Oh look at the BOMBS BURSTING IN AIR! Who couldn’t love the 4TH OF JULY? The Excitement and beauty of fireworks, the Food and picnics, wearing your favorite outfits, Cocktails, Friends at the beach, you get the idea. Well folks I got news for you… YOUR PETS HATE IT!!! Period end of story.
This time of year is so traumatic for pets that many go missing because they ran away trying to escape the Chaos of the noise and explosions all around them. Get hit by cars, have MAJOR ANXIETY attacks… and if that’s not enough many fall into hand of predators that do unmentionable, horrifying things to them.
The SAD truth is this happens every year and I try my BEST to prepare & inform you so your pets don’t fall victim to this holiday.
So here it is a 4TH OF JULY CHECKLIST for our furry family members
1. KEEP ALL OF YOUR PETS INDOORS. Have a special room prepared for your pet with soft music preferably Smooth Jazz or Soft Classical on a low volume. Make sure there is plenty of water and adequate food and their Blankee and favorite toys available to them. If you can what would be optimal is you staying home with them, it will make this time truly less horrifying.
2. Administer a CALMING FORMULA (I prefer natural unless you have a pet with severe anxiety challenges then get your vet to prescribe a medication) As most of you know I LOVE Rescue Remedy by BACH. It’s natural and in most cases does the job and doesn’t harm your pets organs or digestive system. Start by giving them the suggested amount for their weight in the morning and then administer again throughout the day. In the evening give a double dose.
3.You can also get a security jacket for your pets to make your pets feel more secure. Thunder Jacket is one I like and it’s available at your local pet store or online.
4. Make sure your pets – cats and dogs alike – have identification tags with up-to-date information. Just in case they do get out someone knows how to return them.
5. Make sure they are Microchipped and the information is correct and up to date. You can get this done through your local vet.
6. Take a current photo of your pet. I know most of you have loads of great photos already, this is a necessary in case you have to make if found posters.
7. If you’re hosting guests, ask them to help keep an eye on your pets to make sure they don’t escape. Placing notes on exit doors and gates can help both you and your guests remain vigilant.
8. Keep sparklers, glow sticks, fireworks, charcoal and kabob skewers away from curious pets. The gunpowder and chemicals can make the severely ill.
9. Don’t let pets get near your barbecue grill while it is in use or still hot. I know this sounds like a No-Brainer but every year pets get carelessly burned so take caution.
10. Remember that too much sun and heat (and humidity!) can be dangerous to pets. Keep them inside when it’s extremely hot/humid; make sure they have access to shady spots and plenty of water when outdoors; don’t leave them outside for extended periods in hot weather. Did you know that pets can get sunburned? Yes they can so please be observant to your pets.
11. NEVER LEAVE YOUR PET IN A CAR On A HOT DAY! when it’s warm outside. Vehicle interiors heat up much faster than the air around them, and even a short time in a locked car can be dangerous to pets. I’m still shocked that I even need to say this at this point but I do. Hundreds of pets loose their lives every year because of this… So please THINK people.
12. After the celebration PLEASE check your yard! Make sure ALL fireworks debris is removed before allowing pets outside to play or relax. Even if you didn’t set off fireworks yourself, debris can make its way into your yard, where curious animals may pick it up to play with or eat.
Lastly, please enjoy your holiday and know we care about you and are here for you guys making sure you are equipped with all the knowledge and tools you need to add to the AWESOME PET PARENTS you already are.
REMEMBER PETS RULE!
