Remember to protect your pets this July 4th

The food, fireworks, and festivities associated with July 4^th are fun for most Americans, but the same can’t be said for our pets.  

Ask any pet owner – this holiday is often traumatic for four-legged family members, who can have a phobic reaction to fireworks and other loud sights and sounds. Anxious dogs have been known to dig under or jump over fences, break tethers, or even shatter windows in response to their fireworks fears.  

• Bring all pets indoors whenever neighborhood fireworks displays are likely, making sure that any potentially harmful food or alcohol is kept out of reach. 
• Secure pets in a room, close the windows, draw the curtains, surround them with comforting toys, and play loud music or turn on the television to drown out the frightening sounds.  
• Always keep pets away from lit fireworks (including in your own backyard). Some will chase after the bright moving objects and are at risk of being burned or blinded in the process.  
• Fireworks also contain substances that are toxic if ingested, so be sure to keep unlit fireworks out of reach. 
• Ensure that pets are wearing current identification tags, and make sure your current contact info is recorded with the vet clinic or shelter that implanted the microchip.  
• Have a plan in place in case your pet does go missing that includes calling and visiting the local shelter and posting information about your missing pet on platforms such as Nextdoor and Facebook.