Fourth of July fireworks and festivities can be fun for people, but these celebrations can often be frightening for our pets. July 5th is the largest intake day for American animal shelters (American Humane Society), due to pets running away on July 4th. The good news – this is preventable. Here is a list of steps to take to ensure your pets stay safe on July 4th.
Preparing for the 4th
- Make sure your pet’s ID Tags are up to date with your information so that in the event that they get lost and someone finds them, they can be easily returned. ID Tags are important for all pets, even ones that stay indoors.
- If your pet is microchipped, make sure that you are registered as their owner on the microchip registry. To do this, you need their ID number. Your veterinarian can check this for you. If your pet is not microchipped, consult with your veterinarian to see if they recommend it for your pet.
- If you anticipate your pet getting anxious, consult with your veterinarian about the possibility of obtaining medication to help them relax. There are also many over-the-counter pheromones that can help pets relax. It’s important to consult with your veterinarian before making any changes.
Things to do on the 4th
- Keep pets indoors. If you have cats that go outside, keep them inside all day to ensure they aren’t outside during the fireworks. Don’t let your pets outside unattended. If you are leaving them at home, make sure that they are in a secure area where they feel safe, like a crate or bedroom.
- If you are hosting, make sure your guests know about your pets, and they are keeping an eye out for them. You can also consider putting your pets in a safe location, like a bedroom, and periodically checking in on them to be sure that guests do not accidentally let them out.
- Make sure your pets do not eat any harmful unfamiliar foods.
- You know your pet best. If they get stressed out easily, consider staying home to comfort them.
- If your pets get upset or scared during the fireworks, do not punish them. This instills even more fear. Instead, comfort them and speak to them in a soft voice to let them know that they are safe.
- Do not put glow jewelry on or near pets. The chemicals inside glow jewelry are toxic and extremely dangerous to pets.
The next day
- Check your yard before allowing pets outside to be sure there is nothing dangerous to your pet. This could include trash or debris.
Browse through these resources for further information on how to best keep your pet(s) safe on July 4th.
July 4 Safety – American Veterinary Medical Association
Fourth of July Pet Safety Tips – American Humane Society
Pet Precaution for the Fourth of July – American Humane Society
How to Keep Pets Calm During Fireworks – Best Friends Animal Society
Keeping Your Pet Safe and Secure on the 4 of July – Montgomery County Animal Services