The fourth is right around the corner. For many, that means time outside, fun with friends and family, and who could forget: fireworks!
Fireworks may be your favorite way to celebrate the fourth, but your furry family members may not agree. The loud noises and bright flashes of light may frighten your pet, so be sure to take these extra precautions this weekend:
1. Plan for the unthinkable.
More pets are lost during fourth of July weekend than any other time of year, so make sure your family is prepared for this possibility by renewing your microchips and updating your pet tags. In the event that someone sneaks out of the house, current tags and microchips increase the likelihood of your pet making it home to you.
2. Find the sweet spot.
Certain areas or rooms in your home are probably more sound-proof than others. If possible, try to set your pet up in one of these spots during the fireworks show. Make sure the space is set up just right for your dog or cat. This may mean a well-padded crate with a special Kong for the dog or a quiet bathroom with a litter box and a few secret hiding spots for the cat. No matter how you set the space up, make it comfortable and try to limit exposure to the outdoor noises and lights.
Expert Hint:Get cats and small dogs to their "sweet spots" an hour or so before the fireworks start since the show may frighten them into hiding and they will be difficult to find.
3. Try adding your own relaxing noise.
If your dog or cat is calmed by the sound of classical music or cartoons, try having them on in the background to help drown out the booms of the fireworks. Not too loud, though... adding "annoyingly loud" to "frightening" isn't usually helpful.
4. Home is best.
If all this sounds like a lot of work and you think may just want to bring your dog to the firework show, don't. The loud noises, flashes of light and huge crowds are often very stressful and even the most mild-mannered of dogs might react poorly. An indoor space with sound and light protection and things to occupy the mind is best.
