Keep The FurKids Safe this July 4th.. and WTHeck is a Tennis Ball Bomb

Posted 8 years ago by Mocha


Each year we post about keeping pets safe during July 4th and Summer Celebrations. We post it … every dog sites post it… heck this year even our local news says it…. Yet the July 5th shelter crash still comes…. The busiest day of the year for Animal Control/Shelter staff. It is also a hugely stressful day for those families who lost their furkids over the weekend. What concerns me this year more than ever is that most of our area shelters are all ready overflowing with crazy amount of intakes. I will save the rant about irresponsible dog ownership for later…. But even the best of dog parents can have stuff happen. So why not be proactive to protect your pet?

This year I am adding info about a threat I had not heard of before… Tennis Ball Bombs…… I kid you not… I seriously thought this was a joke but some simple research and it sadly appears to be true

CBS news reports Ahead of the holiday weekend, police are issuing warnings about homemade fireworks — “tennis ball bombs” in particular.

People take the insides of fireworks out, put the explosive material in objects such as pipes, ping pong balls or tennis balls, add a wick and then set them off — with sometimes terrible consequences. When the dog bit down, the ball exploded, CBS Sacramento reports; the pet had to be euthanized immediately.

“If it doesn’t go ‘boom’ some people just walk away from it,” Kasner said. “Unfortunately, dogs pick up everything up in their mouth and bring it to you.”

Dogstar compiled a great list of 10 Tips to Help Keep your pet safe. Click on the link at the end of the story to read the whole article.

  • Beware of fireworks. Fireworks are no blast for some pets, with many dogs becoming easily frightened by their deafening roar. The best option is to leave your dog indoors (not leashed in the yard) during the holiday weekend in a safe, secure, escape-proof room of the house with comfy bed, food and water. Also consider leaving a TV or radio on to drown out the sound of the fireworks and to provide familiar noises while youre out.
  • Give them a den. Provide anxiety-prone pets give a crate to hide in, if they’re already crate trained. Cover this den with a towel for added security.
  • Be a comfort. Speak calmly to your dog and offer soft massage. TLC goes a long way in easing anxiety. Some dogs also get less anxious when they can have treats, but don’t overdo it.
  • Confirm your pets collar and I.D. information. Dogs can become easily frightened by loud celebrations on the 4th of July. Make sure yours is wearing a properly fitted collar with correct identification and tags just in case he or she becomes scared and runs away from home. Micro-chipping also is a great precaution to make it easier for your pooch to be returned home safely and promptly.
  • Be careful with 4th of July decorations. Remember that your pet may easily mistake your red, white and blue decorations and glow sticks as chew toys. Make sure to pet-proof your home and keep fun decorations out of paws reach.
  • Think about a vet visit. If you know that your dog is seriously distressed by loud noises like thunder, consult with your veterinarian before July 4th for ways to help alleviate the fear and anxiety he or she will experience during fireworks displays.
  • Thundershirts are one option for keeping your dog calm this holiday weekend. Try an Anxiety Wrap or a Thundershirt . Used by leading behavior experts across the country, these Velcro-wrap shirts comfort pets. They’re akin to the time-tested trick of swaddling an infant.
  • Don’t leave your dog in the car. With only hot air to breathe inside a car, your dog can suffer serious health effects-even death-in a few short minutes. Partially opened windows do not provide sufficient air, but they do provide an opportunity for your pet to be stolen.
  • Watch the booze. Alcoholic beverages have the potential to poison pets; never leave your beverage unattended. If alcohol is ingested, your pet could become very intoxicated and weak, severely depressed, and could go into a coma or worse.
  • Stay hydrated. Dehydration is the #1 concern and danger during those long summer heat waves. Make sure you have a generous amount of fresh water on hand to quench your dogs thirst.