Sweepie Contest CatThe 4th of July is a time for summer celebrations, barbecues, getting together with friends and family and having fun outdoors. For pet parents, it can be a stressful time; however, trying to navigate ways to keep pets calm and safe from all the noise. The sudden sounds of explosive fireworks, loud booms, erratic whistling, and unexpected pops can terrify our family pets and send them running for cover, or running away if they are not kept in a safe and secure place.
This time of the year is among the highest for lost pets, who often will bolt from the loud noises, which is amplified in their ears. Dogs and cats, for example, have considerably more sensitive hearing than their human counterparts, making them even more susceptible to becoming frightened by loud noises. They can hear at further distances, as well as higher and lower pitches, making them experts at detecting various frequencies and levels of sound.
Calming treats can have a relaxing effect and keep your pet from becoming overwhelmed and excited during the fireworks. Bocce’s Calming Supplements contains all natural herbal ingredients such as chamomile, lemon balm, L-Theanine, and Melatonin, which produces a mild sedative effect without the use of drugs.
It’s also very important to make sure your pet has proper identification should the unforeseen escape occur. The cheapest and most simple way to do this is a name tag with your phone number on it. Petco has a quick tag machine where you can create a tag on the spot so if you don’t have one already, now is a good time to get one!
If you pet is microchipped, make sure the chip registration has your current contact information. If you are uncertain where or if your pet’s chip was registered, you can create an account on PetKey.org and register your pet with your contact information, photos and a description of your pet. If you adopted or rescued a pet and do not know if they have a microchip, any veterinarian can scan for it and retrieve the registration number so that you can register it yourself.
If you plan to attend fireworks displays, leave your pets at home. Noisy, crowded and unfamiliar places can quickly become very overwhelming and dangerous to your pet’s safety and well-being. It’s best to leave them in a secure place indoors during the festivities. You can create a safe spot for them to retreat if you don’t already have something set up. This can include a crate (if they are already crate trained) a bed, blanket, toys, and fresh water. Make sure to keep doors and windows closed. Use air conditioning and soft music or a low key television program to buffer the sound from fireworks outside.
When you need to take your pet out during the festivities to relieve themselves, keep them on a leash and return indoors as soon as they are finished. If you have a fenced yard, make sure to keep the gates securely closed at all times. If you plan to be out and have a friend or family member willing to stay home with your pet, it’s always ideal not to leave them alone in circumstances where they could become overly excited and potentially injure themselves.
The day after Independence Day you should inspect your property for debris from fireworks that could have landed in your yard. Any type of leftover fireworks or food from a barbecue could pose a hazard to your pets, so be sure to check all around and dispose of anything you find.
Keep in mind pets will experience this holiday in a different way. By taking these precautions seriously, you will ensure the safety and well-being of your pets and avoid any potential mishaps.
While you’re spending time with your furry besties, be sure to enter SweepsPet Giveaways for the chance to win incredible prizes up to $500,000!
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