Pet Safety – Red, White, and You!

April 9, 2020

Pet Safety – Red, White, and You!

As You Celebrate Independence Day This July 4th, Remember Your Pets Are Still Depending on You

As Americans prepare to celebrate Independence Day, we eagerly await the typical festivities associated with it: picnics, parades, and of course, fireworks. Although we humans derive a great deal of pleasure from these activities, those of us with pets bear an important responsibility to safeguard them against certain threatening elements. With some forethought and careful planning, pet owners can ensure that the Fourth of July passes uneventfully for all.

The ASPCA and the Human Society, along with various other pet welfare organizations have offered pet owners some helpful recommendations. We’re adding to the list of things you should keep in mind when you’re celebrating.

July 4th Pet Safety Reminders

Leave your pets at home during the fireworks display.
It kind of goes without saying, but we’re saying it. Anyone who’s ever heard fireworks can attest to how loud they can be to human ears, so just imagine what they sound like to dogs, who hear up to three times as well as we do. The extremely loud noises can panic pets to the point of cowering, running around frantically, and defecating, in addition to other destructive behavior. In some extreme cases, the animals are so desperate to get away from the loud noises that they have escaped through windows or by digging themselves out. Some have even suffered injury or an untimely demise from doing so. If you already know your pet is very sensitive to loud noises, you might want to also consult your vet before the 4th to ask about anti-anxiety medication as a preventative measure.
Never leave your pets in a locked car alone.
This is actually one of our biggest summertime pet peeves. If it’s hot outside, it can be up to 50 degrees hotter inside the parked car. The dangerously high temperature inside a car is just as potentially lethal for your pet as it is for small children. Even cracking the windows does not allow sufficient breathable air in.
Keep your pets cool and calm.
If you’re headed out to the park, a picnic, or a parade, make sure you have plenty of cool, fresh water on hand for you and your pet. And find a shady place for you and your pet to rest. If you’re hosting any kind of outdoor party at home, make sure you don’t forget to refresh their water bowls and provide a relaxing atmosphere for your pets, too.
Keep them away from everything else you’re likely to see at a July 4th celebration that may be potentially harmful to them. This includes, but is not limited to, things like: glow jewelry, matches, lighter fluid, insect repellent NOT meant for pets, citronella candles, human foods that are or contain known canine toxins, or alcoholic drinks. Never leave your food or beverages unattended with Rover nearby.

If you happen to live somewhere near the noise of fireworks displays or you plan to set off a few bottle rockets at home, your pet is still susceptible to fright from the loud noises, so here are some additional ideas on protecting them.

A few days before the fireworks display, keep your pets indoors (if possible) as much as possible.
Even if you have to take them outside to “do their business,” be sure to keep them on a leash. Don’t leave them outside for extended periods of time and try not to leave them alone outside.
Sequester your pet in a comfortable room with minimal escape potential (e.g., no windows or sliding doors). If your pet has a favorite hiding place, consider setting up camp there for them by furnishing it with sleeping bags or something similar.
Do not set off fireworks nearby. It seems like a no-brainer, but keep you dogs and cats away from sparklers and even though bottle rockets and roman candles aren’t as big or flash as the big-budget displays, they still have the potential to unnecessarily agitate your pets.
Keep familiar sounds such as a TV or soothing music playing. Pets fare better when their surroundings don’t seem out of the ordinary.

It may seem like we’re trying to prohibit you, the pet owner, from getting out and enjoying the July 4th festivities with your pets, but don’t be discouraged. There are Fourth of July pet parades scheduled all over the country, where you can proudly display all kinds of household pets!

Pet-Friendly Independence Day Parades

Highlands Ranch, Colorado
The patriotic parade. Everyone parades down Main Street, past street lamps with American flags flying, to Court House Square for music and a sweet treat.
Bandera, Texas
Sponsored by Cowboy Capital Pet Assistance League at Bandera City Park, the 4th of July Pet Parade in Bandera welcomes all pets from horses to turtles to dogs, birds, cats, etc. Pet treats are provided. Human refreshments are available for sale.
Newton, Massachusetts
Sponsored by Cabot’s Ice Cream, Trader Joe’s and the Newton Centre Women’s Club, the Fourth of July Celebration in Newton includes a Grande Pet Parade, a Teddy Bear Parade, a Decorated Doll Carriage Prominade, and Foot Races. There’s also an open air market, live music, and (of course) fantastic fireworks.

Above all, have a happy (and safe) Fourth of July!!