Recently, we asked the pet lovers who Like PETCO on Facebook what their best 4th of July pet safety tips were. We received well over 100 comments but there was definitely a common theme: keep your pets safety top of mind during this “people focused” holiday.It’s easy for a pet to get scared or hurt in all the fun.
1 – Fireworks can be dangerous, even after they have gone off.
Brenna Echterling clean up all fireworks out of the lawn so pets don’t ingest anything harmful
2 – Loud noises can scare your pets, consider keeping them inside.
Flamingo Kelso If your dog is scared of fireworks put him in a room away from any window so the dog cant hear the fireworks and leave lots of toys and treats in the room.
Janet Rozsa My cat used to be better with fireworks if the tv or some other background noise was on. Also we regularly would either check on him or even take turns staying inside with him.
3 – For dogs that are easily stressed, use a calming aid.
Deena Higley CALMING Treats or Supplements! I think its ‘Dr. Richards Organics’ its obviously all natural herbs to help calm your dog, I use it for thunderstorms too. (
Richard’s Organics Pet Calm on petco.com)
Stephanie Larabee Petco carries Pet Calm that is a natural remedy that can be added to their water to take the edge off of their nerves. It really helped my dog last year. The year before the festivities had really frightened her.
4 – Front yard fireworks can be scary for your neighbor’s pets too. Consider skipping them altogether.
Christine Knapp Curtis Before you decide to have a big firework display in your back yard – remember not only are your pets scared of the noise but so are your neighbors animals. Go somewhere to see fireworks…don’t do them at home.
5 – Keep plenty of water available for your pet, even while traveling.
Susan Falls ALWAYS keep some bottled water and a fold up bowl for your pet with you! They dehydrate fast in the summer heat!
Nancy Wood Remember your portable water bowl for your babies when you go to the fireworks outside-just because it is dark doesn’t make it cool enough for the pups!
(Travel Bowls on petco.com)
6 – Don’t leave your dog in the car.
Tina Beer Woltz NEVER. LEAVE. YOUR. DOG. IN. THE. CAR. EVER! If it’s too hot for an infant, it’s too hot for the pooch!!!
7 – Party food is for people, not pets.
Denise Dochnahl A lot of people BBQ that day and not everyone is as careful about your pet’s health as you are – don’t let BBQ guests feed your dog(s) a bunch of ‘people food’… it’s generally not good for their tummies, but on a night when they are more likely to experience some fear and anxiety, it could be awful.
Anna Logan Delicious picnic food is good for us, but not always for the dog. Make sure dogs are not finding things like chocolate, grapes, or onions that might have dropped on the ground (or that crazy aunt might have fed them!)
