Celebrate the 4th Safely!
Make sure your pets – cats and dogs alike – have identification tags with up-to-date information.
If your pets are not already microchipped ask us about it! This simple procedure can greatly improve your chances of getting your pets back if they become lost.
Take a current photo of all of your pets. This will help if you need to recover your pet from an Animal Control shelter.
If your pet has historically been anxious during fireworks or storms, or if you have any reason to expect potentially harmful reactions, consider behavioral therapy to desensitize your pet to loud noise. Take your dog to the basement or other windowless room, turn the TV or radio up loud, and give them a chew toy as a distraction. Some pets may benefit from an anti-anxiety medication. Call us to discuss medications that might be helpful during fireworks and storms.
Make sure the environment is safe and secure. If your neighbors set off fire-works at an unexpected time is your yard secure enough to keep your pet contained? Consider putting your pets in a safe, escape-proof room or crate during parties and fireworks.
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, and there is an increased risk of pets running away.
Keep sparklers, fireworks, 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.
Be extra careful on hot days. Make sure your dog has plenty of shade and fresh water. Reduce or avoid outdoor activities and delay walks until the sun goes down. Heat stroke is a serious problem and can be fatal.