Keeping Pets Calm over 4th of July

Every year while humans are celebrating with fireworks, thousands of pets become stressed from noise and some even run away or are harmed.

This has happened to us. About two years ago, during the 4th of July, our dog was so scared that she forced her 20 lb. body and medium size frame through a 4-inch space between a fence. She ran two blocks away and hid beneath a car, bleeding and scared. When we found her she wouldn’t even come to us because she was in such a state of shock. She broke two ribs and was covered in bruises and cuts. 

The good news is, there are things you can do to help your pets stay calm over the holiday!

Checklist BEFORE the festivities:

• Make sure your animal has their correct identification tabs.
• Give your dog some attention & exercise in the morning to help release pent up energy. A tired pet is less likely to have anxiety in during the festivities.

Checklist DURING the festivities:

• If you plan on hosting the event, let your pets stay around you and keep a close eye on them. If your pets are used to being around you and your friends, they’ll be happiest with the same routine.
• If you plan on attending another party, MAKE SURE you place your pet in a safe place, like a bathroom. Dogs in particular become incredibly upset with fireworks.
• Provide their favorite toy, maybe a bed and a treat, & plenty of water. If you place them in a room with windows, cover the windows with curtains or play some music. You can even keep your pet busy with a brand new toy or treat.
• Use Lavender essential oil to calm your pet. You know I’m all about essential oils because the uses are endless! We put one drop of Lavender on our dog’s collar to help her relax. You can also put it on your dog’s chest. The smell of the Lavender helps her feel relaxed and calm. Shelters often use this around their buildings to help comfort the dogs. Pets, especially dogs, have a strong sense of smell, so one drop of Lavender should be enough. Some animals, especially cats, cannot metabolize essential oils effectively, however, Lavender is safe for cats, and as long as you put a drop on your cat’s collar, no harm will come upon them. 

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General Pet Precautions:

The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center suggests the following guidelines with pets:

1. Never leave alcoholic drinks unattended where pets can reach them. The fruity cocktail you are sipping can poison your pet. When ingested, alcohol can send animals into a coma or even cause fatal respiratory failure.

2. Only use insect repellent or sunscreen on your pet that is specifically designed for animal use.

3. Always keep dangerous items such as matches, lighter fluid, glow jewelry, citronella candles, insect coils, and oil products out of your pet’s reach.

4. Do not use fireworks around your pet. Loud firework displays cause stress for animals. Instead, keep your pet safe from the noise in a quiet, escape-proof area of your home.

5. Keep your pets on their normal diet. As tempting as it may be, changing your pets diet for even one meal can cause many digestive issues. Foods such as chocolate, coffee, onions, avocado, grapes, salt and yeast dough can all be potentially toxic to animals. (source)