Fireworks Safety for Pets During the New Year’s Holiday

Many people will be celebrating the New Year by launching fireworks and that can spook many animals. “Each New Year, we see several missing animals turn up at the shelter,” said Charleston Animal Society Chief Lifesaving Officer Pearl Sutton. “We urge people to keep your pets inside and always have them on leashes because of fireworks that will be going off around the holiday.”

If Your Pet is Lost:

• Immediately search your neighborhood.
• Put up signs with a picture of your pet, his or her name and other important information.
• Post a picture and information about your pet’s last known whereabouts on social media like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
• Visit org/lost-dogs or CharlestonAnimalSociety.org/lost-cats. Also visit FindingRover.org
• Visit Charleston Animal Society at 2455 Remount Road in North Charleston to see if your pet has been picked up by animal control or another member of the public and brought to the shelter.

Here are other tips to keep your pets safe during the New Year Holiday:

• Fireworks: Fun for Family, Not for Fido. Leave pets at home when you head out for fireworks, and don’t ignite them around pets.
• Glow Jewelry is a Potential Danger.While the luminescent substance contained in these products is not highly toxic, excessive drooling and gastrointestinal irritation could still result from ingestions, and intestinal blockage could occur from swallowing large pieces of the plastic containers.
• Holiday Food Dangers: Remember that chocolate and other holiday foods can be harmful to your pet. The ASPCA Poison Control Hotline is (888) 426-4435
• Antifreeze: With colder weather moving in and out of the area, many people are using antifreeze. It can be fatal to animals, so be sure to keep your pets out of the garage.