Fireworks on the Fourth of July can be a lot of fun for us but it is a nightmare for our pets. The noise and excitement of the holiday can stress your pets out. All of the popping noises, light flashes and smells make many pets run away from home because they are trying to get away from all of the commotion. Keep your pets safe with these tips.

Here are tips to keep your pet safe on the Fourth of July and what to do if they become lost.

  1. 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. Microchip your pets. The animal shelter will put a microchip in your dog or cat for just $20.
  2. Leave pets at home: Anywhere fireworks will be set off is not a place for your pet. Do not put your pooch in the car before the fireworks start or at any time during the heat of year. Partially opened windows do not provide sufficient air. If the temperature outside is above 70 degrees, the temperature inside a car can reach 102 degrees or hotter within less than 10 minutes.
  3. Put them inside: Give them a quiet place to go. I leave the radio on for my dogs every day so they get used to it. Then it is nothing out of their normal routine and can provide a buffer for the loud noises outside.
  4. Calming techniques: If your pet is an anxious type, you may want to try a few calming tricks. Thundershirts are available for cats and dogs of all sizes. If your pet is afraid of thunder storms, the fireworks will scare them so plan ahead. Talk to your vet about possibly using medicine to help relax your pet.

What to do if your pet is missing:

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