How to Keep Your Dog Safe on the 4th of July

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First of all…Happy 4th of July.The noise and chaos that comes with the Fourth of July or any holiday can be stressful and even dangerous for some pets. Here are a few tips to help ensure your pets have a safe and calm holiday.

If you are like most people you have big plans to enjoy this great holiday.  Those plans can include having people over to bar-b-que and watch fireworks at your home or you might have plans to do exactly that but at someone else’s house.

In either case, what are you going to do with your dog?

The noise and chaos that comes with the Fourth of July or any holiday can be stressful and even dangerous for some pets. Here are a few tips to help ensure your pets have a safe and calm holiday.

• Take pets out early to relieve themselves.

• Long walks and playtime or an extra outing may help some pets be more relaxed later.

• Make sure your pets are licensed and have an ID tag or microchip. An ID tag or microchip can increase the chances of a runaway pet being returned to owners.

• Keep pets away from fireworks. When fireworks are being set off, have pets stay at home and indoors in a secure, quiet room.

• Provide toys, pet beds or crates, food and water in the quiet room. You can even play soft music at a low volume.

• After the celebration, be aware of firework debris and other trash that may be left behind in parks or in streets.  The products may be toxic.

• If you are hosting the party make sure you keep food and wrappers out of reach. Bones can easily splinter and can cause fatal injuries. Rich and fatty foods like dressing and pie can cause painful and serious health problems.

• The same goes for decorations. Climbing cats and dogs with wagging tails and curious noses can knock over candles and other decorations. Some pets might also chew on decorations that look or sound like toys.

• If you dress up your pet for the holiday, do it for just a short time and take a photo. The longer a pet is in costume, the more likely it can become stressed or injured in the outfit. Make sure the costume doesn’t restrict breathing, vision, hearing or movement.

• And something I wish I didn’t have to mention but feel I do have to…Do not leave your pet in a car. Even in the shade, the temperature inside a car can quickly rise to 120 degrees. Animals left in a hot car, even for just a few minutes, can suffer heat stroke, brain damage or death.

So, have a fun and safe Fourth of July and make sure your furry friend is safe as well.

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