Although our Fourth of July celebrations may look different this year, you’re bound to still have neighbors sending fireworks into the air to celebrate America’s Independence. However, your anxious dogs or cats that hear the loud bangs and whizzes of fireworks may go running in fear, looking for a safe place away from the loud noises. Here are some tips to help prevent your furry best friend from having a “ruff” Fourth of July.
Keep your pet inside at all times!
This may seem like obvious advice, but if you know your pet gets anxious or skittish, don’t take the chance of letting them outside. If you have a doggy door, make sure to close it before the festivities begin and check all doors before leaving the house. If you will be home, be sure to check in on your pet frequently to make sure they are doing okay.
Play soft music to help ease their anxiety.
Turn on some classical music or leave the TV on your pup’s favorite channel (mine loves ESPN). Just make sure the volume is low. Here’s a tip for the Alexa owners out there: Before you and your family leave for the fireworks show, ask Alexa to play “Smooth Jazz” for the dogs at a low volume.
Check your pet’s tags to make sure that they are up to date and legible.
In the week leading up to the Fourth of July, check your pet’s tags and collars to make sure that the information is up to date and easy to read. Even if you haven’t moved and your information hasn’t changed, your pet’s tags can get worn down and your phone number or address can get difficult to discern. Check your pet’s collar as well for damage and to make sure it fits correctly and isn’t at risk of coming off.
If they aren’t already, get your pet microchipped!
This is a great tip for any time of year, but especially around the Fourth of July. If your pet isn’t already microchipped, don’t wait! The procedure is short, only takes a small injection, and usually can be done at a low cost. A microchip doesn’t track your animal’s movements. Instead, the chip has a unique code which, when scanned by a vet or shelter volunteer, will bring up your contact information and will identify you as the owner of your pet. This way, if your pet does lose their collar or tags, they can still find their way back to you.
Just in case, take a current photo of your pet
If, unfortunately, your pet does end up getting lost, you will want a recent photo of your furry friend. Take a picture of your pet in the week leading up to the Fourth of July. It’s better to be safe than sorry!
Don’t apply sunscreen or insect repellant on your pet unless it is specifically labeled for use on animals
Sunscreen and insect repellant can be toxic to dogs. Keep these products, including citronella candles and tiki torch oil products, out of reach of your pets.
Try not to have fireworks or sparklers at your home at all
While fireworks and sparklers are a big part of Fourth of July celebrations, please try to refrain from using them, or even having them around, when you have a pet at home. Our pets have ears that are far more sensitive than our own, so you can imagine how loud an exploding firework is to them. The excitement of watching a firework go off isn’t worth the stress that it will cause for your furry best friend. They wouldn’t purposefully scare you, don’t do it to them.
If you have an anxious pet and are concerned about how they will react to fireworks on the Fourth of July, check out this article, which gives tips on how you can help your anxious pup during this stressful day for them. And as always, if you’ve been thinking about purchasing a home or refinancing this summer, give OneTrust Home Loans a call at (855) 995-3323 or request a consultation.