Noisy fireworks and other celebrations can startle your pets and cause them to run away, holiday foods can be unhealthy; summer heat and travel can be dangerous; and potentially dangerous debris can end up lying on the ground where pets can eat or play with it.
It is important to prepare before the festivities by making sure your pet is up to date on their tags, shots and that the location they will be in during the fourth festivities, is secure and not easily escapable.
Below are some safety tips for your pet during the July 4th celebrations:
- 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 during parties and fireworks.
- If you’re hosting guests, ask them to help keep an eye on your pets to make sure they don’t escape. Placing notes on exit doors to "keep doors & gate closed at all times so our pets can't escape" can help both you and your guests make sure your pet doesn't escape.
- Keep your pets inside if you or your neighbors are setting off fireworks.
- Keep sparklers, glow sticks, fireworks, charcoal and kabob skewers away from curious pets.
- Don’t let pets get near your barbecue grill while it is in use or still hot.
- Avoid the urge to feed your pets table scraps or other foods intended for people. Unfortunately many of these yummy foods are actually toxic to our pets so be sure to keep them out of reach.
- Remember that too much sun and heat (and humidity!) can be dangerous to pets. Keep them inside when it’s extremely hot/humid; make sure they have access to shady spots and plenty of water when outdoors.
After the celebrations conclude it is important that the next day you check your yard for fireworks and other debris that could be dangerous to your animals before letting them back outside. Even if you didn't host an Independence Day celebration, debris still could have made it into your yard from neighbors.
