To keep pets safe this July Fourth, San Diego Humane Society offers the following tips:
Pets are members of our family, so it is understandable to want to include them in your holiday plans. But it’s safer and less stressful for your pet if you keep them inside as fireworks can be scary and stressful for them! Pets have a heightened sense of hearing so the jolts and loud noises cause many animals to flee in search of safe haven. Thundershirts can also help to ease anxiety for firework phobic dogs.
In advance, prepare a comfortable refuge for your pets to retreat to during the holiday. Provide your furry loved one a crate or bed to snuggle in and consider leaving on the TV or playing soothing music to help drown out the noise and ease anxiety. Giving your pets their favorite treat or toy provides enrichment and will help keep them busy throughout the day.
Keep all doors and windows closed, as well as patch up any holes in your fence, in order to keep your pets in and unfamiliar animals out of your yard. If houseguests come over, ensure they know the rules about keeping your pets inside at all times.
Make sure all your pets are microchipped with current contact information tags on their collar and that your dogs are licensed. That way, if your pet does go missing, these steps will assist in a quick reunion. If your pet goes missing, please refer here for which local shelter to contact.