Sadly, the 4th of July is the one day in which more pets go missing than any other day of the year due to fireworks and other dangerous activities. One positive thing about the quarantine this year is that many public fireworks shows have been canceled, hopefully keeping more pets safe. But for those that won't be, I've compiled a list of ways you can prevent your pet from getting lost forever.
1. Make sure your pet's information and your contact information is up to date on the collar, ID tag, and with the microchip company.
2. Know where your pet's microchip information is, the microchip company's contact number, and your pet's microchip number.
3. Don't have a microchip? Get one! Many local shelters are providing free or reduced microchips before the 4th.
4. Make sure your pet's collar is on and on properly. Use the 2 finger rule, then test to make sure it will not slip over his head.
5. If you have a dog, tire him out before the festivities. Go for a run or have him place some ball to get him relaxed and low-key.
6. As a precaution, know which shelters your pet could be taken to if found if he gets out.
If you have a BBQ before the fireworks, make sure all pets stay at least 3 feet away from the grill or fire pit. Nearly 1000 accidental fires are started each year by pets that get too close to flames. Please keep your pets safe, make sure the areas with fire are fenced off, or ask your dog loving guests to keep their pets on-leash. The pool at the party? The same thing goes for the fire pits. Be sure that the pool is properly fenced to keep curious pets out. Some dogs may jump in and become panicked if they cannot get out; we all know how this ends if you have guests with dogs who do not know how to exit your pool and keep them on-leash properly. The best thing to protect your dog is to teach it how to exit the pool. Despite the instinctive doggy paddle, they may become panicked even with a lesson, but after a few tries, you may have success!
Another great thing about parties for us is the food. Be sure to make a sign near the food asking guests not to feed the pets. Not your party? Kindly ask the other guests not to feed your pets, as many foods that are tasty for us are toxic for our four-legged friends.
Getting a little hot out? Please make sure you have a nice shady place at the party that your pet can go to cool off and drink plenty of water. Heat Stroke in cats and dogs can set in in a matter of minutes. Do not let your pets run too much during the hottest parts of the day, and always make sure they have plenty of water.
Be sure to get your pets home or inside a quiet space before the fireworks begin—no need to share your fireworks experience with your pets. I can already tell you they will hate it!
Please put them in a nice comfortable room with some background noise, a TV or fan to help drown out the sound of fireworks. Also, make sure they are secured and cannot escape. (Place a sign on the door if you have guests over). This also goes for small animals like guinea pigs and rabbits. If they have cages near a window or slider door, please move them somewhere a little quieter.
This will ensure that you and your pets have an enjoyable 4th of July.
If you lose or find a pet, please go to the following link for details on how to proceed, from “The Center of Lost Pets.”
You may also go on your local Next Door app and social media groups for Lost and Found Pets in your area. Take fliers and post them throughout the neighborhood and contact all of the shelters.
Please feel free to save and share this photo with tips on keeping your pets safe this 4th of July. It is great on your IG Story!
While we work so hard to help prevent pets from getting lost this time of year, we know that it will happen. We also do our part in helping local rescues and shelters find temporary foster families for 2 weeks to help "Clear the Shelters" make room for the incoming pets who are lost out of fear from the fireworks. You can go to the link below, which will take you to our Foster Hero Page and apply to be a temporary foster for a cat or dog. The rescue or shelter will pay for the food while the pet is in your care, and once the 2 week time period is up, you will be able to return the pet to the rescue or shelter. This has helped the lost & frightened pets coming in from the 4th of July fireworks have an opportunity to be reunited with their families and actually find new homes for many of the foster pets you are helping, once the rescue takes them back in!
For more information on being a temporary Foster Hero, click HERE!
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