Preventative Care@3x

Independence Day Safety for Pets

Jul 1, 2016 | Arizona Pet Health, For Your Pet

Fireworks displays, family picnics, and festive parades are a few traditional 4th of July occurrences. Unfortunately, losing a pet is another one. More pets run away around Independence Day than any other time of year, largely due to their anxiety over the booming, flickering firework shows so prevalent in early July.

Yankee Doodle Doggy

With a little planning and preparation, the 4th of July can be an enjoyable time for both you and your pets. Happy Independence Day!

Leave your Pets at Home. While furry Fido may love joining you at the Farmer’s Market each weekend, he’s not going to have the same enthusiasm about the Independence Day celebrations going on throughout the area. There are a number of elements that can compromise your pet’s health and safety, from large crowds, hot pavement, and discarded trash, bones, and food to loud noises, alcohol, and fireworks. Remember, never leave your pet in a vehicle for any length of time. Home is the safest place for your pet on the 4th of July.

Create a Safe Haven. Your crate-trained pet will feel much more secure within the confines of their kennel. If that’s not an option, secure your pet into an area where they will be most comfortable, away from the bright flashing lights and noises or any nearby fireworks displays. Many pets will panic at the continuous sound of fireworks and may go to extreme lengths to escape the noise. Some have gone so far as to jump through glass windows, chew through screens, dig under fences, or leap over constructs, following their instincts to flee from the threatening situation.

Get Some Exercise. Spend a portion of the day walking, hiking, and playing so that your pet is tired out by the time all the evening revelries begin.

Lock Up Explosives. If you have personal fireworks, make sure to keep them in a safe location that your pet cannot access. Curious cats and dogs may be tempted by the fancy streamers, decorations, and scents of fireworks. Most fireworks are toxic to pets, containing harmful substances like potassium nitrate, charcoal, sulfur, and coloring agents. If your pet has ingested a firework, contact your vet or emergency animal hotline to get help immediately.

Check ID. Make sure that your pet is wearing their identification tag and that all your contact information is up-to-date. Even inside pets should wear a collar and ID—the loud noises can trigger a flight response that prompts them to escape however they can.

Try the Mozart Effect. Play some soothing classical music to create some comforting background noises for your pet. The music doesn’t need to drown out the fireworks; aim for a distracting and continuous melody at a regular listening volume. If classical music isn’t your forte, try a white noise machine, fan, or television program, all of which can provide a welcome diversion.

Under Pressure. A Thundershirt for your dog or cat may provide some additional relief. Designed to exert constant pressure on your pet’s torso, these wraps are designed to relieve anxiety much in the same way that swaddling a newborn baby creates a sense of security and comfort.

Enlist Help. If your pet shows extreme anxiety, talk to your vet to find out whether anti-anxiety medications may help them get through the noisy h

Disclaimer: Not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinarian advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian with any questions you may have regarding the medical condition of your pet. If you think your pet has a medical emergency, call or visit your veterinarian or your local veterinary emergency hospital immediately.