Keep Your Pets Safe This Fourth of July (Independence Day)

Happy 4th of July Everyone! Today we will all be celebrating our independence by way of cookouts, gatherings and fireworks -- an American tradition indeed! However, not all will be celebrating today. Many pets (especially dogs) are extremely frightened of fireworks. They will do just about anything to escape the deafening sounds that they will hear tonight.  

Did you know that more animals are lost on the 4th of July than any other day of the year due to the loud noises from fireworks? If you have animals that stay outside, please bring them in tonight. Put them in a bathroom or crate with a radio or television near by to help drown out the loud noises. Also, place an article of your clothing that you have been wearing (still has your scent on it) in with your pet. This will also help relax them.

Here are a few quick tips to keep your pets safe tonight.....

1. Do NOT take your pet with you to see the fireworks. Be kind -- leave them at home where they will feel safer.

2. Keep your pet inside tonight in a safe secure place in your home. Please don't keep your pet in the garage. The acoustics of the garage will magnify the sounds of the fireworks and frighten your pet.

3. Make sure your pets have their collars and tags on tonight. Also, if your pet is microchipped then please make sure that the information in their online profile is correct and up-to-date with a recent picture of them.

4. Do NOT leave your pet outside in the yard or chained up. Pets can severely injury or kill themselves by trying to get away from the loud noises. There is also the fear that they will dig under or jump the fence to escape.

5. Bring your pets inside and put them in a cool, quiet bedroom or crate. For added comfort you may turn on a fan and a television (or radio) to a channel that has a calm program on (like HGTV, Disney, Discovery Channel, etc) or a music channel like Jazz. The voices from the television will help calm your pet down and make them think someone is there with them. I have heard of big dogs eating through walls, tearing through closed pet doors and jumping through windows to escape the loud noises.

If you are home with your pet then keep them close to you to make them feel safe.

6. Leave a blanket or piece of clothing (t-shirt, robe, etc) that has your scent on it with your pet. Your scent will help soothe your pet.

7. If you find a lost pet, please take it to your local animal shelter immediately. Most likely, a frantic owner is looking for their beloved pet and they will be able to be reunited quicker. You may also want post flyers in your neighborhood letting everyone know that you took the "found" pet to your local shelter.

Have fun, be safe and don't forget to protect your pets from loud firework sounds tonight! :-)