The 4th of July is a fun time for many, but it can be a stressful and dangerous time for our furry friends. The loud noises and bright lights of fireworks can be very frightening for pets, and there is also a risk of injury or ingestion of harmful substances. Here are some tips to help keep your pets safe and calm during the 4th of July celebrations.
- Keep your pets indoors
One of the most important things you can do to keep your pet safe during your 4th of July celebration is to keep them indoors. Loud noises from fireworks can be incredibly frightening for animals, and many pets will try to run away from the noise. Make sure your pets are safely secured inside your home, ideally in a room with no windows or doors leading outside. If you choose to take your pet outside, make sure they’re on a leash or in a carrier.
- Create a calm environment
If your pets are indoors during the fireworks, try to create a calm and soothing environment for them. You can close the windows and curtains to reduce the noise and bright lights, and play soft music or turn on the TV to help drown out the noise. You can also provide your pets with a comfortable bed or crate and their favorite toys to help them feel safe and secure.
- Watch out for harmful substances
During 4th of July celebrations, there may be many substances around that could potentially be dangerous for your pet. Make sure to keep alcohol, lighter fluid, matches, and other harmful items out of reach of your pets. In addition, be careful about leaving food unattended, as some human foods can be toxic to pets, including chocolate, grapes, and onions.
- Consider anxiety medication
If you know that your pet is particularly anxious or fearful during fireworks, you may want to consider talking to your veterinarian about anxiety medication. There are many safe and effective medications available that can help your pet stay calm during the fireworks.
- Keep identification tags up to date
In case your pet does get loose or run away during the fireworks, it’s important to make sure their identification tags are up to date. You may also want to consider microchipping your pet, which can help increase the chances of a safe return if they do get lost.
By following these tips, you can help keep your pets safe and calm during the 4th of July celebrations. Remember, while it’s fun to celebrate with fireworks, it’s important to make sure our furry friends are kept safe and sound. If you believe your pet needs anxiety medication, contact our team for assistance.