Safety Tips for Pets on July 4th
The Fourth of July, and the days leading up to the Fourth, can be a dangerous and frightening time for pets. In addition to the risks of injuries and burns, many pets are fearful of the excitement and noise created by fireworks. They may act irrationally of fearful and panic, going to great lengths to escape their normal enclosures, jump fences or chew through their leashes. When in distress pets can run incredibly long distances, may lose their sense of direction and end up far from home.
More lost pets end up in animal shelters around the Fourth of July than any other time of the year. Pet owners need to be careful and thoughtful with their pets during this time, and make sure their animals are kept safe, wearing secure collars with current license and identification tags and – in the unfortunate event that they do escape and get lost – are micro-chipped.
Safety Tips
- Do not let your pet outside during fireworks. There have been many tragic cases of dogs grabbing or running after fireworks and having them explode. Even sparklers burn at very high temperatures and can inflict serious burns on dogs and cats.
- Always keep your pets indoors, in a secure, comfortable area, with windows and curtains closed. Keep a radio on to distract them.
- If you are leaving town for the holiday, board your pet or leave it with a friend or family member.
- Plan ahead. If your pet is extremely sensitive, consult with your veterinarian about the possibility of giving your pet a mild sedative to keep it calm, if necessary.
If you lose your pet, you will have to be proactive and vigilant to recover them. Animals in distress can travel long distances, and frightened animals may elude capture by a Good Samaritan or animal control professionals for days.
- Post signs throughout your neighborhood with a photo and description of the animal and your phone number. Offer a reward for return.
- Place ‘Lost Pet’ ads on craigslist and in local newspapers
- Call the Lost Pet Hotline of your local Animal Control every day to see if your pet is in the shelter.
- Check regularly with other animal shelters throughout the community in case your lost pet was found in another area.
How does your pet react to fireworks? What tricks do you use to help calm them?
We hope these tips help you have a PURRfect & PETriotic HOWLiday!