Whilst this time of year is full of fun times with your friends and family, there are many dangers present for your pets to keep in mind. To minimize these risks, we have provided eight important tips to ensure you and your furry friends can relax, feel safe, and enjoy this festive time of the year without the worry of your pets.
1. Water and Shade
Water is just as important to pets as it is to us; so please ensure you keep your pet hydrated during the day. Ensure they always have access to fresh water and try to keep them out of the midday sun as the afternoon temperatures soar.
2. Fireworks
The loud and chaotic sounds of fireworks are known to cause many pets to panic and escape from their yards. Creating a safe place indoors, just for them, and ensuring it is comfortable will decrease their anxiety and stress levels. With a favorite blanket or toy, a little music for distraction, and maybe a special treat, your pet will have as much fun on this festive day as you.
3. Ensure Your Pet is Properly Identified
Re-check your pet's collar and ensure it is secure and contains updated information and details. You might also want to double-check with your local vet to see if they run any micro-chipping promotions. Now is as good a time as any, to consider this option.
4. Desensitize your Pet
Desensitize your dog to loud noises now; before the 4th of July fireworks. Progressive desensitization is recommended by veterinarians, animal behavioral specialists, and animal welfare organizations. By gently playing sounds of fireworks and thunder in the lead-up to known fireworks events such as the 4th of July, New Year's Eve, Christmas, etc. your dog will eventually become not bothered by the sounds and less likely to develop a phobia of loud, uncommon noises. These types of sounds can easily be found online on music/video streaming platforms.
5. Position Decorations Carefully
Ensure that you pet-proof your home and keep streamers and glow sticks out of paws' reach as pets can easily mistake your decorations for chew toys.
6. Eating the Right Food
The best food you can feed your pet is quality pet food that contains the right nutrients required for their diet. So no matter how much your four-legged friend begs you for your hotdog and potato salad, do not feed them any leftovers. Many foods that are fine on your plate can be both poisonous and deadly for pets. To eliminate these risks, clear the table or picnic blanket immediately after eating and ensure your pets can’t access scraps from the trash.
7. Leave them at Home
Leaving your pets at home, away from the action, is often the safest and best bet for celebrating the 4th of July festivities.
8. Anxiety Relief
If your pet does suffer from a phobia of loud noises, there are options to calm your pet in the lead-up to known events such as fireworks. These types of products contain key ingredients such as Tryptophan (180mg per chew), B group vitamins, and a blend of multivitamins and nutrients to support the general health and nervous function in dogs. This will help your pets maintain their emotional balance during this often hectic and noisy holiday celebration.
Check out these products for future events where you think they could be of benefit.
