The 4th of July is one of the saddest days of the year for MANY families in the United States.
Not exactly what you are expecting to hear, when discussing the day we celebrate & reflect on the nation's independence, is it?
Sadly, the 4th of July is the one day in which more pets go missing than any other day of the year.
In preparation of the celebration of our nation, I've compiled a list of ways you can prevent your pet from getting lost forever.
1. Make sure your pet's information and your contact information is up to date on the collar, ID tag, and with the microchip company.
2. Know where your pet's microchip information is, the microchip company's contact number and your pet's microchip number.
3. Don't have a microchip? Go get one! Many local shelters are providing free or reduced microchips before the 4th.
4. Make sure your pet's collar is on, and on properly. Use the 2 finger rule then test to make sure it will not slip over his head.
5. If you have a dog, tire him out before the festivities. Go for a run or have him place some ball to get him relaxed and low-key.
6. As a precaution, know which shelters your pet could be taken to if found if he gets out.
If you have a BBQ before the fireworks, make sure all pets stay at least 3 feet away from the grill or fire pit. Nearly 1000 accidental fires are started each year by pets that get too close to flames. Keep your pets safe and make sure the areas with fire are fenced off or ask your dog loving guests to keep their pets on-leash. Pool at the party? Same thing goes as the fire pits. Be sure that the pool is properly fenced to keep curious pets out. Some dogs may jump in then become panicked if they cannot get out; we all know how this ends. If you have guests with dogs who do not know how to properly exit your pool, keep them on-leash. The best thing to protect your dog, is to teach it how to exit the pool. Despite the instinctive doggy paddle, they may become panicked even with a lesson but after a few tries, you may have success!
Another great thing about parties for us is the food. Be sure to make a sign near the food asking guests to not feed the pets. Not your party? Kindly ask the other guests to not feed your pets, as many foods that are tasty for us, are toxic for our four-legged friends.
Getting a little hot out? Please make sure you have a nice shady place at the party that your pet can go to cool off and drink plenty of water. Heat Stroke in cats and dogs can set in in a matter of minutes. Do not let your pets run too much during the hottest parts of the day and always make sure they have plenty of water.
Be sure to get your pets home or inside a quiet space before the fireworks begin. No need to share your fireworks experience with your pets, I can already tell you they will hate it!
Put them in a nice comfortable room with some background noise, a TV or fan to help drown out the sound of fireworks. Also make sure they are secured, and cannot escape. (Place a sign on the door if you have guests over). This also goes for small animals like guinea pigs and rabbits. If they have cages near a window or slider door, please move them somewhere a little quieter.
This will ensure that you and your pets have an enjoyable 4th of July.
If you lose or find a pet, please go to the following link for details on how to proceed, from “The Center of Lost Pets”.
You may also go on your local Next Door app and and social media groups for Lost and Found Pets in your area. Take fliers and post them throughout the neighborhood and contact all of the shelters.
Please feel free to save and share this photo with tips on keeping your pets safe this 4th of July.