Tips to Keep Your Pets Safe This Independence Day

Firework Noise

Fireworks can be terrifying for pets:

• July 5th is the busiest day at shelters nationwide due to lost pets.
• Microchip your pet and ensure they have a collar with identification tags.
• Invest in a GPS tracker for your dogs that attaches to their collar.

Why fireworks are so scary:

• Fireworks can reach 150 decibels at 3 feet away, compared to a jet taking off at 130 decibels.
• Dogs have a heightened sense of hearing and can hear four times further than humans. However, they can’t always tell where the sound is coming from, leading to panic and a strong urge to run.
• Cats have an even higher sense of hearing than dogs and also can’t determine the noise’s source. They too will bolt and run, so keep them indoors in a quiet, interior room without windows.

Ways to calm your pets:

• Play calming music for your pet. Consider something like the iCalmPet portable speaker with hours of calming classical and reggae music.
• Give your pup strong, firm pets to reassure them.
• Check with your vet about anxiety medicine, such as CBD treats.
• Try a calming vest for your pets, which can feel like a hug to them.
• Keep them in a safe place like their kennel, with a sitter, a friend, or a doggy daycare facility they are familiar with.

Alcohol Can Poison

• Never leave alcoholic beverages where a dog can access them. Dogs can become very weak, suffer respiratory failure, and even die in extreme cases.

Barbecue Safety

• Keep lighter fluid and matches away from your dog. Ingestion can damage blood cells and cause difficulty breathing. Inhalation can result in pneumonia.
• Keep charcoal and kabob skewers out of reach.
• Citronella oils, while good for keeping bugs away, are harmful to dogs.
• Avoid giving rib, chicken bones, and fatty meats to pets.

Fireworks/Glow Sticks/Jewelry

• Ingestion of fireworks, glow sticks, and jewelry can cause excessive drooling and stomach irritation.
• Never use fireworks around your dog. This can lead to severe burns and trauma to their face and paws.
• Unlit fireworks can pose serious health risks if ingested.

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