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While the Fourth of July holiday brings fun activities and food for people, it often brings stress and chaos for pets.
With loud noises, large crowds and lots of distractions, make sure your pet stays safe on the big day with these tips from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Fireworks and Loud Noises
Many animals can be scared by fireworks or other loud noises. If your pet is one of them, here are a few things you can do to help ease their stress:
- Play soft music and move your pet to an interior room with no windows. Make sure it is a space in which they feel comfortable.
- Consider giving them an enrichment activity like a Kong or chew toy.
- An anxiety vest or snugly fitting T-shirt may help in some cases.
- Consult a veterinarian if you think anti-anxiety medication may be best for your pet.
- Some pets will eat anything, including fireworks. Never underestimate your pet’s level of curiosity, and keep them far away from any fireworks.
- Be sure your pets are in a secure location and cannot run off and get lost if frightened by fireworks or other noises. Animal control facilities and shelters across the country see an increase of 30% to 60% in lost pets from July 4 to July 6 due to animals escaping home when frightened by fireworks. If your pet becomes lost, check your local shelters in the following days.
Other safety concerns
- If you're around a pool or body of water, keep an eye on your pets and ensure they do not fall in or struggle to swim.
- Never leave alcohol unattended where pets can reach.
- Do not apply sunscreen or insect repellent product to pets if it is not labeled specifically for use on animals.
- Always keep matches and lighter fluid out of pets’ reach.
- Keep your pets on their normal diet. Scraps from the grill might seen harmless, but some festive foods can be potentially hazardous to pets.
- Do not put glow jewelry on your pets or allow them to play with it.
- Keep citronella candles, insect coils and tiki torch oil products out of reach.
- Clean up any areas where you set off fireworks before allowing pets to have access again.
