The 4th of July is time to celebrate, to eat and have fun for adults and children alike. Just as we must take precautions to watch out for our children this holiday, let us not forget about our “best fur-friends” on this July 4th.
Here are some tips from the HSUS:
To protect your pet on the Fourth of July, take these precautions:
Resist the urge to take your pet to fireworks displays.
Do not leave your pet in the car. With only hot air to breathe inside a car, your pet can suffer serious health effects—even death—in a few short minutes. Partially opened windows do not provide sufficient air, but they do provide an opportunity for your pet to be stolen.
Keep your pets indoors at home in a sheltered, quiet area. Some animals can become destructive when frightened, so be sure that you’ve removed any items that your pet could destroy or that would be harmful to your pet if chewed. Leave a television or radio playing at normal volume to keep him company while you’re attending Fourth of July picnics, parades, and other celebrations.
If you know that your pet is seriously distressed by loud noises like thunder, consult with your veterinarian before July 4th for ways to help alleviate the fear and anxiety he or she will experience during fireworks displays.
Never leave pets outside unattended, even in a fenced yard or on a chain. In their fear, pets who normally wouldn’t leave the yard may escape and become lost, or become entangled in their chain, risking injury or death.
Make sure your pets are wearing identification tags so that if they do become lost, they can be returned promptly. Animals found running at-large should be taken to the local animal shelter, where they will have the best chance of being reunited with their owners.
If you plan to go away for the holiday weekend, read our information on Caring for Pets When You Travel.
REMEMBER: Due to lack of rain in our area (Southeast PA), be careful when using fireworks, sparklers and anything that remains hot when hitting the ground. Dry wood lots, lawns and even dried-out debris in rain gutters can be ignited from a simple spark from a firework.
Because of the increased temperatures and the impending heat wave, be sure to keep pets indoors and have plenty of water available for them.
Have a safe and happy 4th of July!