While we might enjoy all the traditions that come with the 4th of July, the festivities can be frightening to many animals. It’s important to take these precautions from the American Veterinarian Medical Association to keep your pets safe both during and after the July 4th activities.
Before the holiday:
- Make sure your pets have identification tags with up-to-date information.
- If your pets aren’t already microchipped, talk with your veterinarian about microchipping.
- Take a current photo of all of your pets just in case.
- Make sure the environment is safe and secure. If your neighbors set off fireworks at an unexpected time, make sure your yard secured enough to keep your pet contained.
During the celebration:
- Leave your pets at home when you go to parties, fireworks displays, parades and other gatherings. Loud fireworks, unfamiliar places and crowds can all be very frightening to pets, and there’s great risk of pets becoming spooked and running away.
- Consider putting your pets in a safe, escape-proof room or crate
- If you’re hosting guests, ask them to help keep an eye on your pets to make sure they don’t escape.
- If you’re traveling out of town for the holiday, consider leaving your pets at home with a pet sitter or boarding them in a kennel.
After the festivities:
- Check your yard for fireworks debris before allowing pets outside to play or relax.