Preparing for the Fourth of July

The Fourth of July holiday is just around the corner! Fourth of July celebrations and fireworks are a great time to spend with family and friends, but some of our furry and four-legged family members might not enjoy it as much as we do. To set your pet up for success, it’s essential to start preparing ahead of time.

Here’s how to start to prepare now:

• If your pet is prescribed anxiety medication, make sure that you have enough and it has not expired. Expired anxiety medication can have reduced efficacy, and you don’t want to be stuck with expired medications on the day of. This can be a busy time for your vet clinic or pharmacy, so request any refills now!
• Make sure that your pet’s ID tags and microchips are updated with your current address and other contact information. Between July 4^th and 6^th, animal shelters report a 30%-60% increase in lost reports annually. This updated information can help reunite you and your pet faster, sometimes even before they go to the shelter. If you are not sure if your information is up to date, you can check with AAHA’s microchip registry with your pet’s microchip number.
• Set up a calm, quiet area in your home for your pet to stay in. Block any windows to reduce light flashing. Play music, such as classical or reggae music, which is known to calm pets. You can also use noise reduction products or white noise machines with the music for high-anxiety pets. Use pheromone plug-ins or spray the bedding throughout the day.

Things to remember while celebrating the holiday:

• Time the anxiety medications correctly. Make sure to read the instructions on the bottle since most medications must be given 3-12 hours before taking effect.
• If you go to fireworks or other celebrations, leave your pet at home and set them up in a quiet area. Keeping it in a familiar area can help reduce the risk of them running away or endangering itself.
• If you are having company, remind guests to close doors or yard gates to make sure pets remain safely in the home or yard.

If you know your pet struggles during the Fourth of July celebrations, ask your vet about solutions today. They can help find solutions to triggers and possibly prescribe anxiety medications if that is something you think would benefit your pet. For more tips on how to make sure your pets have a more peaceful holiday, visit AAHA.org or Fear Free Happy Homes for more tips.