Pets panicking on Fourth of July? Try these simple tips that work.
We eat, we drink, we light up the night sky. The Fourth of July is a favorite summer celebration for many Americans. But for our pets, it can be an anxiety-inducing and even dangerous ordeal. Noisy fireworks, intense heat, fatty foods and crowded yards make Independence Day a high-risk holiday for our four-legged friends.
Whether you’re attending a party, hosting one, or even staying home, there are precautions every pet owner should take to keep their furry friends safe and sound this Fourth of July.
Update your pet's identification
Potato chips aren’t the only must-haves for a Fourth of July party – don’t forget the microchips. According to PetAmberAlert, animal control officials see, on average, a 30% spike in lost pets between July 4-6. An identification chip is one of the fastest and most reliable ways to reunite a pet and its owner. If your pet is already microchipped, make sure it’s updated with your current address and phone number. You’ll also want to double check the contact information on your pet’s collar tags, and to cover all your bases, take an updated photo of your pet.
Paws off the burgers and dogs
Backyard barbecues can be a recipe for disaster, especially for dogs. Dr. Christine Rutter, a professor at Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, warns, “Corn cobs (which cause GI obstruction), grease (from the ground or in grill grease traps), and tasty bits from unsecured trash or handouts commonly cause problems. Dogs typically eat a pretty regular diet, so abrupt dietary changes can really throw them into havoc.”
Ask your guests to avoid giving your dog any human food. You might also consider locking your dog away while people are eating or creating a designated area where they can’t get into any of the holiday treats.
Keep it cool
July is notoriously hot, so keep an eye on the temperature if your pet plans to join the backyard barbecue. Make sure they have access to shade, a bowl full of water, and aren’t outside for extended periods in sweltering heat. The American Veterinary Medical Association recommends learning the signs of overheating in dogs such as excessive panting, restlessness, excessive drooling, unsteadiness, or abnormal gum and tongue color.
Tire pets out before the fireworks start
Before the fireworks start, take your dog on a walk or to the park. According to Dr. Devon Smith, veterinarian and host of For Pet’s Sake, exercise and mental stimulation tire your dog out and could even make them sleepy or relaxed enough to ignore the fireworks.
Create a safe space for your pet
Whether you’re at home or away, you’ll want to create an escape-free, comfortable space for your pet to stay during the chaos of the fireworks. Make sure all windows and doors are closed so your pet can’t easily get out. There have been cases, however, of pets jumping through windows, so try to keep your pets away from windows altogether or close the curtains. Rutter suggests using a white noise generator to muffle the loud booms of the fireworks.