July 4th Safety
The bangs and pops of fireworks can make the 4th of July - and the days leading up to it - one of the most stressful times of the year for pets. See the information below to learn more about how you can help reduce stress and anxiety for your pet this season.
Keeping your Pet Safe on July 4
Provide Extra Comfort at Home
Reduce their exposure to noise. Bring pets into an enclosed, interior room - ideally one without windows - to help muffle the sound of fireworks.
Give your pet a safe space. Provide a place to hide - in a crate, under furniture, or a cozy fort you create with blankets and pillows. These smaller spaces can help your pet feel protected from the noise of the holiday.
Drown out the noise. Turn on music, use white noise, or make it a movie night, and muffle the noise with the TV turned up. Anything you can do to reduce the sound of fireworks may help.
Take Extra Precautions
Update identification. Update your pet's ID tags and microchip and check their collar to ensure it's in good repair. If your pet is not microchipped, make an appointment with your vet or at our Community Veterinary Clinic. Taking these steps before the holiday will help ensure extra peace of mind if they go missing.
Consider medication. Prior to the holiday, seek your veterinarian’s advice for medication if your pet’s fear is extreme and causes them discomfort and anxiety. You can also make an appointment at our Community Veterinary Clinic.
Keep your pets inside. If your pet is a flight risk, be sure to contain them securely and safely in a room or crate where they cannot escape. Keep your doors, windows, and gates locked - if you take your dog out to potty, keep them on a leash at all times.
Plan a Getaway for You and Your Pet
Get out of town. If your pet has an extreme aversion to fireworks, travel out of town with your pet to an area that may have fewer fireworks. While it may not be possible - or practical - to fully escape fireworks, limiting your pets proximity to the noise can make a big difference.
Beyond the Fireworks
Use caution at parties. The holiday is famous for more than just fireworks... if you bring your pet to a cookout or backyard party, make sure you take extra precautions with table scraps, grills, and any items that could be hazardous to your pet.
Beat the heat. It's hot in July - make sure you know how to keep your pet cool. See our Hot Weather Safety Tips for more information.
If your Pet Goes Missing
The July 4 holiday is a peak season for lost pets. We serve as the shelter for most communities in our region, but many pets who go missing over July 4 are reunited with owners without ever entering the shelter. Community members, social media groups, and other online resources reunite pets with their families every day.
It's important to know what to do if your pet goes missing. Click the link below for more tips on how to reconnect with a lost pet.
Wondering if your lost pet is at HSSW? Click here to view found pets currently in our care and find information about how to reunite with them.
