Ways to Protect Your Pet on the 4th of July

The 4th of July can mean fun, food, friends, and fireworks for people, but it can feel more like a scary alien invasion for our pets! In fact, July 5th is the busiest day of the year for animal shelters, which fill up quickly with animals who panic and flee the bright lights and loud noises of holiday celebrations. Make July 4th a pet-riotic holiday by following these steps for a stress-free day for both you and your fur kids. 

Not all dogs are susceptible to loud noises, and cats don’t get disturbed as much by them. When scared, cats typically opt to hide instead of running away. However, some breeds, like border collies, Australian shepherds, and smaller dogs like chihuahuas, can be very sensitive.

It’s not too hard to tell your dog is scared or having anxiety if you know what to look for. Shivering, shaking, panting, salivating, yawning, and trying to hide are some of those indications. Frightened dogs may also lick their lips repeatedly or get stiff. “In addition to displaying fearful behavior, some dogs also cling to their owners, destroy property, soil the house, or injure themselves when they hear a noise that upsets them,’’ said Pia Silvani, director of behavior rehabilitation at the ASPCA. “Frantic attempts to escape may cause dogs to chew, scratch, dig, and even jump out of windows.’’

If they’re cowering in a corner or under a bed, don’t try to pull them out, which may prompt them to bite. Instead, allow them to come out independently or encourage them with a treat or toy.

Don’t rely on desensitizing

The notion of getting dogs used to the bright flashes and loud pops of fireworks sounds good, but it takes a lot of time --think weeks or months, not days--and effort.
 

1. Prepare for the worst-case scenario.  July 4th is a great annual reminder to be prepared if your pet escapes or gets lost. If your pet is not wearing a collar with an ID tag, now is the best time to get one. You’ll also want to double-check that your pet is microchipped and that the chip is registered with updated contact information.  

2. Avoid the crowds. Avoid bringing your pooch to super-crowded events, parades, and other gatherings with much commotion or people. A combination of heat, loud noises, packed spaces, and scorching blacktop can be stressful and harmful to your pet’s health. It's better to leave them at home in a cool spot with lots of water. It’s especially wise to avoid bringing your pets to fireworks events, as they could panic and try to run.

3. Work them out.  Be sure to give your pets lots of exercise during the day so they’ll be a little worn out before the scary noises start at night. A nice long run or play session during the daytime will help with your pet’s overall stress and anxiety levels. Some pets may sleep right through the nighttime celebrations!

4. Head indoors before the fun begins. Don’t wait for the fireworks to be in full swing before caring for your pet. It’s best to bring him or her indoors or put them in a cozy spot well ahead of the first boom of fireworks. Which brings us to…

5.  Create a safe space. Pre-pyrotechnics, create a safe, escape-proof space in your home. Lower the blinds, close the windows, provide a bed or crate where they feel comfortable, offer a special chew or toy to distract them, and turn on the TV or radio to help mask the noises outside.

6. Wrap them up. Confining movement in dogs and cats has a calming effect, which is why you might want to consider an anti-anxiety wrap or coat. Try this one, available on Amazon. In a pinch, you can even create one from a scarf.

7. Give them a chill pill. If you’re worried about a pet who stresses easily, talk to your vet about anti-anxiety chews, drops, or other remedies to help your pet relax. Plenty of prescription and homeopathic solutions can help your pet get the extra dose of relaxation that he or she needs.

Independence Day is fun for us, but it’s the worst day imaginable for some cats and dogs. They literally think the world is ending! Do them a favor and ensure they’re well-protected and safe so they stay with you for many years. Happy Fourth!
 

Credit: MICHELSON FOUND ANIMALS FOUNDATION

Use this link for more useful safety tips: https://www.avma.org/resources/pet-owners/petcare/july-4-safety#:~:text=Remember%20that%20too%20much%20sun,a%20pet%20may%20be%20overheating.