Keeping Your Pets Safe this Fourth of July

Noises from fireworks, music, and people shouting & cheering can cause your pet stress and anxiety. Loud noises trigger their nervous system and that's what makes them afraid. You need to understand that your pets' hearing is a lot more sensitive than yours, and your pet is not used to these unfamiliar noises. Your pet doesn't know where the noises are coming from and why they happen, and they may try to run away, panic, or hide.  

In this article, we will discuss Fourth of July pet safety to make this holiday a little less stressful for both you and your furbaby.

Secure the IDs

According to the American Kennel Club, it is on July 4 and July 5 when pets go missing the most. The most important thing you can do is to make sure your pet won't be able to escape or run away from your house.

Sometimes things don't go as planned and if it ever boils down to an escape or loss, make sure your furbaby has an updated identification tag or collar. It is also beneficial to have your dog microchipped so that someone can contact you if they rescue your pet. Microchips increase the chances of getting reunited with your lost pets. What gives microchips better advantages is that, unlike the tags and collars that may fall off, get lost, or removed, microchips can never be lost, removed, or altered.

Give Your Pet a Safe Space

It's no secret that many dogs scared of fireworks will try to hide. If your pet chooses to hide in a particular area in your house, let them stay there unbothered, even if it is a place they wouldn't normally have access to, like a basement or bedroom. This is where they feel safe and secure. You can also prepare in advance and create a safe place for your pet in an area in your house that’s away from the noises, foot traffic, and possible stress triggers, like strangers, kids, and loud noises. 

To make your furbaby feel more comfortable and to encourage them to use their safe place, place Pawtect® Blankets in their safe spot. These blankets can act as comfort blankets for your furbaby, providing them with security while the celebration goes on in your home. Pawtect® Blankets are also able to keep your home and furbaby warm and comfortable. Dogs tend to drool when anxious, so this waterproof blanket will also act as a barrier.

To make your furbaby feel more comfortable and to encourage them to use their safe place, place Pawtect® Blankets in their safe spot. These blankets can act as comfort blankets for your furbaby, providing them with security while the celebration goes on in your home. Pawtect® Blankets are also able to keep your home and furbaby warm and comfortable. Dogs tend to drool when anxious, so this waterproof blanket will also act as a barrier.

Additionally, it has been reported by Wag Walking that because of stress and anxiety, pets turn their blankets into chew toys. This is why our Pawtect® Blankets have a LockJaw™ binding feature with clean edges that help stir away your new pet from gnawing on the blanket.

Cats are known to be easily stressed out. If your cat is scared of fireworks or the flashing lights, you can provide blankets and a cozy spot for them as well. You might find that your cat is stressed from visitors or a party at your home. In this case, it is a good idea to use their Pawtect® Blanket as a setting in a room where they are used to relaxing.

Provide Calming Supplements for Dogs

The 4th of July will be a lot of work for your pet's nervous system. For dogs, fireworks can be terrifying. As mentioned above, loud and unfamiliar noises will trigger your pet to become afraid as they don't know exactly what's going on (and oh how we wish we can explain to them!). Providing them calming supplements will help them feel relaxed and a little bit less stressed on one of the most terrifying days of the year for them.

Calming supplements for dogs, like Pet Parents® Calming SoftSupps®, are made with a branded form of L-theanine for dogs, Suntheanine®, and taurine that help support balanced behavior & a sense of relaxation. These calming soft chew supplements also have organic hemp extract that is rich in healthy properties that promote calming effects, helping your dog cope with external stresses.

These supplements work to balance behavior and stress over time. They are not a one-day fix for anxiety, so it is best to incorporate Calming SoftSupps® into your dog's diet weeks or even months before since they are safe for every day use.

If you are in need of a quick fix for dog anxiety, Benadryl can help calm your dog for a night. For cats, talk to your vet about trusted calming supplements they can recommend or medications that might help relax your anxious cat. 

Keep Distractions Close

If ever you find your pet going through an extremely stressful time, this is where you must keep distractions on hand. Giving your pet their favorite chew toy or their favorite treat can serve as a distraction to get their mind off things and to help them lose their focus on all the noises and stressors.

Consider giving Gnawtlers®. These are premium antler chews that are safe, do not splinter so easily, are filled with nutrition, and can keep your dog physically & mentally stimulated. Gnawing will help your dog release pent-up energy and stress as well as giving an alternative activity. Chewing can help wear your dog out.

You can plan extra enrichment and distraction with snuffle mats. Snuffle mats for dogs and cats, like the Forager™ Mat or the Forager™ Bowl, allow your dog and cat to use their senses for food or treats. These mats and bowls are made of non-abrasive SoftSnout™ material that is comfortable on pet noses. Not only can this keep your furbaby distracted for a while, but it will also help burn their energy and tire them out. Since dogs should not be off leash or left in the yard during the Fourth of July, this is a great alternative to provide some mental exercise.

Keep Your Pets Indoors

Pets should not be outside during any Fourth of July festivities. It can create a dangerous situation where they become suddenly scared and bolt away. Especially in the darkness, this is a recipe for trouble. It's best not to allow your pets outside without a leash due to the potential for running away. Even with a fenced yard or well-trained dog, there is a much higher risk than usual if your furbaby is scared. You can still take your dog outside to potty, of course, but keep supervision and the leash. 

Other helpful tips for a safe Fourth of July celebration:

• Never light fireworks, sparklers, etc., in front of pets.
• Keep fireworks, sparklers, glow sticks, and all harmful items away from your curious pet’s reach.
• Avoid feeding your pets with table scraps. This may cause them an upset stomach or pose them choking and poisoning hazards.
• Do not allow your pet to go near the barbecue grill while it’s still hot or while in use.  
• Remember that too much heat exposure can be harmful to pets. Keep them indoors when the weather is too hot.
• Never leave your pets inside the car! Cars can heat up much faster and keeping your pet locked up inside can be life-threatening.
• Make sure that they have access to shady spots and plenty of water when you decide to bring them with you outdoors.
• To help divert your pet’s attention away from outside noises, play some happy music or turn on the television.

Wishing you and your pets a safe and fun Fourth of July from the Pack at Pet Parents®!