The 4th of July is a time for bbq’s and fireworks and while fun for us, it can be a nightmare for your four legged fur friends. Follow these precautions to ensure a safe and happy 4th of July:
· Resist the urge to take your pet to fireworks displays.If possible, stay with the animal during the majority of the fireworks. They often react more intensely to loud sounds and flashes of lights when humans are not around.
· Keep your pet indoors! Never leave pets outside unattended, even in a fenced yard or on a chain. In their fear, pets who normally wouldn’t leave the yard may escape and become lost, or become entangled in their chain, risking injury or death.
· Do not leave your pet in the car. With only hot air to breathe inside a car, your pet can suffer serious health effects-even death-in a few short minutes. Partially opened windows do not provide sufficient air, but they do provide an opportunity for your pet to be stolen.
· If you know that your pet is seriously distressed by loud noises like thunder, consult with your veterinarian before July 4th for ways to help alleviate the fear and anxiety he or she will experience during fireworks displays.
· Always keep proper identification securely fastened to a dog’s collars in case it gets out. Consider talking to your veterinarian about implanting a universal microchip. Make sure your veterinary hospital and animal shelter have your correct contact information in their database.
· Keep them away from the front and back doors. They may be under significant stress, which could result in unnecessary injury to others or cause them to dart out the door and become lost.
· Create a special area or “den” in your home where dogs can feel safe. A properly introduced crate or kennel can be a calming refuge.
· Some dogs become destructive when frightened. If you don’t use a crate, be sure to remove items from the room that they could destroy or would hurt them if chewed.
· Keep windows and curtains closed to reduce noise and bright flashes.
· Turn on a TV or radio at normal volume to distract them from loud noises.
· Consider hiring a pet sitter to stay with the animal while you are away from home.