While fireworks and food are a major part of Independence Day festivities, they may not be much fun for your dog. With all of the loud noises and disruption in his routine, your four-legged friend could end up getting sick – or worse, lost. According to AKC Reunite, the AKC’s pet ID and recovery service, they had 65% more recoveries last July 4-6 compared to the same time period of the prior week (Thursday through Saturday).To help keep this Fourth of July happy and safe for your dog, the American Kennel Club (AKC®) offers the following tips.
It is safer to keep your pet at home during Fourth of July celebrations instead of bringing him to your neighbor’s party. Keep your pet in the house, rather than in your yard. He will be a lot happier indoors, and not tempted to leap over a fence to find you.
Fireworks may be pretty, but they are very loud and the noise can scare your dog. Once the displays get started, keep your dog in a room where he is comfortable. Keep your shades closed and try turning on the television to block the outside sights and sounds for your dog. Block outside sights and sounds by lowering the blinds and turning on the television.
If your pet seems overly anxious, spend some time with him, speaking soothingly to help him relax.
Avoid scraps from the grill. While tempting to our pets, any sudden change to your pets’ diet can cause stomach upset. In addition, some certain foods like onions, avocado, grapes and raisins can be toxic.
Human products can be dangerous to animals. Avoid spraying your pet with insect repellent and only use special sunscreen that is intended for animal use. Keep your pets away from matches and lighter fluid. They can be extremely irritating to the stomach, lungs and central nervous system, if ingested.
Should your dog get scared, escape and run away, help find him with microchip identification. Collars and tags can fall off so make sure you have permanent ID with a microchip. Keep contact information current with your recovery service provider. For more information and to enroll your pet in a 24 hour recovery service visit www.akcreunite.org.
