Fireworks on the 4th of July…what could be better than watching these sparkling lights on a beautiful summer night? While fireworks are a fun treat for us humans, the same can’t always be said for our furry friends. Follow these tips to keep your pet safe, calm and happy this Independence Day!

Find your pet a quiet, comfortable place

Keep your pet in a quiet room inside your home with calming music or background noise to help drown out the commotion. Pets, especially dogs, hear at a much higher level than humans, so imagine how loud fireworks sound to them!

Update Microchip Information

Microchips are a permanent way to ensure your pet’s safety in case they spook and run away from home. Smaller than a grain of rice, these chips increase the odds of being reunited with your pet if lost or in case of an emergency. The most important piece of a microchip is making sure your contact information is up-to-date!

ID Tags/Collar/Leash

Keep your pet’s tags and collar/harness on at all times during any festivities. Proper identification helps reunite you and your pet much quicker in case of emergency. It never hurts to always keep a leash on hand too!

Medication

Pets who are extremely stressed by fireworks might need an appointment with a veterinarian to discuss medication and other alternatives to help you pet. Do not distribute any medication to your pet without first consulting your vet.

Treats/Toys

Leave your pet at home with their favorite treat or toy. The excitement of the treat/toy will keep them distracted during all the noise! Here are some of our favorites, perfect for heavy chewers. Don’t overdo it on the treats though, a stomach ache isn’t fun for anyone.

Tire them out

If you know you’ll be away from your pet, spend even more time than normal exercising your pets in the days leading up to the 4th. A tired pet will be more likely to remain calm and collected.

Shelters have the highest intake of pets during the week of the 4th of July compared to any other day of the year. If you see a lost pet, please contact your nearest shelter.