CELEBRATE THE 4TH OF JULY BY KEEPING YOUR PETS SAFE! 
More pets are lost during the July 4th than any other holiday! 

• Keep your pets indoors during this holiday time. All animals react differently to loud noises, surprises and celebrations. They may react differently from year to year. Even if your pet is used to being outside, the panic caused by fireworks or other loud noises can make them terrified and escape to find safety.

• Provide proper updated identification for your pet. Every year pets unexpectedly break loose, escape, and become lost. Without proper identification it will be much harder, maybe even impossible to get them back. Microchip, and place updated ID tags on your pet. If your pet is already microchipped, double check that all of your current information (cell phone, home phone, email address) is connected to that microchip. Have a recent photo of you with your pets should you need to have one for locating your lost pet.

• Leave your pets at home, don’t take them to fireworks displays.  The safest place for pets is at home, inside, not in crowded, unfamiliar, and noisy places. Locking them in a car is never an option due to overheating, and the combination or loud fireworks, lots of people, and new situations could lead to them panicking.   

• Provide plenty of fresh water. Prevent dehydration by keeping your pet’s water dish filled with cool, clean water. Check the water throughout the day to make sure it is cool enough to drink and make sure to keep it out of direct sunlight. Increased excitement can make pets consume more water.

• If you pet requires medication:  If you need to sedate your pet, you must contact your veterinarian for tranquilizers.   Never use human medications for your pets.

• Help keep them calm with radio or TV. Turning on normal household sounds to drown out the fireworks can help pets stay more relaxed during celebrations.

• Notify family or visitors about pet’s needs or locations. If you have pets inside or in a special place, let everyone know so that they do not accidentally let them out. Take pets on leashes in their own backyard during celebrations to prevent escape.

• BBQ, fireworks, sparklers and citronella candles are all dangerous to pets. Fireworks that are lit can pose a danger to curious or protective pets. They can get burned easily. Fireworks contain toxic substances so even unlit fireworks are a danger for them. Lighter fluid and matches are also harmful to pets.

• Glow jewelry is not okay for pets. Costumes for pets need to be pet appropriate and they should never be left alone in a costume. Glow jewelry is toxic if chewed and could cause intestinal blockage. Party favors can be the same danger.

• Alcoholic drinks are poisonous to pets. Beer and all forms of alcohol are toxic and many contain other ingredients that are poisonous to pets.

• If your pet does get lost, contact your local animal control immediately. You may need to check in person at multiple animal control agencies along with posting in all possible areas that you are looking for your lost pet. It’s important to start your search immediately, follow the guidelines of each agency, and continue your search on a regular basis.