Fourth of July Pet Safety & Sanity Reminders

Fireworks may have already begun at your house, or they may be just around the corner.  To help your dog make it through the weekend, be sure he is micro-chipped (talk to your vet) and has a current ID tag on his collar.   These two precautions can help your pet find his way home if he becomes frightened and escapes during fireworks.   (More dogs are lost on July 4 than any other holiday).  Take several current color photos (head and side) so you can quickly create a “Lost Dog” ad and posters if needed. 

Never take your dog with you to fireworks displays.   There’s just too much going on and your attention will be on the festivities rather than your dog.

When pre-holiday fireworks go off in your neighborhood, put your dog inside the house.   If he’s crate trained, give him a special chew bone and crate him in a room with a loud radio or television playing to help block out the noises.  Be sure to close the drapes so he doesn’t see the bright flashes through the window.   Even the most stable, reliable and steady-as-a-rock dog can become frightened, so don’t take chances.

On the 4^th of July, give your dog extra exercise during the day.   Wear him out, feed him dinner and put him in his crate before the fireworks begin so he’ll be more apt to sleep through the banging, booming and popping.   If your dog is not crate trained, find a place in the house where he’s comfortable and you can create a safe haven.   Be sure to check on him periodically, or even stay with him while fireworks are going off.

If your dog has shown signs of noise sensitivity in the past, or if you want to be thoroughly prepared just in case, call your veterinarian NOW to discuss prescription medication and/or over-the-counter options appropriate for your dog.   Don’t wait until Friday afternoon to contact your vet!

When it’s all over, walk every inch of your yard and pick up all the cardboard, sticks and other items that fell from the sky.  Don’t allow your dog to play with or eat those items.  Dispose of them safely.

Happy Fourth from all of us at Family Dog!