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Well it is that time of year again! Time to celebrate our
nation, which for many of us can be very exciting but for our four legged
companions can be a little bit stressful. Today we will look at a few things
you can do to help ensure a safe and fun holiday for everyone in your family.
First off, this time of year means fireworks! These are
not always confined to just the Fourth. Make sure you are prepared on the days
leading up to the holiday as well as the days after. It is NEVER a good idea to
take your pets to the firework displays. If they were to get scared they could
run away, or get injured. It is best to leave them in a secure place in the
home. This could be a kennel, a bathroom or a small room that they feel safe
and cannot harm themselves or get out. It is also a good idea to make sure that
all doors and windows are secure and that your pet’s identification is up to
date.
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| Great advice! (Image Source) |
If you think your pet will be too nervous there are some
things you can do at home to help minimize the noise. You can turn on classical
music or music with a heavy bass to help drown out the noise. Try different
scenarios to see which your pet likes! There are also supplements that may help
settle a slightly nervous dog or in extreme cases medications. It is a good
idea to work with your veterinarian to determine which option will fit your pet
the best. Many times you need to do a trial run prior to the actual fireworks
to ensure that your pet responds to the medication appropriately. Please DO NOT
wait until the day before to call your veterinarian. This will limit your
options and as every pet responds to every medication differently, what works
for one dog may not work for your pet. Thunder shirts are also a great option
for some pets. Remember it may take a combination of many of these things to
keep your pet calm.
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| Find what helps relax your pet and use it! (Image Source) |
Aside from the fireworks, we also need to consider
parades and cookouts. With parades comes candy. Make sure all candy is safely
stored away so your pet cannot have access to it. With family in and out and
cookouts happening make sure your pet is not getting any extra treats they are
not used to. This could lead to serious gastro-intestinal upset. Nobody wants
to spend the holidays in the emergency room.
These are just a few tips to help keep your pet safe
throughout the holiday weekend. If you have further questions, be sure to
contact your veterinarian.
We hope you all have a safe and happy Fourth of July!
