Even the most patriotic pet owner is weary of Independence Day because they know those fireworks shows – the large, sanctioned spectacles and the many more small gatherings being held in every neighborhood – are going to be a real doozy for their pets. You may not have any control over the fireworks near you this Fourth of July, but there are some very easy and effective ways to support your pets during this chaotic celebration of freedom and aerial explosives.
Keep Pets Inside
More pets go missing on the Fourth of July than any other day of the year, so be sure to bring them all inside before the incendiary devices start going off in your neighborhood. Even in a fenced yard, a dog will go to great lengths to escape when overwhelmed by the sight, sounds and smells of fireworks. Beyond simply getting lost in all the confusion, your pets run the risk of getting seriously hurt in the process of trying to flee. If you have a dog with a lot of energy, be sure to help them work it off earlier in the day with lots of walks and other forms of exercise, so they’ll be more tired when the boom booms start. Also, even the most experienced amateur pyrotechnician is going to leave debris everywhere and your pet may get sick if they dip into the gunpowder residue inside spent fireworks.
Create a Safe Space
Whether you’re having friends and family over for the Fourth or just plan on staying in, be sure to create a calm environment for your pets. Plan on giving them a room they can relax in and make sure the windows, blinds and doors are shut. Play some music and make sure they have toys, a good frozen Kong or other treats and familiar objects in there with them to help them stay calm. Pet stores sell plenty of calming sprays – our animal training manager recommends Adaptil – but sometimes a few articles of clothing with your scent on them can be enough to help your pet settle in for what is sure to be a long night. Using a Thundershirt to hug your pet may also help them feel comforted.
Update Identification
All of Seattle Humane’s shelter cats and dogs are microchipped before they’re adopted, which makes it very easy to reunite a lost pet when they are eventually found and scanned by an animal control officer or shelter worker. A lot can change since adoption day, including your phone number and address, so be sure to update the information on file for your pets’ microchips, so you are reunited with them as soon as possible. If you didn’t get your pet from Seattle Humane, you can still get them microchipped through our Wellness Clinic. Click here to see if you qualify for this and many other low-cost services!
Consider Taking a Chill Pill
People are not the only ones who benefit from anti-anxiety medication, and it might be worth asking your veterinarian about getting a prescription ahead of the Fourth of July if you know your pet will be severely overwhelmed during the holiday havoc. Melatonin is a natural supplement and alternative to prescription drugs, however, you’ll want to test their efficacy a few days prior to the Fourth of July. Unfortunately, there should still be plenty of fireworks going off leading up to the holiday.
We hope these tips will help you and furry family members this Independence Day. As always, please be safe and considerate, and have a Happy Fourth of July!
