Tips to Keep Your Pets Safe & Calm During Fireworks

Pets and the 4th of July don't mix well, here's some ways to keep them safe and calm when fireworks are going off. 

If you have pets like me, you know how frustrating the 4th of July can be. You love to celebrate and have fun, but you hate the fact your pets are scared. Did you know the 4th of July is one of the busiest times for shelters?  Dogs get scared and they bolt out of yards, and Animal Control always has an influx right after the 4th.  So make sure your pets are inside.

Also make sure your pets have up to date information on their identification tags. Don't forget to make sure their tags on them, in case they were to somehow get out. Even if you don't think they could possibly get out, better safe than sorry.

Here's some tips to keep pets safe during fireworks according to the American Veterinary Medical Association:

• Leave your pets at home so they can stay in a familiar place where they feel most secure
• Consider leaving your pets in a smaller space, whether a crate or escape proof room.
• If neighbors are lighting off fireworks, keep pets inside. Pets get scared and they bolt.
• If you aren't home, leave an article of clothing with your smell on it, this will also help calm them
• Turn on the TV or radio, to help drown out the noise of the fireworks

You can also give supplements to help calm them. I've got two dogs, Wrigley (tan) and George (brindle) they're pictured above.  George isn't bothered too much by fireworks, he doesn't like them, but he isn't over the top scared either. Then there's my Wrigley. Wrigley is terrified of fireworks (and thunder, and big trucks, and anything that makes noise really).  She will try to get under the bed, or wedge herself into a small space and just tremble in fear. I feel awful for her. I have found there's some supplements out there I can give her to help since she's extra fearful. I swear by these Hemp Quiet Moments. You can find them online or I have found them locally at Pet Food Center. While they don't totally knock her out, they do make her drowsy, and I notice she stays a little calmer when there's fireworks or storms in the area, and they help her to sleep. So I definitely would recommend a supplement or speaking to your vet about medicine if you have a dog that's fearful like my Wrigley.

I hope some of these tips help you and your pets have a fun and safe 4th of July!