According to BluePearl, the Fourth of July is the busiest day for pet-related emergencies, with emergency rooms more than doubling in activity. Heat, holiday food, outdoor events, and fireworks create the perfect storm. Plus, people take their dogs to firework displays or cookouts thinking it will be fun, but the loud noises can terrify pets and cause them to run off and become lost. Here are seven tips to keep your pet safe on Independence Day. 

1. Keep pets indoors at all times and provide a safe space where your pet can retreat throughout the holiday weekend. Even obedient pets can get startled and react out of panic, so keep pets inside and provide a quiet, comfortable space where they can retreat. If your pet does end up running off, take action immediately.

2. Make sure your pet is wearing a current ID tag and that their microchip information is up to date. The easier it is to identify your pet, the better.

3. Have a current photo of your pet on hand. In case your pet does manage to get loose, having a recent photo will allow you to get the word out quickly.

4. Refill anti-anxiety medications ahead of time. Clinics are not always able to refill your pet’s medication at the last minute, so plan ahead. If you don’t yet have prescribed medication but your pet has anxiety issues, call your veterinarian.

5. Use other calming products such as a calming diffuser for cats or an anti-anxiety shirt for dogs. These helpful tools can safely reduce anxiety and are easy to find at most pet stores. You can also play some calming music to help mask the sounds of fireworks.

6. Have treats or a new toy on hand to help distract your pet throughout the holiday. Keeping treats on hand will distract your pet from the human food, and toys will keep your pet’s mind engaged. You can also prepare for the night by providing lots of play and exercise throughout the day to work off extra energy and help relax your pet.

7. Never light fireworks around your pets. Lighting fireworks around your pet is not only dangerous, but it could cause your pet to panic and inflict unintentional self-injury.

Every single animal that comes through our shelter has a story. Some are complex, many are sad, but all of them get better the minute they arrive at the Virginia Beach SPCA. However, as important of a role as our shelter plays in each story, the happily ever after is why we’re here. The second chances begin with us, but forever is what it’s all about.

VBSPCA adopters are an integral part of our mission, and this month we would like to shine our spotlight on VBSPCA employee and adopter Kat, who welcomed sweet Squirt into her home and gave him the happily ever after he deserved.

How did you first meet Squirt?

I work at the VBSPCA and Squirt first came to the shelter all the way back in February with his brother Squish. Both of the boys were pretty scared and often nipped at the workers. I began to work on socializing Squish first since he was more shy than scared and it went really smoothly. But then there was Squirt. This little guy had a lot of issues at the shelter. He was scared and often felt he had to defend himself around unfamiliar people. I was offered a chance to foster Squirt to see how he would do in a home environment, and less than a week later I was given the chance to adopt the little guy since he already bonded to me.

How is Squirt doing in the home with the family?

After I had gone to bed that first night with Squirt in the home, my dad picked Squirt up from the cage and let him sit on his shoulder for a few minutes. According to my mom, he had this big, dopey grin on his face and said that Squirt seemed like a “good rat”. When my family adopted him, he acted like a stereotypical dad would and acted like he didn’t care for the rat, but I know he does secretly.

How has Squirt impacted your life since adoption?

I’m just happy I was able to show others how great of a rat he is. I’m really glad I’m able to give him a good home with a lot of love. I always say good morning to him before work and tend to push him into my family members’ faces before bedtime. He’s just been a cute bundle of joy that loves to sit in the hoods of jackets and sweatshirts, which my little sister has plenty of.

Why should someone consider adopting from the VBSPCA?

Families should consider adopting from the VBSPCA because it gives these animals a second chance at love. Sometimes these animals come from bad situations and need a loving family to show them the good in life and bring the best out of them. I’m happy that I could be that for Squirt.

The safety of our furry friends is a primary concern for many pet owners during a disaster. With hurricane season officially upon us, now is the time to revisit your disaster plan and ensure that you and your beloved pets are prepared.

Plan Ahead

Find a pet friendly hotel. Keep a list of at least three outside your immediate area.
Prepare an emergency kit for your pets. This should include your vet information, your contact information, gauze wrap, nonstick bandages, hydrogen peroxide, and adhesive tape.
Make sure your pets have an ID tag that is fastened to their collar. If your pet is not microchipped, consider doing so as a safety precaution.
Identify someone who can help. Determine a family member, friend or neighbor who lives nearby and would be willing to take your pets in the event you cannot make it home.

Create a Grab & Go Bag

• Food, water and any medications to last five days
• Vaccination record
• Leash/collar, city licenses, ID and rabies tags
• Sturdy and properly sized pet carriers for each pet
• Pet beds, toys and treats
• Plastic bags for disposal, litter box and litter
• Non-spill food and water bowls
• Current photos of you and your pets and descriptions of your pets to help others identify them in case you and your pets become separated — and to prove they are yours once you are reunited.

Stay Informed

Know what disasters could affect your area, which could call for an evacuation and when to shelter in place.
If sheltering in place, know what to do. Make sure you know which rooms are safe, be aware of your pet’s hiding spaces, and close off any small spaces where pets could get stuck.
Download a weather app. Sign up to get weather alerts from the National Weather Service to make sure you are updated as soon as news is available.

What To Do After a Disaster

Observe the environment. Check the area in and around your home to make sure you’re aware of any potential hazards that could harm your pets.
Monitor your pet. Contact your veterinarian immediately if your pets have any prolonged signs of stress, injuries or signs of illness.
Give your pets time. Disasters like hurricanes can be extremely stressful for your pets. Allow them uninterrupted times of rest so they can recover from the trauma. Re-establish a normal routine as quickly as possible, but understand that your pets may need time.
Comfort each other! One of the most beneficial ways to relieve stress is to spend time with your animal friends.

The Virginia Beach SPCA has pet emergency decals available for pet owners. Pick one up and place it on your door or window to alert first responders and rescue teams that there are pets inside the home. Stop by and pick yours up today.

As summer approaches, mosquito activity increases, and with more mosquitos comes a higher risk for heartworm disease. Now is the time to brush up on heartworm facts while also making sure your pets are protected from what is a very serious and life threatening situation. 

What is heartworm disease? Heartworm disease is caused by Dirofilaria immitis, a parasitic worm transmitted by mosquitoes. If your pet is bitten by a carrier mosquito, microscopic larvae are deposited into the bloodstream, eventually taking up residence in the heart, lungs, and blood vessels. Without treatment, these worms can grow to 14 inches in length, eventually causing irreversible damage to the lungs and heart. Note that it only takes one bite for a dog or cat to be infected, and if your pet is not on prevention medication, your pet will contract the disease. Furthermore, just because you have an indoor pet does not mean there is an absence of risk. 

To download our Infographic, click here.

The good news is that this disease can be avoided. There are a variety of heartworm prevention medications for both cats and dogs, and they are proven to be very effective when administered responsibly and correctly. However, if your pet has already contracted heartworm disease, treatment is only available for dogs. Sadly, there is not yet an approved treatment for heartworm positive cats, which makes feline heartworm prevention essential. 

Over 20 different species of mosquitoes carry the parasite according to the American Heartworm Society, and they are active at different times of the day and year. Your pet should be on prevention year round.

If your canine is heartworm positive, treatment is serious and takes a minimum of 4 months to complete. It involves bloodwork, chest radiographs, and periods of prescribed rest. The rest is critical because if the heart rate is increased by exercise or excitement, the pieces of the dead worms can be forced into the blood vessels of the lungs, causing a potentially fatal pulmonary embolism. 

It is recommended to have your pet tested annually. Heartworms can live for months before symptoms present themselves, and when they do show up, they can often be attributed to other ailments. This means that many pet parents have no idea their animal is heartworm positive. Fortunately, heartworm tests are quick and convenient, and you can access a test via our Walk-In Vaccine Clinic or through your current veterinarian. For a full list of our services, click here. 

Over 1 million dogs in the U.S. currently have heartworm disease, and this number does not take into account animals not regularly tested or seen by a vet. Please ensure your pet is protected.

This article relied on information provided by the American Heartworm Society. Visit their website for more information. 

 Every single animal that comes through our shelter has a story. Some are complex, many are sad, but all of them get better the minute they arrive at the Virginia Beach SPCA. However, as important of a role as our shelter plays in each story, the happily ever after is why we’re here. The second chances begin with us, but forever is what it’s all about. 

VBSPCA adopters are an integral part of our mission, and this month we would like to shine our spotlight on VBSPCA friend and adopter Kim who welcomed sweet Ollie into her home and gave him the happily ever after he deserved.

How did you find Ollie?

I am a foster for the Virginia Beach SPCA and I received a message about some puppies who needed temporary care. I am always glad to help no matter what breed, but when I arrived and they brought out Dachshunds, I was really excited. I took two puppies homes to foster, Maverick (now Ollie) and Goose, and I immediately fell in love with them both. 

What was Ollie’s story before he came into your life?

He came from a hoarding situation where he was living with 44 other Dachshunds. It was pretty terrible. When the animals were rescued from the situation, a few different shelters stepped in to help. The Virginia Beach SPCA took 14 of the puppies and I was asked to foster two. 

How did you help Ollie build confidence and trust? 

His brother Goose has a bigger personality, so Ollie basically followed his brother around and became his shadow. He seemed shy and reserved, even for a puppy. That might be what happens when you live with so many other dogs… you learn to be in the background. However, once Goose went on to a new home, OIlie’s personality began to shine. He didn’t have any trust issues. He is a friend to anyone and is very patient and gentle. 

How has he been doing in the home? 

We’ve been having a great time watching him grow into his own little personality. He is so fun! There are 3 other dogs in the home and they have formed their own little pack, but his favorite is his Great Pyrenees brother Keigi. They all get along great and they make us laugh alot. 

Please share a funny story or experience with Ollie.

Ollie was in the starting lineup for the 2020 Animal Planet Puppy Bowl XVI.  Even though he can be such a crazy wild puppy at home, the experience of filming in NYC made him a little camera shy. All the commotion was a bit much, and he wouldn’t play or do anything on the field during the taping. He just wanted everyone to hold him. Although the did get the final play of the entire game, which was fun. 

Does Ollie have any funny quirks or habits?  

Sometimes he acts like a cat.  He stretches like a cat and likes to sleep around the pillows when we are in bed. It’s cute. 

How has Ollie enriched your life? 

He brings so much love and joy into our home and makes us so happy. I really can’t imagine life without him. 

Why should people adopt?

There are so many animals out there in need of a loving home, even pure breeds can be found.  All these animals are so loving and appreciative for someone to just give them a chance to let them show how much they can bring to someone’s life. I love the wonderful work they do at the Virginia Beach SPCA. They go above and beyond to help all their animals find loving furever homes.

An important facet of pet ownership is keeping your pet safe. While some dangers are clear and obvious, many potential threats are not… especially when it comes to what your pet ingests. Please familiarize yourself with the below list of potentially dangerous substances along with some tips on how to safely store items in your home. Being cautious and aware could potentially save your pet’s life.

Outdoor Products and Plants

When exploring a new park or trail, always monitor your dog closely. Pesticides, fertilizers, and insecticides could be fatal, so always make sure they are dried completely before letting your dog roam in the area. Additionally, remember to always store lawn products out of your pet’s reach. Plants can also be dangerous for both cats and dogs. The most common poisonous plants for the Hampton Roads area are yew, azalea, and lilies. Cat owners should be especially careful with lilies – click here to learn more.

Household and Food Products

Many common household items can be fatal to pets. These include chocolate, grapes, garlic, onions, coffee grounds, alcoholic drinks, homemade play dough, fabric softener sheets, and detergent. Cleaners and automotive products, such as Windex or antifreeze, can also cause side effects ranging from a stomach ache to death. Keep all of these products in a secure place that you know your animals cannot access.

Medications

Medications should always be prescribed by a veterinarian, and keep in mind that animals can overdose on medications just like humans. Also, certain flea preventatives can cause side effects, so make sure to always consult your veterinarian before purchasing a specific brand. Another common way to poison your pet is by accidentally using products on one animal that are meant for another. A pet medication meant for a dog should not be given to a cat or a rabbit. Keep human medications stored in a secure place. One 500mg tylenol tablet could be fatal to a cat and one 200mg ibuprofen could potentially cause stomach problems in a smaller dog.

Things to remember

• Keep all products out of your furry friend’s reach.
• When in a new outdoor place, monitor your dog closely to ensure he or she is not ingesting something dangerous.
• Medications are species specific and are only to be given after being prescribed or speaking to your pet’s veterinarian.
• If your pet has ingested something that it should not have, please see a veterinarian immediately.

Vaccines are a critical part of pet ownership as they ensure not only the safety of your own pet, but they also prevent your pet from spreading infectious diseases to other animals. There are a number of vaccinations that are essential to keeping your pet healthy and they vary between species, so we’ve created a list to help keep you informed and up to date. 

A few things to keep in mind: 

• Prevention is much more cost effective than treatment, so vaccines are a smart financial choice for pet owners. 
• Just because your puppy or kitten was vaccinated when they were young does not mean they are vaccinated for their lifetime. Certain vaccinations require additional boosters and the rabies vaccine needs to be updated annually, so you want to make sure that your pet remains protected throughout their life.
• Vaccines are essential for both indoor and outdoor pets. It is a common misconception that indoor animals do not need vaccines, but even the most obedient indoor pets can end up loose outside accidentally. 

Please reference the below infographic to see what vaccinations apply to your pet. For more information on each vaccine and what it protects against, click here.