Fireworks are no fun for pets!

More pets get lost and end up in shelters on the 4th of July than any other holiday.Independence Day is fun and festive for many families, but let’s also keep it SAFE for you and your pets!  Big gatherings, loud noises, and fireworks are the things we love about the 4th of July and those can be very frightening for our pets. With a little planning, you can ensure that this holiday will be enjoyable for everyone.There is NO REASON for a dog to be around fireworks, and you should do everything to keep your dogs away from them.

Here are some tips to prevent fireworks sensitivity in your dog and keep them safe:• KEEP PETS INDOORSKeep your pets as far away from fireworks as possible, and in a safe, enclosed room, preferably one without windows. If you’re having guests over, consider keeping pets in a room that’s off-limits to guests, with plenty of water and food.• CREATE A CALMING ENVIRONMENTSurround pets with their favorite toys and other familiar objects. Sometimes the smell of an article of clothing from your laundry can help comfort them. Block out noise by playing soothing music and keep the room as quiet as possible by closing doors, windows, and blinds.• KEEP AWAY FROM FIREWORKSEven if your pet doesn’t seem obviously upset by fireworks, they can still cause harm to pets. Avoid potential burns, injuries, or possible ingestion by keeping all pets out of the vicinity of fireworks. Check with your neighbors about their fireworks plans. Ask for a phone call before they start.• CONSULT YOUR VETIn extreme cases where dogs might be hyper sensitive to loud noises, you might want to consult your Veterinarian to prescribe a mild sedative. If your dog is nervous at a car backfiring or a door slamming, hearing the noise from fireworks might cause additional stress and anxieties.• UPDATE IDENTIFICATIONThe biggest risk of all this 4th of July is that pets will get loose and become lost. Even if a pet is secured inside, the sound of fireworks can cause them to panic – sometimes even breaking through glass windows. Make sure your pets are micro-chipped and wearing identification tags.  Check your pet's identification tag and call to confirm that the pet’s veterinarian and the microchip company have your current address and phone numbers. It's might be a good time to replace your pets identification tag if the information is no longer readable.Enjoy your Holiday and play it safe! Happy 4th!