Keep your pets inside as much as possible. Like humans, pets have different levels of acceptance for what they can handle. If your pet is especially jumpy during storms or around large crowds, it is best to keep them inside during the 4th of July festivities. Check on them once in awhile to make sure they’re doing okay, but don’t let them be a part of the action if they look more worried than happy. If you’re leaving the house for fireworks, keep your pets at home regardless of their social skills. It’s never fun for a pet to be around large firework displays.
Have somewhere inside for your pets to go to feel safe. Pets like their hiding spots when they’re feeling afraid. For my dog, it was her cage. She always felt safe inside there and we always left it in the same spot so she knew where to go. For my cat, it’s under the bed in the guest room. She goes there every time there’s a thunderstorm. These safe spaces will be heavily used by your pet during the 4th of July, so make sure they are accessible when they need it.
Use pet friendly sunscreen and insect repellant. Dogs and cats can get sunburned and bitten by bugs like we can. However don’t use the same sunscreen or bug spray that you’d use on yourself. There are lots of pet-friendly options to use so you can both enjoy a day at the beach or on the patio during the cookout!
Make sure you and your guests aren’t sneaking too many treats for your pets. If you don’t normally allow your pets to eat human food, make sure your guests are aware. During cookouts your family and friends may want to share some of their food with a begging animal, so it’s important for everyone to know the rules of the house. If you allow your pet some special treats that’s okay, however make sure you limit it. Eating too much human food can make a pet sick. Giving your pet alcohol is always a no-no. Alcohol is a poison to pets and should be avoided completely.
Make sure your pets contact information is up to date. In the event that your pet is spooked by fireworks or lots of activity and they run from your home, you’ll want to make it as easy as possible for them to be returned to you. Make sure your dog’s collar has the proper contact info on it, and make sure your microchipped pet is registered with the correct information.
These simple tips will make the 4th of July much easier on your pets! We hope you enjoy celebrating America’s birthday this year and have a great, safe time for you and your furry friends. For more pet tips and information please follow us on Twitter.
