Loud noises, especially fireworks, trigger pets to run away. This is why Fourth of July pet safety is essential.
Summer is officially here, and so are the summer celebrations. However, did you know that more pets go missing during the Fourth of July celebrations than at any other time of the year? Loud noises, especially fireworks, trigger pets to run away. This is why Fourth of July pet safety is essential. This article teaches pet owners how to prepare and prevent their pets from getting lost.
Avoid Bringing Your Pet to Fireworks Displays
As part of your Fourth of July pet safety procedure, never take dogs to fireworks displays or leave them outside alone during fireworks. A frightened dog might cope with his or her fear in harmful ways. For instance, many dogs have jumped through windows or run away from their owners to escape the loud sounds.
Unfortunately, many of those escape attempts have resulted in self-harm or some dogs have been hit by cars or lost. If your pet will be around fireworks this year, ensure they are on a leash and by your side to avoid serious injury.
Creating a Safe Space for Your Pet Companion
Instead, keep cats and dogs indoors and stay home with them, if possible. If your pet pal is sensitive to loud sounds, select an interior room your pet is familiar with to create a home base for the night. If possible, this room should be away from windows.
Otherwise, shut the curtains or draw the blinds and leave the lights on to minimize the visual stimulation of fireworks. In addition, add music, white noise, or a fan to help sound mask the noise outside.
Use Other Distractions
Another excellent Fourth of July pet safety tip is to distract your dog by playing games. Also, be generous with providing treats for ignoring explosions. Besides being a reward, food benefits your pet’s brain chemistry.
Check Your Pet’s ID and Microchip Information Before the Holiday
Unfortunately, fireworks aren’t isolated to the Fourth of July. Fireworks displays often stretch throughout summer. So, being ready for potential noise triggers all season long is essential. Ensure your pet is wearing identification tags with your contact information. If your pet is microchipped, verify the microchip is registered with the current contact information. Finders can return them with the correct contact data if your beloved pet runs away from you. If your pet is not microchipped, now would be a good time to get that done!
Ultimately, it is up to us to keep our pets calm and comfortable. Follow the above Fourth of July Pet Safety tips to ensure your animal companion feels safe and secure.
HERE AT MOUNT CARMEL ANIMAL HOSPITAL, WE’LL TREAT YOUR PETS LIKE FAMILY!
Mount Carmel Animal Hospital has been serving the Northern Baltimore/Southern York community for over 30 years and is proud to be an independently operated, small animal practice committed to excellence in veterinary medicine and client service. From grooming to wellness services, along with Canine Life Skills Training Courses, and surgical procedures, we have the expertise that will best serve the needs of you and your pet. Contact us at 410-343-0200 and follow us on Facebook!