want to do is spend a very worried Canada Day searching for your missing pet,” urged Roney.
Anyone who sees a lost dog is asked to call the City of Ottawa at 311, and those who lose their pets can fill out a lost report on the OHS website.
