Tips to help keep your pets safe this July 4th!

July 4th has some of the loudest celebrations of the year—and is one of the scariest days for many pets. Between booming fireworks and busy backyard BBQs, a lot of pets can get sick, hurt, or go missing during this holiday.

More pets go missing July 4-6 than any other time of year! According to PetAmberAlert, a lost pet finder that helps four-legged family members find their way home, animal control officials across the nation report a 30%-60% increase in lost pets each year between those dates.

Tips to keep your pet safe this July 4th.

The best way to keep your pets safe during human festivities is to understand their point of view and be ready to keep them feeling calm and secure.

Signs of anxiety in pets:

Your pet may express their anxiety in several different ways.

• Panting

• Drooling

• Pacing

• Hiding

• Decreased appetite

• Abnormal urination or defecation

• Dilated pupils

• Excessive grooming or yawning

What can you do to keep pets safe this holiday:

• Keep your pet indoors

• Make sure your contact information on your pets license, microchip & tags are up to date

• Secure and double-check gates and entrances

• Close windows and play calming music or white noise

• Stay with pets during fireworks to comfort them

• Ask your vet about calming medications for your pet

• Consider purchasing a Thundershirt to help calm your pet

• Store human foods out of sight (and out of reach)

• Keep a lid on trash cans

Be prepared

We encourage you to consider pet insurance coverage for your pets. Read more about pet insurance here.