Keep pets safe this 4th of July

For many Americans, the Fourth of July is filled with friends, family and fun in the sun. Unfortunately, for our pets the holiday is often a terrifying experience that can cause damaging behavior.

The American Humane Society reports that July 5th is the busiest day of the year for animal shelters in the United States. The reason: Fireworks and pets just don’t mix.
Every year hundreds of pets are exposed to firework noise that causes them to panic and run into roads or end up disoriented and miles away from home.

On the other hand, fireworks will intrigue some pets. Dogs and cats might try to chase or bite fireworks, which can lead to severe burns and ingestion of toxic chemicals.

To ensure your pets’ safety this Fourth of July, keep them in a secure location within your home or a professionally maintained kennel. The area needs to be escape proof and as quiet as possible. Place the animal near their usual food, water and bedding. Take your pet for bathroom breaks on a leash, even if they are normally entrusted to roam the yard alone.

It is very important to keep proper identification on your pet. Place a tag on the pet’s collar with current contact information and consider having your pet micro chipped in case they end up in a shelter. If your pet runs off, you will have a much better chance of locating it.

In extreme cases, veterinarians may prescribe tranquilizers for your pet. Carefully administer the medication according to your veterinarian’s instructions. If this is the first time your pet has taken the medication, be sure to observe the pet carefully to be sure he does not have a bad reaction.

Remember that fireworks often start up to a week before the holiday and last a few days afterward. Take special care to keep your pet on a leash or inside your home, especially during evening hours.

Barbeques and parties provide the perfect opportunity for your pet to take advantage of a wealth of table food he doesn’t normally ingest. Major diet changes and table food can damage your pets’ health. If you host a barbeque, make sure your guests know that your animals do not eat table scraps. Clean up food quickly and keep it out of reach. Alcoholic beverages can also be toxic to pets.

Despite a little fear and discomfort, most pets will survive the Fourth of July holiday just fine. If your pet shows lasting signs of trauma, consult with your veterinarian for advice on making your pet comfortable again.

Stop by your local Country Store and discuss calming options for your pet!