The 4th of July is an epic holiday with family festivities, warm weather, and the spectacles of loud, and beautiful fireworks in the sky. Fireworks are fantastic and create an environment of excitement, but also chaos. We may love the excitement and chaos, but most furry friends do not feel that same way, especially if they are alone when the fireworks go off. Here are some tips on what to do with your furry companion this year.
1. Don’t leave your dogs outside
You would be surprised how high a panicked dog can jump if there is a fence stopping them from escaping. Or if not jumping over, digging under, anything to get away from what is scaring them.
2. Microchips and Tags
There are many local vets in the area that handle microchipping so I recommend calling your vet to make sure your pet is microchipped. Idaho Humane Society and West Valley Humane Society both have the resources and capabilities to have your pet microchipped. Having dog tags as well with your name and number will make it much easier for someone to contact you. It’s best to be ready with these things in case the worst happens and your pet escapes, if a stranger finds them they can call you or the same with Idaho or West Valley Humane Society.
3. Feeding them
Let’s say your pet does join in on the daytime 4th of July festivities. There are lots of yummy food that you may think are ok to give to them, but can be harmful to them. The ASPCA has resources on what you can and can’t give them. Overall health can definitely affect how your 4th of July will go with your pet.
4. Wear your pet out
If your furry friend is high energy it would be best during the day before all the action starts to make sure they get a good exercise in to tire them out. If you do that, there is a higher chance they will sleep deeper and won’t be affected by the loud sounds as much. Be careful though when walking them during the day for hot concrete. If you can’t leave the back of your hand on the concrete for more than 5 seconds it’s too hot for them to walk on.
5. Anti-Anxiety Medication
Now some people may be against doing this or some dogs have allergic reactions to certain medications so make sure to thoroughly read anything you may give your pet as well as check with your vet. Molly’s Healthy Pet Food Market and Honey Pot CBD or some local options on where to get things like CBD for your pet that may be anxious.
6. Distracting your pet
If you can’t help leaving your pet behind, it’s best to close the blinds and curtains to make sure that there are fewer outside distractions. Turning on the TV or putting on some music to help drown out some of the noises is also helpful to make sure it doesn’t scare your pet.
The 4th of July is a lot of fun, but it is the time when pets are recorded the highest as missing/runaways. Have fun, but try to do your part so that your pet companion can enjoy the holiday as well.
Sources:
Seattle DogSpot. “Dogs and Fireworks – 10 Tips to Keep Your Dog Safe and Calm on July 4th.” Seattle DogSpot, 17 June 2020, https://www.seattledogspot.com/10-tips-to-keep-your-dog-safe-during-july-4th-fireworks/.
Gurrie, Samantha. “Prepare Your Pet for the Fourth of July with Five Safety Tips.” Prepare Your Pet for the Fourth of July With Five Safety Tips · The Wildest, The Wildest, 28 June 2021, https://www.thewildest.com/dog-lifestyle/fourth-of-july.