Keeping Your Pet Safe this 4th of July

The 4th of July means fireworks and holiday parties, but unlike people, pets don’t always enjoy the loud noises associated with these celebrations.

Animal Shelter Executive Director, Jody Murray said pet owners should always take proper precaution when it comes to their fury friends.

“Fireworks and pets just don’t mix, so don’t take any of your pets to fireworks outings or anything like that,” Murray said. “In fact, take some precautions of keeping them inside, if you normally walk them outside make sure you have them on a leash because if they hear the fireworks, they could bolt and easily get lost.”

Owners should keep their pets in a quiet room with the TV on during fireworks to minimize anxiety and override the loud noises. Murray wants to remind people that the 4th of July is one of the highest rated weekends for lost pets.

“Be sure you have identification on your animal, micro-chipping is a great thing, but also a simple ID tag that you can get at a local pet store with your name and address, a lot of times that’s all it takes for the dog to find their owners,” Murray said.

In the event your pet would become anxious during fireworks, Murray suggested holding them and wrapping them up in a blanket to calm them down.