It is important to plan ahead with 4th of July pet safety tips to help keep your pets safe and comfortable on the 4th of July. Many dogs and cats are afraid of the noise of fireworks and 4th of July celebrations causing some to even get loose and run away.
Check out our top 10 list of 4th of July pet safety tips.
- Make sure your dogs and cats have microchips and are wearing collars with current contact pet id tags in case they get loose.
- Give your dogs several walks during the day, if the weather permits, or exercise them indoors to help them be relaxed and tired during your 4th of July celebration.
- If you are hosting a BBQ or attending one with your dogs, make sure all gates are securely closed and locked so your dogs cannot escape if they get scared by the noise of the party or fireworks.
- Make sure your dogs or cats cannot get close to the BBQ keeping them safe from the flames and heat while keeping all food out of your pets reach.
- If you are attending a party where there is a swimming pool, make sure your dogs cannot get close to the pool if they don’t know how to swim.
- Provide plenty of water and shade if you are outdoors celebrating in warm weather or in the heat.
- To help keep your dogs and cats calm during fireworks, bring your pets inside, turn on the air conditioning, radio and/or TV to something soothing to help mask the noise of the fireworks.
- Purchase a ThunderShirt for your dogs or cats to help reduce your pets anxiety.
- If needed, ask your veterinarian for medication or contact your local natural pet store for calming options to help lessen your pets fear and anxiety.
- Do not leave your pets home alone if they are afraid of the noise from fireworks.
Are your pets afraid of the noise from fireworks and 4th of July celebrations? Do you have 4th of July pet safety tips you would add to our list for other pet parents?
*This article was updated on 7/17/17.*