Keep Your Pets Safe During 4th of July

The 4th of July is a time to celebrate our independence and our freedom in this country. With fireworks, flags, and patriotic music playing all around us, it can be easy to forget about safety and security precautions for our pets. The 4th of July can be scary for them! We enjoy the sounds and flashing lights of fireworks on the 4th of July; however our pets don’t. More pets go missing on the 4th of July weekend because they’re frightened by the fireworks’ loud noises.

Here are some tips to help your pets navigate the 4th of July celebrations.

5 Tips to Keep Your Pets Safe on The 4th of July

• Keep your pet inside or close by when there is noise from fireworks or loud TV shows. Please don’t wait for the fireworks to begin; bring your fur-babies in before the excitement begins.
• Ensure your pets have a safe, secure and snuggly spot for when the festivities start. Keep windows and doors closed to keep the loud noises from outside from disrupting your fur-baby.
• Distract them by giving them something else to focus on, like a chew toy.
• Turn on the radio, music or TV to help drown out any outside loud noises.
• Reach out to your Vet for advice.

Ask Your Veterinarian for Help

Some medications and supplements may be able to help keep your pet calm or more relaxed during the chaos of the 4th of July. You’ll need to check with your vet before giving any medication or supplements to ensure they’re appropriate for their needs. 

Missing Fur-Baby

As we mentioned earlier in this blog, more pets go missing the 4th of July weekend than any other time of the year. Why? Because they are frightened by the loud noises the fireworks make.
According to Dallas Harsa, VP of Sales and Marketing for AKC Reunite, “...pets tend to panic and they will try to flee somewhere. They don’t know where the noise is coming from, and they try to escape because they don’t understand.” 

What To Do if Your Pet Escapes

If your pet happens to run away, here are some steps to take:

• Start an immediate search party with your friends, family, and neighbors. Your fur baby may not have gone very far.
• Post on social media platforms. People in the community are always a great resource for finding missing pets.
• Post signs with photos around town where there is high visibility for motorists passing by at slow speeds.
• File a lost animal report on AKC.
• Check the local shelters. If your pet is chipped and has been found, they may be able to help you locate your fur-baby if they have been turned into a veterinarian or pet hospital.

Celebrating Independence Day is always a joyous occasion, but the day can bring unimaginable fear for some cats and dogs. Make sure you protect your pets this 4th of July. Keep them close, and be sure to bring them in before the festivities begin. Please don’t leave them unattended. Reassure them and let them know that everything is alright. By keeping them close, they’ll feel loved and will be with you for many years to come.