06/30/2023
KEEP YOUR PET SAFE THIS INDEPENDENCE DAY!
Happy Birthday, America! Amidst all the fun and good times, it is easy to forget about our pets’ safety and well-being.
Noisy celebrations, especially fireworks, can frighten our pets and put them at risk. So keep in mind these simple pet safety tips to be sure this holiday is a memorable one for all the right reasons.
TIP 1: ESTABLISH A PLACE OF SANCTUARY
Make sure your dog or cat always has access to a comfortable, quiet and safe place to hide. Either a closet, under a piece of furniture or in his crate.
TIP 2: MAKE TOYS AND LONG LASTING TREATS AVAILABLE
Keep toys and long lasting treats, like KongsTM , in your pet’s safe area to make the area more fun and to provide distractions from loud noises and flashes.
TIP 3: EXERCISE EARLIER IN THE DAY IS KEY
Make time to exercise your pet during daylight hours; then, keep them safely indoors before the fireworks begin.
TIP 4: TURN UP THE MUSIC, BUT NOT TOO LOUD
At dusk, close your windows and curtains and turn on music or the television to muffle the loud noises that accompany social gatherings and the booming thunder from fireworks.
TIP 5: WATCH THEIR BODY LANGUAGE
Pets convey fear by shivering, cowering, tucking their tail between the legs, and averting their eyes. Looming over a fearful dog will only make it more anxious; and unless a dog is likely to get hurt it is usually best to leave a fearful dog alone because its behavior when scared is uncertain. And, never punish a pet if they are scared.
If your pet has a demonstrated history of noise phobia, contact your veterinarian. There are helpful calming medications that you can give to your pet an hour or two before the fireworks begin.
TIP 6: UPDATE CONTACT INFORMATION
Make sure your pet’s microchip enrollment information is up to date in case your pet manages to escape.