Celebrating July 4th With Your Pet

Celebrating July 4th with your pet can be a lot of fun, but it's important to keep their safety and comfort in mind, especially since fireworks can be stressful for many animals. Here are some ideas to make the day enjoyable for both you and your furry friend:

Create a Safe Space: Set up a quiet, comfortable area in your home where your pet can retreat to if they get scared. This could be a cozy room with their bed, toys, and some soothing background noise like soft music or a white noise machine.
Exercise Early: Take your pet for a nice long walk or play session earlier in the day to help them burn off excess energy. This can make them calmer when the fireworks start later on.
Keep Them Indoors: If possible, keep your pet indoors during fireworks displays. This reduces their exposure to the loud noises and prevents them from running away if they get scared.
Update ID Tags: Ensure your pet is wearing a collar with up-to-date identification tags. If they do escape despite your precautions, this will increase the chances of them being returned safely.
Provide Distractions: Give your pet some new toys or treats to keep them occupied during the fireworks. Puzzle toys or long-lasting chews can be great distractions.
Consider Anxiety Aids: There are products available such as calming vests or pheromone diffusers (like Feliway for cats or Adaptil for dogs) that can help reduce anxiety in pets. Call our clinic for additional anti-anxiety medications that can further calm your pet if you think that will help.
Monitor Food and Drinks: While you might be enjoying barbecue and festive foods, be mindful of what your pet can safely consume. Some human foods can be harmful to pets.
Watch for Signs of Stress: Keep an eye on your pet for signs of distress such as pacing, panting excessively, trembling, or trying to hide. If they seem anxious, offer comfort and reassurance without making a big fuss, as this can inadvertently reinforce their fear.
Stay Calm Yourself: Pets often take cues from their owners, so staying calm and relaxed can help reassure them that everything is okay.
Celebrate Safely: If you plan to attend a parade or fireworks display, leave your pet at home where they are safe and secure. It's tempting to bring them along for the festivities, but parades can occur during the hottest times of the day and the fireworks can be too loud for their sensitive ears. The large crowds at these events can also be very overwhelming for your pet. Overall, it's usually better for your pet's well-being to stay in a cool, familiar environment.

By taking these precautions and keeping your pet's well-being in mind, you can enjoy celebrating July 4th while ensuring your furry companion stays safe and comfortable. Happy 4th to all of our wonderful clients!!