Everyone loves to celebrate the Fourth of July. It’s a time for friends, food, and fireworks! While it’s a fun day for people, it can often be a very scary time for our pets. These are some ways to ensure your pet feels secure and stays safe!
Many pet owners think anxiety around this holiday is something their pets just have to deal with, but there are many ways to alleviate their stress! Medications are one tool but should be coupled with training. Check out some of these tips below to make your pet feel as safe as possible.
- Keep your pets indoors. While you might want to hang out with your pet at your outdoor party to watch fireworks, it’s important to keep your pets indoors during parties and fireworks displays. Loud noises can spook pets to run away and escape from yards, especially with the chaos of extra house guests!
- Offer a safe space with lots of distractions for your pet. By keeping your dog or cat in a quiet room in the house, you will be able to control the noise levels and stimulus your pets will receive. Try giving a few new toys and treats that night to occupy your furry pals. Stuffing a toy full of treats can keep them busy and their minds sharp! You can also turn on a TV or play some soothing music to drown out the loud bangs of fireworks.
- Make sure your ID tags are up to date. By wearing a collar and being micro chipped, your pet will be easily identified if they get lost. Keeping your contact info updated will ensure that who ever finds your friend will be able to reach you!
- Talk to your veterinarian about anxiety medication. Maybe no matter what steps you take, your pet still seems to be terrified by the time the fireworks start. Many pets can manage this anxiety with medication that will make that day less stressful for everyone. Try a trial run of the medication beforehand to make sure you’re happy with the level of comfort of your pet. Remember though, medication should always be used in conjunction with other training techniques.
