The Fourth of July weekend is full of family, food, friends—and hidden pet dangers. Not everyone loves loud gatherings and fireworks, and the Michigan Humane Society reports that the weeks surrounding the 4th of July see a dramatic increase in lost pets.
To keep your pet as relaxed as possible during the weekend, here are a few tips
Keep your pets inside during fireworks or when family members or neighbors are setting off firecrackers. If your pet needs to go outside, consider taking them on a leash to prevent a panicked run when confronted with an unexpected boom. Consider keeping a TV or radio on to mask the noise.
Before the action heats up, do a yard check. Look for loose spots in the fence or places where your animal could climb or dig their way out. You’d be surprised at what tiny spaces dogs and cats can squeeze through, especially when their “fight or flight” instinct kicks in. They may not always run to you for reassurance: if your pet panics and thinks the commotion may be quieter elsewhere, that’s where they’ll go.
Keep your pet’s collar on, even if they’re an indoor pet normally. Again, they can bolt outside pretty quickly, and it’s much easier to find an animal’s home when it’s sporting an ID tag. While you’re at it, make sure your contact information is correct with the microchip company that registered your dog.
Have a safe place for her to hide out. If your dog is crate trained, make sure her hideout is cozy and has a favorite toy inside. If your cat has a favorite box, set it somewhere dark, small, and as far removed from the loud noises as possible. And if your pet always runs to a certain spot in the house when it’s scared, make sure they can get to it and leave it at will. This means leaving the crate door open: a panicked dog will only do more damage to itself if it feels trapped.
Behave normally. Keep your pet’s diet the same and don’t try to comfort him excessively or give him too many treats. This could reinforce negative behavior and convince him that there really IS something to be afraid of. Instead, try playing with him before he gets too frightened (but only if he wants to play), and speak in a normal tone of voice. If you don’t seem too concerned about the noises, he might not be either.
If you know from experience that your pet’s anxiety is extreme during the 4th of July weekend, consider seeking out a pet behavioral specialist for some training on how to ease his fears, or whether your pet might benefit from a Thundershirt. You may also want to talk to your veterinarian about short-term medication options, although these are only recommended as a last resort
Source: Dearborn Animal Shelter