We discuss the topic of fireworks a few times a year, and although it may seem redundant, it’s worth mentioning again. Your pet’s fear of fireworks is not only natural, but also completely understandable. Managing your pet’s anxieties effectively is part of the long list of responsibilities that go along with being a pet owner. So, when your dog’s fight-or-flight instincts kick in, be ready to calm them in whatever way that works. You may have seen our “fireworks survival tips” mentioned before, but here’s a quick refresher:
- Wear them out with something fun! Before the fireworks are scheduled to begin (which usually occurs around sunset in most places), go for a jog, enjoy a romp around the dog park, or play a simple game of fetch in the back yard.
- Stay with your pet through the duration of the fireworks display. If you have plans, arrange for someone to watch your pet closely throughout the holiday festivities.
- Use the holiday ruckus as an excuse to get away from home for a bit. This year, Independence Day falls on the weekend, so a weekend getaway should be feasible for most families. Treat yourself and your pet to a nice short vacation somewhere quiet.
Whether you choose to stick it out at home with your pet or take a weekend getaway, it’s important to know that countless pets go missing on noisy holidays like July 4th. This is largely due to your pet’s natural instinct to run and hide during times of distress. If you’ve ever lost a pet, you know that it is a heartbreaking and scary experience, regardless of the time of year. It’s also very dangerous for your pet. Here’s how you can prevent it from happening:
- Keep your pets indoors! It seems like common sense, but this is how the majority of them go missing in the first place. It doesn’t matter how secure you believe your fence to be. Bring your best friend inside!
- If you’ll be attending any holiday events, count your pet out. Large crowds, loud noises, and flashing lights may sound like fun for you and your human friends, but we can guarantee that your furry sidekick does not agree. Hire a trusted pet sitter to keep your pet safe during the commotion.
- Make sure that all of your pet’s identification is up-to-date, just in case. That means that any tags should have current information, and they should still be in good enough condition to be legible. It’s also a good idea to contact your pet’s microchip company to be sure that they have the correct information on file.
Finally, as you go about celebrating this fun holiday, remember that all of the usual rules apply. You shouldn’t feed your pet those delicious scraps from the grill, no matter how cute he or she begs. You should also keep in mind that fireworks are never really safe, and they are just as dangerous for pets as they are for people. Don’t let your beloved family pet become a July 4th statistic.
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