The Fourth of July holiday can be a dangerous time for family pets. Fireworks make animals nervous and too many family pets are lost over the holiday.
Here are some safety tips for pets and pet owners:
Don’t take pets with you to fireworks displays. Large crowds and noisy fireworks can frighten dogs. Many animals are scared by the loud noises associated with Fourth of July festivities. It’s best to leave your pets at home.
Keep pets indoors. Some pets are terrified of fireworks and loud celebrations. Even the most well-behaved pet may panic and jump over, or dig under a fence to escape his yard. Create a safe haven for your pet in a quiet part of your home. Make sure they have food, water, bedding and a few favorite toys (include a litterbox for feline family members). Consider turning on a radio or television to help drown out the sound of fireworks and parties.
Make sure your pet has current identification. Experts recommend that dogs have a current license tag attached to their collar, and cats should be wearing an appropriate identification tag. Most of the stray animals arriving at shelters have no collar, ID tag or microchip.
Visit area shelters if you lose your pet. If your pet does go missing be sure to visit shelters every two days.