Easy Ways to Protect Your Pet on the 4th of July

Prepare for the worst-case scenario

July 4th is a great annual reminder to be prepared in case your pet escapes or gets lost. If your pet is not wearing a collar with an ID tag, now is the best time to get one. Visit your local pet store or even Wal-Mart for a tag machine. Tags cost less than $10 (you will spend more on gas searching for your lost baby if he/she runs away.) If your pet is not microchipped, visit consider getting one. They run $20-$50 depending on where you go and they provide peace of mind in case your pet is ever lost that you can be reunited. Planned PEThood offers low-cost microchipping at vaccine clinics are with spay/neuter surgeries.

Double Check Your Microchip

If your pet is microchipped, you’ll want to double check that your pet’s registry is connected to the correct name and your current phone number and address. If your pet is chipped but not registered, you can register for free here . On that page, created especially for pet owners, you can find resources on what steps to take in case your pet is lost, check local shelters and create a poster for your lost pet.

Leave your pet home

Better to leave them at home in a cool spot with lots of water. The noises might be scary, but you will know they are safe. It’s especially wise to avoid bringing your pets to firework events, as they could panic and try to run. No matter how well trained your pet is, a loud BOOM can cause them to run away.

Work them out

 Be sure to give your pets lots of exercise during the day, so they’ll be a little worn out before the scary noises start at night. A nice long run or play session during the daytime will help with your pet’s overall stress and anxiety levels. Some pets may sleep right through the night time celebrations!

Head indoors before the fun begins

Don’t wait for the fireworks to be in full swing before taking care of your pet. It’s best to bring him or her indoors or put them in a cozy spot well ahead of the first boom of fireworks. Which brings us to…

Create a safe space 

Pre-pyrotechnics, create a safe, escape-proof space in your home. Lower the blinds, close the windows, provide a bed or crate where they feel comfortable, offer a special chew or toy to distract them and turn on the TV or radio to help mask the noises outside.

Wrap them up

Confining movement in dogs and cats actually has a calming effect on them, which is why you might want to consider an anti-anxiety wrap or coat. In a pinch, you can even create one from a scarf.

Give them a chill pill

If you’re really worried about a pet who stresses easily, talk to your vet in advance about anti-anxiety chews, drops or other remedies that can help your pet relax. There are plenty of prescription and homeopathic solutions out there that can help your pet get the extra dose of relaxation that he or she needs.

Independence Day is fun for us, but it’s the worst day imaginable for some cats and dogs. They literally think the world is ending! Do them a favor and make sure they’re well protected and safe so they stay with you for many years to come. Happy Fourth!

Credit: MICHELSON FOUND ANIMALS FOUNDATION