July 4th is a great time for cooking out and celebrating this great country. You can get caught up in all of the festivities that it may slip your mind on how to keep your pet safe on 4th of July.
July 5th is actually the busiest day for animal shelters because pets get scared of the fireworks and loud noises that they panic and run away. My dogs are no exception. They are terrified of fireworks and I always follow these tips to keep them safe.
They are a big part of my family and I would hate if something happened to them. Here is how you can keep your pet safe on 4th of July.
Post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
How to Keep your Pet Safe on 4th of July
Keep Then Inside
This seems like common sense but a lot of people will still leave their pets outside on the 4th. Keep your pets indoors, especially when it gets dark and the fireworks start going off.
You may think they will be fine if you have a fence or they are on a leash but dogs panic and can get away from pretty much anything when they are scared. I have a tall privacy fence in my backyard. My dog is scared of the trash trucks. On trash day, she was outside and she somehow jumped our 6 foot privacy fence!
She is not a big dog; she is only a beagle mix. She proved to me that day that dogs can get out of any area if they are scared enough.
RELATED POSTS:
What Every Dog Owner Needs to Make their Life Easier
How to Keep a House Clean with Pets: Hacks Every Dog Owner Should Know
Easy Ways to Throw an Outdoor Party: More Fun, Less Stress!
Keep Them Occupied
Take your dog to their favorite area, like the living room, and give them a chew toy or a treat. This will help keep them occupied and their minds off of the noise.
If you are going out to enjoy the festivities, this may help with their anxiety as well.
I like to have at least 2-3 toys that they can chew on to keep themselves busy. My dogs love the hidden treat toys, it really keeps them entertained.
If you want to have everything that your dog will need sent straight to your house, check out PupBox. Every month, your little fur ball will get treats, toys, accessories, and training tips for you.
They send you supplies based on your puppy’s age so this is a great surprise for dogs of any age. You can even use code PUP50 to get 50% off our first box.
Make Sure ID is Up to Date
Make sure that you have an ID tag on their collars just in case they get out. Have your name and phone number on the tags. If your pet is microchiped, make sure that all of the information is up to date.
Keep Fireworks Away from Pets
If you are planning on shooting fireworks at your home, make sure they are kept in an area that your pets cannot reach. They are still dangerous even when they aren’t lit. Dogs especially, will chew them up and they can ingest poisonous substances like arsenic, nitrate, and more.
Keep Alcohol Away from Pets
If you are going to be having a BBQ and people will be drinking, make sure that your pets are away from your guests. People can leave drinks unattended and it will be very easy for your pets to sneak a taste.
Any kind of fermented alcohol is dangerous to pets. It can cause liver damage and respiratory failure if they ingest enough.
If your Dog is Afraid of Fireworks
Use a Crate
My dogs feel safe in their crates. These are great to have if your dog is afraid of fireworks. It is their little den and it is where they are the most comfortable. If your dog panics at loud noises, you may want to get a dog crate and keep them in it on the 4th.
It will keep them from hurting themselves and anyone else.
Anxiety Vest
Research has shown that the anxiety vest can help dogs who tend to panic. It helps keep them calm. It is very similar to how a swaddle calms a baby. This is another easy way to keep your pet safe on 4th of July.
I have personally never used these on my dogs but some people swear by them. If your dog is very anxious, this might be something you could try.
Keep Your Dog at Home
If you are going out to a fireworks show or a parade, don’t bring your dog. No matter how calm and gentle you think your dog is, they are still animals and can get scared.
When you combine loud noises with large crowds, it can spook any well behaved pet. Your best bet is just to keep your dog at home. They are kept safe, and you can relax and enjoy the evening.
Remember that July 4th is one of the hottest days of the year so make sure your pets have plenty of water and shade. I hope this has gotten you thinking about some of the ways you can keep your pet safe on 4th of July.
It is a day to celebrate, not lose our pets. I really hope everyone enjoys their holiday. I wish you a very safe July 4th for your whole family, even your four legged members!
Leave a Reply