Safe and Sound Fourth of July
It’s nearing the 4th of July, or better known in the pet world as “Armageddon.”
Summer is in full swing and we want to share some safety tips to keep top of mind as we approach Independence Day. In this article, we will go over ways to set your pet up for success before, during and after 4th of July celebrations from our own Dr. Newman.
Before the fun begins:
ID Check! More pets go missing on the 4th of July than any other day of the year. Make sure your pet is microchipped and is wearing a collar with tags. Be sure to double check that your pet’s microchip and tags are registered to your most up-to-date contact information.
Ensure enrichment. “Prepare ahead of time. During the day, get your pet really tired. Go for a run or work on some training exercises. Mental and physical exercise are equally important to help them relax,” advises Dr. Newman. Check out our indoor enrichment article for tips.
Secure your surroundings. Avoid taking walks during fireworks. Even the most obedient walkers can get spooked and escape their collar or harness. Clip their leash to the front of the harness and their collar to be extra secure. Keep potty breaks short, sweet and closely monitored. Make sure your pet has gone potty before the fireworks begin. Does your home have a fenced in yard? Make sure that all locks and closures are secure. Block any openings that your pet may be able to wiggle through.
Consult your veterinarian. “We can't depend on medications to completely fix the problem - we should take a multimodal approach,” says Dr. Newman. If you know your pet will exhibit severe anxiety, you’ll want to consult your veterinarian for a medication recommendation or treatment plan before the 4th. For dogs, we recommend Sileo, the only FDA-approved treatment for noise phobia. “Sileo is great because it doesn't take as long to set in, you can start to see the medication take effect within 30 minutes, compared to a couple of hours with other medications. Sometimes the fireworks sneak up on us and time is of the essence in getting your pet calmer, faster,” says Dr. Newman.
During the fun:
No party animals on the 4th! Heading to the BBQ? We recommend leaving your furry friends at home. Having your pet in an unfamiliar space with lots of loud noises will increase the likelihood of them experiencing anxiety. Hosting your own get-together? Make sure your guests are aware of your pet’s surroundings and have a strategy prepared to prevent your pet from escaping if they are anxious.
Snug as a bug! Try keeping your pet in a confined space with white noise. You can put on the TV or the radio or even use an AC window unit to help drown out some of the fireworks noise. Pets find comfort in den-like spaces, so this can help them cope during moments of anxiety.
Be mindful of heat exposure. If your pet will be spending time outside, be sure they have access to water and shady spots. Make sure to give them intermitted breaks indoors and do not leave them outside for extended periods of time. Check for warm weather pet safety tips here.
Watch what you eat. Avoid giving your pet table scraps from the cookout — those rich foods can easily cause GI upset. Table foods to avoid are onions, garlic and chocolates. Additionally, be very conscious of the many non-edible items that pets may get curious about on this day: citronella candles, lighter fluid and alcohol. Corn cobs are also notorious causes for foreign body blockages.
When the party’s over:
Debris Detective. Once the firework displays are over, canvas the area and pick up any debris or scraps that your pet may mistake for a toy or a treat.
Rest and Relaxation. Give your pet a chance to relax after the day’s festivities. Whether your pet exhibits anxiety or not, it’s a lot to take in and any pet will benefit from a little R&R afterwords!
Give us a call. Get ahead of the game for next year! Make sure to set your pet up for success and consult your veterinarian to prepare for any anxieties your pet might experience during this holiday.
We hope you found these tips useful and that they help you keep your pet happy and healthy this 4th of July! If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment. As always, we’re here for you and your pets.