Millions of Americans celebrate the Fourth of July every year.
Whether it’s setting off fireworks, hosting backyard barbecues or attending a parade, this federal holiday provides many wonderful experiences for those who want to celebrate America’s independence from the British monarchy.
While humans enjoy the July 4th festivities, our pets may consider the holiday an anxiety-inducing day of panic and potential danger. The loud fireworks and hot temperatures can make your four-legged friends miserable.
Here are some precautions every pet owner should take to keep animals safe during the July 4 holiday celebration.
Make sure your pet’s identification is updated
Animal control officials say there’s an annual 30% spike of lost pets from July 4 through 6, according to PetAmberAlert. Noise from fireworks can make pets frantic and cause them to run away, the website noted.
It’s a good idea for your animals to be microchipped and if they are, make sure your current address and phone number are updated, PetAmberAlert suggested.
Keep barbecued goods away from the animals
Those greasy hot dogs and hamburgers that are delights for humans can wreak havoc for your animals, according to the Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.
“Corn cobs (which cause gastrointestinal obstruction), grease (from the ground or in grill grease traps), and tasty bits from unsecured trash or handouts commonly cause problems. Dogs typically eat a pretty regular diet, so abrupt dietary changes can really throw them into havoc,” Texas A&M Professor Christine Rutter said on the school’s website.
Tire your pets out before fireworks begin
By taking your animals for a long walk and exercising them before fireworks displays begin, they may be too tired to care about any loud firecracker sounds, Dr. Devon Smith, said on For Pet’s Sake’s website.
Try using a Thundershirt
There are anxiety-reducing devices you can try for your animal. A Thundershirt acts as a weighted blanket that can help soothe your dog.
Medication
Veterinarians can prescribe anti-anxiety medications for those animals who may be extra nervous during a loud fireworks event.
USA TODAY contributed to this report.
Reporter Anthony Thompson can be reached at ajthompson@gannett.com, or on Twitter @athompsonABJ
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: How to keep pets safe during Fourth of July holiday celebrations
Reporting by Anthony Thompson, Akron Beacon Journal / Akron Beacon Journal
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