5 pet safety tips for the 4th of july
Did you know that July 5th is the busiest day of the year for animal shelters? It’s true! According to American Humane, more pets are lost on the 4th of July than any other. Dogs and cats afraid of the fireworks flee their homes and are often found many miles away, exhausted and too disoriented to find their way back home. Focus on your pet’s safety this 4th of July with our 5 easy to follow tips, and don’t be another July 5th statistic.
1. Let Fido skip the fireworks.
It’s so tempting to bring our pups along to enjoy the view, but pet safety is important. Noisy fireworks are enough to spook even the most confident of dogs! Keep your dogs and cats safe, and bring them inside before the fireworks show starts!
Remember, a dog can hear sounds up to four times farther than humans. So, when that fireworks show starts, even if it sounds pretty far away to you, it will be much louder (and scarier) to your dog!
2. Thundershirts and calming sprays are your best friend’s best friend.
If your dog is anxious about loud noises, it’s okay! There are many great options out there, including Thundershirts and, our personal favorite, PetzLife’s @-Eaze, a fast-acting, all-natural anti-anxiety gel to add to your dog’s food 1-hour before the stressful event (available for sale at Scottie Paws!). We love the ease and calming effects of @-Eaze, and highly recommend it for your pet.
3. Leave the TV on. Yes, we’re serious.
A little white noise, like a TV show or the radio, can help drown out the sound of fireworks. Treat them to a little Animal Planet or your favorite cartoon- it can help!
4. CHECK THOSE COLLAR TAGS AND MICROCHIPS.
It never hurts to double check your pet’s tags and microchips. If they’re chipped, be sure the chip record is up to date with your contact information. Ensure both your dogs and cats are wearing their collars with up to date rabies and ID tags. If they accidentally get out of your home and are picked up by a shelter or a good samaritan, these tags are the best way to make sure you’re reunited with your bestie.
5. SKIP THE DOGGY BAG.
It’s hard to say no to puppy dog eyes. Believe me, we have to do it all the time (and hate it every time!). But saying no to all that tasty human food can save your dog’s life- and their stomach. Bone shards can cause serious damage to a dog’s intestinal tract, and those burgers and hot dogs can cause diarrhea. Pick up some tasty dog treats at your local pet store to combat those puppy eyes and skip the doggy bag!
From all of us here at Scottie Paws, we hope you and your pets have a safe and happy 4th of July!
