With the Fourth of July arriving Monday, the head of the New Canaan Police Department’s Animal Control section is urging residents to be mindful of their dogs’ wellbeing.
Dogs became very frightened and agitated by the “loud bangs and noise” of fireworks that “goes on for weeks,” according to Animal Control Officer Allyson Halm.
“We encourage people to not take their dogs to the fireworks, leave them home,” she said. “Preferably with the AC on and some music going, so that they can find some relief from the noise. The same goes for backyard fireworks. The dogs can bolt and sometimes run for days. So leave your pets at home and have a secure collar and leash on them when they’re out.”
With New Canaan and the region under a sustained period of high heat and humidity, Halm also urged residents to be very mindful of their dogs.
In patrolling New Canaan parks regularly, Halm said she gets “very concerned when I see people taking their dogs out at noon and throughout late afternoons.”
“They really need to think twice,” Halm said. “Dogs should be walked in this heat in the morning and evening. Fresh water should be available. Do not leave your dog in the car no matter what. A quick errand is a deadly errand.”
Halm added that dogs easily develop ulcers on their paw pads from walking on sidewalks and asphalt that’s been baking in the heat all day.
Thank you Officer Halm for this very considerate message to dog walkers and to people who drive with their pets on hot days. Carrying water for them is most important. Our dogs cannot bark for themselves. They need all of your TJC💖