Red, White and Firework Blues
Jul 06, 2020
Even though the 4th of July has come and gone, fireworks are here to stay! This years’ firework displays started unusually early and are likely to carry on into July. If your pet’s feeling fearful of the loud booms and bright lights, below are some tips to help them stay calm, cool, and collected:
Keep Your Pet Indoors
This holiday’s loud and sudden noises tend to startle pets. Even if your pet’s a seasoned outdoorsman, the panic caused by fireworks and other loud noises may cause them to run in an attempt to find safety. Having a (socially distanced) party? To prevent your pet(s) from escaping, leave them in a quiet room or behind a baby gate to prevent them from escaping an open door!
Check Your ID
If your pet manages to break loose and become lost, having the proper identification can help with a quick return:
- Microchip your pet! Make sure the contact information is updated and correct.
- Ensure your pet’s always wearing an ID tag with their name, your address, and your phone number.
- Have a recent photo of your pet handy. If your pet gets loose, you’ll have a reliable and up-to-date image of your pet for signs or identification.
Let Fido Skip the Fireworks
This year, firework “shows” look a bit different. If you or a neighbor are planning on putting on an at-home display, it’s best to keep your pet indoors. Lit fireworks can pose a danger to curios pets and result in severe burns. If you have leftover fireworks laying around, put them in a safe place inaccessible from your furry friend – some contain potentially toxic substances like arsenic, potassium nitrate, and other heavy metals.
Never Leave Your Dog Unattended in the Car
Even with the windows cracked, temperatures can reach over 150 degrees in mere minutes. Your pet can overheat and suffer from exhaustion or even death.
Food, Drink, and Substances to Avoid
Save the alcohol for the humans! When pets are exposed to alcohol, they can become dangerously intoxicated, go into a coma, or, in severe cases, fie from respiratory failure. Even beer is toxic; fermented hops and ethanol are poisonous to cats and dogs. Other popular summer festivity foods that can harm your pet are onions, coffee, avocado, raisins, salt, and yeast dough. Also avoid letting your pet get a hold of sunscreen, DEET (bug spray), lighter fluid and matches, citronella products, and glow jewelry.
If you want extra peace of mind, consider enrolling in our training courses! By learning skills such as name recall, “leave it,” and more, you and your pet will learn commands that help keep them happy, healthy, and even safe! Sign up at pawschicago.org/training.