Tips to Keep Pets Safe this 4th of July!

I will be staying home this 4th of July, as is my tradition. With 4 dogs and 3 cats, most who hate the bombardment of the holiday, it is just the best choice for my Tribe. I have a very senior, senile miniature Schnauzer who occasionally reacts to loud booms with a full fledged panic. The other pets also just relax more when we are here to comfort them. Even if you do choose to go see the fireworks, here are some tips to keep pets safe this holiday!

More pets go missing on the 4th of July than any other holiday. It is also a top holiday for injuries and upset stomachs associated with “garbage gut,” especially when dogs get into the picnic food.

Keep Pets Safe this 4th of July! Prepare in Advance of the Holiday!

The best thing you can do is make your preparations in advance. Here are a few things you can do in the days before the holiday to get ready:

• Make sure all pets are wearing collars with ID tags and a current phone number.
• Check and update your pet’s microchip information. Remember, a microchip is only as good as the information attached to it!
• Contact your vet and get any needed prescription medications filled. If you use an over-the-counter medication, be sure you know the correct dose to use!
• Buy any calming agents you plan to use. Adaptil and Feliway are pheromone products that can relax some pets. There are several brands of Calming Chews you could try. I plan to use Zylkene on my dogs this holiday.
• For very reactive pets, you might want to try a Thundershirt.

Plan Your Holiday with Pet Safety in Mind

Even if you have reactive pets, you can still enjoy the holiday with a little planning.

• Figure out what things you want to do, and then arrange things so that the pets are protected at the most dangerous times. If your neighborhood is usually calm during the day, for instance, you may be able to head out to a picnic in the afternoon and be home in time for the crazy stuff.
• If you absolutely have to travel for the whole day, then it might be best to have your pets boarded or hire a pet sitter for the day to stay with them.
• Unless you are attending a pet-related event (I have friends who specifically throw puppy picnics for dog lovers) plan to leave the pets at home!

Tips for the Big Day to Keep Pets Safe!

Don’t bring your dog with you for the day unless you plan on keeping a close eye on things. If you want to relax and party, you will enjoy things more if you don’t have to worry about what Fluffy is eating  under the table. Also, the holiday can be stressful for the most socially adjusted dog.

If you do bring your dog, be sure there is plenty of shade to keep them cool in the heat. Bring a water dish and keep it full. Make sure your dog is always leashed for safety. You never know when someone is going to light off some fireworks. I have seen dogs go through a fence in a panic at a party. It happens.

• Adjust your pet’s schedule for the day. Get up earlier and plan on feeding dinner a couple hours before sunset.
• Excersize your pets in the cool hours of the morning and again in the early afternoon, if it isn’t too hot.
• Keep outdoor kitties indoors from the late afternoon on. Many cats disappear around the 4th, never to be seen again.
• Give any prescription or over-the-counter medications 60-90 minutes before the loud events begin, and redose as directed. Once your pet is terrified, it is too late for sedatives to work.
• If you are planning to be away at night, leave the pets in a comfortable room inside the house and play some music. We use heavy metal, as it covers the sounds of the fireworks, but use what your pets are use to hearing.
• Do not leave your dogs outdoors alone! Even during the day! Anything can happen.
• Take the dogs out for a last potty walk about an hour before sunset. Use a leash if your yard is not secure. Just in case.
• If you have to take your dog out after dark, use a leash even in a secure yard.

Follow these tips to keep pets safe this 4th of July! Happy Holidays!