Keeping pets safe during the 4th of July Holiday

It's the Fourth of July and time for BBQ's, family fun and fireworks.  This time of year can be very stressful to your pets; visitors, strange smells, loud noises all can be a nightmare to some dogs and cats.  Joanie Toole from the Oakland County Animal Shelter and Pet Adoption Center says they see an uptick of dogs running away this time of year along with an increase in animal bites to humans.  Here are some tips to make sure that your family and your pets stay safe this summer. If you know that your pet does not like new people, give them their own space.  A bedroom or other quiet room where they won't be disturbed. Introduce new people slowly.  Be sure to watch interactions between your pet and other people; especially children to keep them safe.  Teach children to only approach an animal with an adult present. Loud noises can be very stressful on some dogs.  At some pet supply stores they have calming coats that you can put on your dog, these can work for some.  Try to put your pet in a quiet area where outside noises will be minimized.  If your pet is just too anxious, you may need to consult your veterinarian for other solutions during this time of year. Make sure to be very mindful of food, your pets and children.  Some dogs just love kids because they are always dropping delicious tidbits.  But some dogs can be food aggressive and if the child the dog go for the same tidbit, it can be disastrous.  Also, make sure fido and fluffy don't consume too much people food.  Tell guests not to feed your pet table scraps if you know that this can be a source of stomach upset. Be safe this holiday season and remember that, although you love fireworks and family and friends around, your pets may not feel the same way. This week's pet of the week is Mason.  He is a cocker spaniel, poodle mix and is 2 years old.  Mason does need some training and will definitely need grooming at least once a month.  He is such a sweet boy with a great deal of energy, so no couch potatoes on this one.  He does display the typical cocker spaniel traits.  He can be very sensitive and stubborn when he doesn't want to do something.  But generally they are happy go lucky.  Being a breed that has the floppy ears, he is prone to ear infections and will have to be checked for that from time to time.  You can visit with Mason at the Oakland County Animal Shelter and Pet Adoption Center in Auburn Hills. For more information regarding Mason or keeping your pet safe during the holidays, visit our website at www.oakgov.com/petadoption or contact the shelter at (248) 393-3572