If your neighborhood is anything like mine, the booms and bangs of the Fourth of July firework celebration start a week before the official holiday. Every summer, pet owners are told to be mindful of pet health and safety during this holiday.
By following the simple tips below, you can prevent your pet from becoming what many animal shelters call a “July 4th pet,” or a pet that becomes frightened, runs away and ends up in a shelter.
1. Keep Your Pets in a Quiet Room at Home
When fireworks start going off in your neighborhood, make sure your pets are safely confined in a quiet, escape-proof area. Drawing the blinds and turning on a radio can help muffle the noise. Don’t underestimate the skills of a scared dog – there have been accounts of dogs pushing open doors and digging under fences to get away. Loose and scared, the potential for dogs and cats to get into an accident or get injured increases greatly. It’s better to be safe than sorry, but having pet insurance coverage for your dogs and cats can help in the event something does happen.
2. Don’t Console a Frightened Pet During the Fireworks
It sounds counterintuitive and while there is debate over the issue, consoling a frightened pet could reinforce the fearful behavior by essentially saying, “You have a reason to be afraid.” Instead, make sure your pet is in a safe area and go about your normal business. Your reaction to the fireworks will show your pet there’s nothing to fear. You can also distract your four-pawed friend with a toy and praise him or her for non-fearful behavior, like tail-wagging.
3. Make Sure Your Pet Has ID Tags and a Microchip
Frightened pets are much stronger than we think, and an ordinarily calm dog can bolt and break free from a leash or jump from a car with little warning. If an unexpected bang causes your dog or cat to run, a proper collar, tags and/or microchip can help you have peace of mind.
4. Consult Your Veterinarian for Easily Stressed or Anxious Pets
If your pet usually reacts fearfully to loud sounds like thunder or garbage trucks, consult your veterinarian about how to reduce your pet’s anxiety. The anxiety is not good for your pet’s health, and your veterinarian should be able to provide helpful guidelines and information.
5. Exercise Your Dog Before the Fireworks
Most pets will fare much better if they are tired by the time the festivities begin. If your dog has an extra-long stay at the dog park or a nice long walk or jog with you, they will most likely be calmer and display less anxiety in the evening.
Bonus Tip: Avoid Discarded Fireworks
Once the noise of the 4th of July finally subsides, unused and used fireworks can be found on the street where you walk your dog and even in your backyard. Make sure your dog doesn’t become curious and begin playing with or eating the leftover debris. Ingesting unused fireworks can be poisonous to pets and cause vomiting, abdomen pain, and bloody diarrhea.
Most dog and cat owners consider their pets to be part of their families, and it’s no fun when we have to exclude them from family events. But the 4th of July is a time pet parents really ought to put their own feelings aside and do what’s best for the safety and health of their dogs and cats. No matter what the season or the reason, Pets Best pet insurance plans can help you pay for your pet’s unexpected veterinary costs. By following these five simple tips and insuring your pet with Pets Best, you can enjoy peace of mind this summer!
Terms and conditions apply. See policy for details