Memorial Day and 4th of July Pet Safety Tips
How to Keep Your Pet Calm During Holidays and Fireworks
As we approach Memorial Day and Fourth of July, many of us are looking forward to family gatherings, BBQs, parades, and fireworks. However, for our furry friends, these holidays can be a source of anxiety and stress. Loud noises, bright lights, and unfamiliar smells can all contribute to a pet's fear during these celebrations. As a pet owner, it's important to take steps to ensure your pet's safety and comfort during these holidays. We’ve put together some tips to help keep your pet calm during Memorial Day and Fourth of July festivities!
Tips on Keeping Your Pet Calm
- Create a Safe Space: Designate a quiet, comfortable room or area in your home where your pet can retreat to during fireworks. This space should be away from windows and doors, and should include your pet's favorite toys, blankets, and treats.
- Distract Your Pet: Turn on the TV or play calming music to help drown out the sound of fireworks. You can also give your pet a puzzle toy or treat to keep them occupied.
- Use a ThunderShirt: A ThunderShirt is a snug-fitting garment that provides gentle pressure to help calm anxious pets. It can be especially helpful for pets that experience anxiety during fireworks. You can find ThunderShirts at pet supply stores, as well as online.
- Consider Medication: If your pet experiences severe anxiety during fireworks, talk to your veterinarian about medication options. There are a variety of prescription and over-the-counter medications that can help calm anxious pets.
- Consider Calming Supplements: If you prefer to skip the vet visit and opt for a more natural alternative to medication, calming supplements are a great option. We offer calming supplements in soft chew or liquid form, as well as CBD for even more calming benefits.
Tips on Keeping Your Pet Safe
During the holidays, many pets can become lost due to the loud noises, left open gates, and unfamiliar surroundings. This is especially true during the fourth of July. Did you know that more pets go missing July 4th-6th than any other time of year? To ensure your pet's safety, make sure they have a microchip and the information is up to date. Unfortunately, a microchip lacking accurate contact information is a useless microchip.
Here are some tips to help protect your pet from getting lost:
- Make Sure Your Microchip Information is Accurate: info is an authorized registry used to link your up to date contact information with your pet’s current microchip.
- Update Your Pet's ID Tags: Make sure your pet's ID tags include your current phone number and address. Make sure the ID tag is securely fastened to your pet’s collar.
What You Can Do to Prepare for Holidays with Your Pet
- Plan Ahead: Make sure you have plenty of food, water, medication, and calming supplements for your pet during the holidays. If you're traveling, make sure you have all the necessary supplies, such as a carrier or leash.
- Keep Your Pet on a Leash: Keep your pet on a leash during parades and other outdoor festivities to prevent them from getting lost or injured.
- Check Your Backyard: Be sure there are no holes in or under the fence that your dog could use to escape. Double check that your gate is securely shut.
- Monitor Your Pet's Behavior: Keep an eye on your pet's behavior during the holidays. If you notice signs of anxiety or stress, give them some extra TLC and take steps to calm them down.
By following these tips, you can help ensure your pet's safety and comfort during Memorial Day and Fourth of July fireworks. Remember, holidays can be stressful for pets, but with a little preparation and planning, you can help your furry friend enjoy the festivities too!