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7 Tips to Keep Your Pets Safe This Fourth of July

According to BluePearl, the Fourth of July is the busiest day for pet-related emergencies, with emergency rooms more than doubling in activity. Heat, holiday food, outdoor events, and fireworks create the perfect storm. Plus, people take their dogs to firework displays or cookouts thinking it will be fun, but the loud noises can terrify pets and cause them to run off and become lost. Here are seven tips to keep your pet safe on Independence Day. 

1. Keep pets indoors at all times and provide a safe space where your pet can retreat throughout the holiday weekend. Even obedient pets can get startled and react out of panic, so keep pets inside and provide a quiet, comfortable space where they can retreat. If your pet does end up running off, take action immediately.

2. Make sure your pet is wearing a current ID tag and that their microchip information is up to date. The easier it is to identify your pet, the better.

3. Have a current photo of your pet on hand. In case your pet does manage to get loose, having a recent photo will allow you to get the word out quickly.

4. Refill anti-anxiety medications ahead of time. Clinics are not always able to refill your pet’s medication at the last minute, so plan ahead. If you don’t yet have prescribed medication but your pet has anxiety issues, call your veterinarian.

5. Use other calming products such as a calming diffuser for cats or an anti-anxiety shirt for dogs. These helpful tools can safely reduce anxiety and are easy to find at most pet stores. You can also play some calming music to help mask the sounds of fireworks.

6. Have treats or a new toy on hand to help distract your pet throughout the holiday. Keeping treats on hand will distract your pet from the human food, and toys will keep your pet’s mind engaged. You can also prepare for the night by providing lots of play and exercise throughout the day to work off extra energy and help relax your pet.

7. Never light fireworks around your pets. Lighting fireworks around your pet is not only dangerous, but it could cause your pet to panic and inflict unintentional self-injury.