Photo by DESIGNECOLOGIST on Unsplash
We all have that one beloved tradition – spending the day at our favorite amusement park, gathering with friends and family for a picnic, or staying cool in our neighborhood pool – that we look forward to every Fourth of July. For many of us, it’s one of the highlights of the summer. Regardless of how we spend our day, the patriotic holiday always caps off, weather permitting, with epic fireworks displays in towns and neighborhoods across the country.
But not everyone, including our pets, looks forward to the day’s finale. Animal shelters and animal control facilities around the United States consistently see an increase in lost dogs with some experts estimating that intake rises between 30 and 60 percent. Not all of those pets are reunited with their families after the holiday ends either. Taking precautions before and during the big day can help ensure your pets’ comfort and safety.
4th of July Pet Safety Tips
Think about the last time you were sitting in your house or on your front porch and a firework suddenly exploded. Since you weren’t expecting it, you might have jumped. Even though those unexpected explosions may startle us, we understand what they are, but our pets? Fireworks often frighten and disorient them. Fortunately, there are a few precautions we can take to help make the Fourth of July less traumatic for our beloved pets.
1. Make sure tags are on & pets are microchipped
Accidents happen. Even if you take every precaution possible, your pet may accidentally slip out of a temporarily-opened door. If your pets have a tag, make sure they’re wearing it and the information is current. Both a microchip and a tag will make reuniting easier if your pets get spooked and run off.
2. Keep your pets indoors
If you need to take your dog or other pets outside, do so before the fireworks start. Take your pups for a walk to go to the bathroom and burn off energy, so it’s easier to relax in the evening.
3. Provide a safe space
Most pets have a safe space to which they retreat to feel comfort – under the bed, wrapped in blankets, or in a carrier. If your pet doesn’t have a safe space, create one.
4. Turn on music or a TV
The noise from the TV or music can help diminish the sounds of the fireworks or, if you prefer white noise, try a fan or a sound machine.
5. Keep windows, doors, and curtains closed
Even if it’s a beautiful summer evening, keeping the windows shut, the curtains closed, or the blinds down will help with the noise. Ensuring your doors are closed has a dual purpose. While it will help drown out the noise, it will also protect your pets. If they get spooked, they can’t run outside if the door is shut.
6. Stay at home, if possible
Stay home and spend time with your pets, if you can. Even if you don’t have pets who like to cuddle – a chinchilla or a bird, for example – you can help keep them calm just by being there.
7. Consult with your veterinarian
If you already know your pet has a difficult time with fireworks-related anxiety, talk with your vet. He may be able to prescribe anxiety medication or suggest supplements to help.
While fireworks may be the most talked about danger on the Fourth of July, there are others of which you should be aware, especially if your pup or other pets will be with you during the daytime celebrations. Here are a few more precautions to take:
8. Keep alcoholic drinks out-of-reach
Sometimes we’re so relaxed on holidays that we might not pay as close attention as normal. Keep alcoholic drinks and food out-of-reach of your pets; otherwise, they may get into something they shouldn’t and get sick as a result.
9. Stick with pet food
Even though it’s really hard to say no to those sad, begging eyes, keep your pets on their normal diet.
10. Keep your pet cool
July can get miserably hot in Pennsylvania, so if it’s hot and you can, leave your pets at home in the air-conditioner or with a fan. If you take your pets outside with you, keep an eye on them so they don’t overheat; offer plenty of water, and make sure there is ample shade.
11. Clean up debris after outdoor celebrations
A day of celebration, from picnicking to fireworks, usually means a mess for us to clean up afterward. Don’t wait until the next day to clean up, so your pets don’t accidentally get into something they shouldn’t. Dispose of debris from fireworks, firecrackers, and sparklers as soon as possible.
Taking precautions on the Fourth of July will help ensure a happy and stress-free day for both you and your pets. How do you keep your pets calm on the Fourth? Let us know on our Pet-Friendly PA Facebook page.
If you’re looking for a fun way to spend some time with your pets on the Fourth, consider going on an easy dog-friendly hike in Pennsylvania, or have a picnic at one of the 125 pet-friendly state parks in Pennsylvania.
