5 Things To Keep Your Pets Safe For The 4th Of July

With the 4th of July celebrations only a week away I wanted to share how you can keep your pets safe during all of the random popping that will be going on in and around Texarkana.

If you live in the Texarkana area you see that those firework stores are getting cranked up for the upcoming 4th of July celebrations. But this year with the 4th being on a Monday that means your pet will likely be exposed to a lot of pops and booms for the next week.

Don't wait until the last minute to ask your vet for medications for your dog or cat.  Here are some tips you can do now to keep your pets safe.

Identification:

Make sure your pets are wearing identification tags. It is easier for someone to find you than it is for you to find your dog. You can also microchip your pets.

Take a picture

Take a photo now of your dog or cat from the front. Just in case.

Leave your pets at home

It may seem like a good idea to bring your pets to the local fireworks show but anywhere fireworks will be set off is not a place for your pet.

Put them inside

Give them a quiet place to go. Inside your house and you can even provide a radio to provide a distraction from all of those booms. Also, be prepared to take potty breaks on a leash just in case they get spooked by some loud bangs.

Calming techniques

If your pet is already an anxious type, There are some calming tricks. Thundershirts are available for cats and dogs of all sizes. This shirt is like a weighted blanket and can help calm those overly anxious pets. Talk to your vet about possibly using medicine to help.

If your pet does get lost:

Check the animal shelter daily.

You should physically go to the shelter and look for your pet. Here are the phone numbers to report lost animals the City of Texarkana, Texas Animal Control 903-798-3971 City of Texarkana, Ark., Animal Shelter 870-773-6388.

Facebook and other social media.

You can post your pet on the various lost pet spots on Facebook, or even share the picture on Instagram so your friends can help in the search.