Adopt A Pet Wednesday: Meet Aries & Velvet Plus 4th Of July Pet Safety Tips

Remember, Adopt...Don't shop! Here are two more loveable pets looking for a new home. Please read on for ten pet safety tips to keep you're loved ones comfortable during tomorrow's holiday celebration.

Velvet is a very pretty long hair, completely black, kitty. She is a super duper fabulous cuddler. She loves to be held like a baby or just brushed and petted. She is great with other cats and would adjust to living with a calm dog. She loves everyone she meets as long as they'll cuddle her!

Aries is a very handsome 2 year old Rottweiler mix. He looks like a purebred except that his hair is a little longer than typical Rotties. He is a strong minded boy, so we are looking to place him into a home with an experienced owner. He is selective with his doggie friends therefore he can not be placed in a home with small dogs as well as cats. If you are interested in Maggie please call today or stop by!

Happy 4th of July!
July 4th can be a dangerous and scary time for your pets. Here is Pet MD's top ten list of safety tips for our furry friends tomorrow.

10. Keep your Pet Indoors at All Times!

It may seem obvious, but even if your pet is used to being outside, the resulting panic caused by fireworks or other loud noises may make them break their restraint or jump a fence in a terrified attempt to find safety.

9. Don't Put Insect Repellant on Your Pet that isn't Specifically for Pet Use

The same tip applies to applying "people" sunscreen on your pet. What isn't toxic to humans can be toxic to animals. The ASPCA lists the poisonous effects of sunscreen on your pet as, "...drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst and lethargy." DEET, a common insecticide, may cause neurological issues.

8. Alcoholic Drinks Poison Pets

If your pet drinks alcohol, they can become dangerously intoxicated, go into a coma, or in severe cases, die from respiratory failure. Yes, even beer is toxic; fermented hops and ethanol are poisonous to dogs and cats.

7. Going to a Fireworks Display? Leave Your Pet at Home

The safest place for your pet is at home, not in a crowded, unfamiliar and noisy place. The combination of too many people and loud fireworks will make your beloved pet freak out and desperately seek shelter. Locking them in the car is also not an option; your pet may suffer brain damage and heat stroke.

6. Have Your Pet Properly Identified

If your pet manages to break loose and become lost, without proper identification it will be that much harder to get them back. Consider fitting your pet with microchip identification, ID tags with their name and your phone number.

5. Keep Your Pet Away from Glow Jewelry

It might look cute, but your pet could chew up and swallow the plastic adornments. Intestinal blockage could occur from swallowing large pieces of the plastic containers."

4. NEVER Use Fireworks Near Pets

Fireworks can pose a danger to curious pets and potentially result in severe burns and/or trauma to the face and paws, even unused fireworks can be hazardous. Some fireworks contain potentially toxic substances such as arsenic, potassium nitrate, and other heavy metals.

3. Don't Give Your Pet "Table Food"

If you are having a backyard barbeque, you may be tempted to slip some snacks to your pet. Festive foods that could harm your pet include chocolate, beer, onions, coffee, avocado, grapes & raisins, salt and yeast dough.

2. Lighter Fluid and Matches Are Harmful to Pets.

The ASPCA lists chlorates as a harmful chemical substance found in some matches that, if ingested, can cause your pet difficulty in breathing, damage blood cells or even cause kidney disease. If exposed to lighter fluid, your pet may sustain skin irritation on contact, respiratory problems if inhaled, and gastricproblems if ingested.

1. Citronella Insect Control Products Harm Pets, Too.

The result of inhalation can cause severe respiratory illnesses such as pneumonia, and ingestion can harm your pet's nervous system.

You can find out more about Aries & Velvet and the other pets available when you Email the Stevens-Swan Humane Society of Oneida County. Or visit them at 5664 Horatio Street in North Utica near BJ’s, Wal Mart and Lowes.