Canada Day: The Perfect Pet Storm

June 28, 2019 — The Ottawa Humane Society (OHS) is preparing for its busiest day of the year, with dozens of lost pets spooked by Canada Day fireworks expected to fill the shelter in what has become an unfortunate holiday tradition.

“Even very confident and calm dogs can become frightened by fireworks and other loud noises.” says Bruce Roney, OHS President and CEO. “While humans understand what is happening, animals with sensitive hearing have no idea what these booming noises at unpredictable intervals are. They can become very scared, very quickly, increasing the risk that they might try to bolt and become lost. This is why we at the OHS strongly advise people not to take their dogs to firework displays.”

Dozens of pets become lost or injured each year because they are spooked by fireworks. Dogs in particular fill the OHS shelter in what continues to be collateral damage to the loud national holiday festivities.

The OHS recommends that pet owners take precautions to protect their pet so that everyone can have an enjoyable long weekend. They suggest that if you are home when fireworks are exploding, you should remain calm and take your pet to a place protected from the noise, like 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 booming sounds outside.

“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,” urges Roney.

Anyone who sees a lost dog is asked to call the City of Ottawa at 311.

Claim lost pets at the OHS shelter at 245 West Hunt Club Rd.

Media Contact
Ottawa Humane Society
Lesley Foster, Manager: Communications
613-725-3166 Ext: 261 or lesleyf@ottawahumane.ca
www.ottawahumane.ca