Fourth of July Pet Safety Tips

by Beth Lawton

Loud noises and flashes of light – some dogs get nervous when thunderstorms roll through, but even the worst storms may be nothing compared to fireworks.

The Fourth of July is the single day the most pets run away – primarily out of fear, according to national animal advocacy groups.

Here are some tips on making sure your pet doesn’t take off at the first bang this holiday weekend from PetFinder, the ASPCA and PetMD:

Check gates and fences around your property to ensure they close securely and your pet can’t hop right over them.

Get your dog lots of exercise before any parties or events, and leave your pet home in a secure area when you go to local fireworks displays. Even if your pet loves people, they may feel safer at home in familiar surroundings.

Make sure your pet’s ID tags (and microchip, if they have one) are up-to-date with your current address and phone number. Ensure ID tags are very securely attached and that your dog can’t slip out of its collar if it tries to run away while on a leash.

If your pet runs away, don’t wait a few hours to see if he or she comes back. Use those few hours to get the word out with physical flyers, cards and calls to neighbors. (You may want to put your flyers in plastic sleeves with the opening at the bottom so rain doesn’t get into them and make them a runny mess.) Use your neighborhood’s email listserv or community bulletin board, post on Patch, Facebook and elsewhere, too. Plus, call animal control and local veterinarians and shelters. For more on what to do if Fido runs away, click here for advice from PetFinder. https://www.petfinder.com/cats/lost-and-found-cats/lost-pet/

Other tips to keep your pets healthy this weekend:

Keep pets away from any fireworks you may be setting off at home. Curious noses and paws can get seriously injured.

Keep them on their normal diet, no matter how much they beg for a burger, hot dog or scraps.

Keep grilling items, such as matches, charcoal and lighter fluid, out of reach. (They may not be tempting to humans, but some animals eat odd things.)

Only use insect repellant or sunscreen on animals that are designed to be used on animals. Pets can be poisoned easily by human sunscreens, DEET and other products.

Do not leave your alcoholic drinks (or any drinks) unattended.

For more safety tips for your pets, see this Fourth of July guide from the ASPCA. http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/fourth-july-safety-tips