By Brianna Hansen
For many of us, the Fourth of July is a time for celebration — cookouts, parades, and of course, fireworks. But for our pets, those dazzling displays can be downright terrifying. In fact, more pets go missing around the Fourth of July than any other time of year, and animal shelters across the country see a dramatic increase in lost pet intakes following fireworks festivities.
But it just so happens that June is National Microchipping Month, making it the perfect time to ensure your pet is protected before the bashes begin! Even indoor pets can bolt if frightened, and microchipping is a simple, affordable procedure that can dramatically increase the chances of being reunited with your pet if they ever get lost.
If your pet is already chipped, now is a great time to double-check that your contact information is up to date in the registry. Make sure the ID tag on their collar is current too. Pro tip: Have a pet who’s prone to fleeing? GPS collars can make reuniting quick and easy.
How else can you keep your pet safe during fireworks? First and foremost, leave them at home. As tempting as it may be to include them in your plans, loud, unfamiliar environments are overwhelming for animals. Here are a few more ways to prepare your fur babies:
Create a Safe Space — Keep pets indoors during fireworks, preferably in a quiet room with closed windows and drawn curtains. A cozy bed, soothing music, or white noise machine can help drown out unsettling sounds. Work on familiarizing your pet with the space leading up to the event, and if you’ll be away for the show, consider a crate or carrier.
Exercise Early — Give your dog plenty of exercise earlier in the day. A tired pet is often a calmer pet when evening rolls around. Make sure they take a potty break before the fireworks start too!
Try Calming Products — Pheromone diffusers, calming sprays, or anxiety wraps (like Thundershirts) can help soothe anxious pets. My own pittie prefers a hoodie in stressful situations.
Talk to Your Vet — If your pet experiences extreme anxiety during fireworks, talk to your veterinarian. There are even medications that can help reduce stress.
Fireworks may be a tradition we look forward to, but they don’t have to come at the cost of our pets’ safety and comfort. By planning ahead, securing your home, and taking proactive measures like microchipping, you can help ensure that your furry family members stay safe and sound while you celebrate.
– Look for the this month’s Humane Animal Partners (HAP) sponsored by Tito’s Handmade Vodka featured adoptable pets in the print version of this month’s issue, linked here.
