Fourth of July Pet Safety
Whether you are headed out and about to enjoy Fourth of July festivities or planning on staying home and inviting friends over to celebrate, it is important to consider your pet’s safety. The Fourth of July can be a terrifying day for pets. The loud noises, crazy crowds, and even the abundance of people food, can cause your pet to feel overwhelmed and exhibit signs of fear ranging from hiding to aggression.
As a responsible pet owner it’s best to plan ahead for your pet’s well-being. Keep these Fourth of July pet safety tips in mind as you gear up for the big day…
Fourth of July Pet Safety at Home
While you may think that fireworks are fun and beautiful, your pets are likely to think they are scary. Not only are pets frightened of the loud noises, but also the smell and the bright flashes of light. Regardless of where you are celebrating, you will need to create an oasis for your pet at home, where he or she can escape the insanity. Keep these Fourth of July pet safety tips in mind as you plan for the big day…
- Be sure your pets are wearing a collar with ID tags. We also encourage you to microchip your pet as an extra layer of security
- Keep your pet indoors, especially during fireworks. This goes for cats, too; even if they are usually outdoor cats. Walk your dog earlier in the day, and provide a litter box for your kitties.
- Create a safe space for your pet in a quiet area (your bedroom, perhaps) where he or she can hide out and chill out. Be sure there is plenty of water and a little food, as well as a favorite blanket (that smells like you) and something to snuggle.
- Check on your pet often, and offer reassurance. DO NOT punish your pet for his or her fears or fear-based reactions. If your pet has an accident, be understanding – he or she would be understanding if you were scared and it happened to you.
- Use music or television to drown out the loud noises from the fireworks and to keep your pet calm (be mindful of the program and channel you choose)
- Close the blinds or shades to shut out any bright lights
- Keep your pet away from the grill and other picnic foods; a large number of human foods (avocado, grapes, onions, etc.) are toxic to pets, and eating table scraps may cause a drastic change, for the worse, in your pet’s diet
- Ask your guests to keep food and drink away from your pet, and not to feed him or her any “treats” during the party
- Alcohol is poisonous to pets, so never leave alcoholic drinks where your pet could reach them
- Avoid using citronella candles which are toxic to pets if inhaled or ingested
- Do not put beaded or glowing jewelry on your pet – the beads pose a foreign object obstruction hazard, and the fluid in glow sticks, etc. is toxic to pets if ingested.
- Be sure all spent fireworks are cleaned up and out of your pets’ reach before letting them out the next day – even a nibble can be toxic.
- Consider purchasing a Thundershirt to use with your over-anxious pet. This product has been clinically proven to help reduce anxiety in a number of situations, including Fourth of July fireworks.
If you are heading out of town for the holiday, you may want to consider boarding your pet. If you do leave your pets in the care of a house sitter, be sure to lay down the law about what you expect for your pet on the Fourth of July.
Just because you want to enjoy the fun of the Fourth with your pet doesn’t mean that you should. The American Humane Association reports that July 5 is the busiest day of the year for animal shelters. This is because so many pets get spooked by the sights and sounds of firework displays. Please don’t let your pets become a statistic – keep them at home and indoors, where they will be safe and sound.
If you have any other questions or concerns about Fourth of July pet safety, or if you think your pet would benefit from anti-anxiety medication, please don’t hesitate to give us a call. We’re happy to answer your questions, and schedule an appointment if needed.
From all of us at Leon Valley Veterinary Hospital, have a happy and safe Fourth of July!