Keeping Pets Safe on Independence Day: Tips to Help Your Furry Friends Stay Calm

July 4th fireworks may thrill humans, but for pets, it's a terrifying time. Here's how to help them survive the holiday:

• Keep pets indoors: Restrict them from running outside during fireworks. Morris Animal Foundation advises this to prevent escape due to fright.

• Find a safe, quiet space away from windows: Loud noises and bright lights cause anxiety; a quieter, darker room may help.

• Don't bring pets to firework displays: Crowds and fireworks can overstimulate and scare animals, damaging their sensitive ears.

• Create distractions:

  • Soothing music or white noise from TV
  • Favorite toys/treats to reduce anxiety
  • Pet CBD may help calm them

• Calming tools:

  • Medication/calming coats can reduce stress.
  • Consult vets about medication/alternatives

• Ensure ID tags/microchips are up-to-date: This ensures a quick return if they bolt.

• Keep alcohol/cannabis products out of reach: Cats and dogs can suffer respiratory failure, coma, or death from intoxication. Beer with hops/ethanol is especially toxic.

• No BBQ scraps: Fatty foods/human food can cause upset stomachs and may be toxic.

• Cool, quiet spaces: Lower temps can help stressed pets avoid overheating

Full list of tips from Morris Animal Foundation: https://www.morrisanimalfoundation.org/article/10-easy-tips-happy-safe-pets-july-4th