Independence Day is fast approaching! And while it means good food, family and fireworks for some humans, it can be a terrifying day for our animal friends. If your pet needs something to calm them, contact your vet TODAY! Don’t wait until July 4th!

Here are so tips for keeping your pets (cats and dogs) safe.

• Please make sure your dog has a collar and current i.d. on too. If they’re not microchipped, I would highly recommend that too. And make sure the chip is registered with your current information!
• If you know your dog is fearful of loud noises, put them in a quiet room, preferably in their crate with a radio playing or white noise machine. Use an essential oil like lavender in a diffuser for a calming effect. Make sure your dog has plenty of water and the room is cool as stressed dogs tend to overheat easily.
• If you have a large, outside dog, bring them inside or put them in a secure garage. Frightened dogs can and will climb fences or dig out to flee the noises. And the same as with a small dog, make sure the area is cool and they have plenty of water.
• Some people have had luck with Thunder shirts to help calm their dogs also.
• Make sure windows and door are secure if you leave. Or if you have company have guests pay special attention to coming and going through doors and being aware of your dog.
• Check with your vet about using a calming medication for your dog.
• If you have visitors, make sure they are not feeding your dog “goodies” that might make them sick (fatty bbq or bones, etc) . Keep alcohol and edibles out of reach!
• Be aware of fire pits and hot grills if your pet is joining you outside.
• And if you take your pet outside in your yard or a park, always keep them on a leash in case a sudden noise startles them.
• DO NOT take your dog to the parade, local 4th of July celebration or fireworks display! Leave them home where they can be cool, comfortable and safe.

I know from personal experience how an Independence Day can go the wrong way. Years ago I had an Aussie mix who was terrified of loud noises. So I got medication from my vet to help calm her (unfortunately I should’ve given her a larger dose) and we left her in the house when we went out. I did leave a bedroom window slightly open for fresh air. Well, she chewed our front door handle trying to escape, dug up the carpet at the front door and pulled it back so far that it knocked over a china hutch and broke almost everything in it. She pulled the drapes off the front window and then jumped through the screen in the bedroom window and escaped.

Of course, when I got home hubby was upset with the damage the dog had caused to the house, but I was only worried about my best friend. Thankfully after looking for hours, we found her the next morning cowering tin the back corner of the vacant lot just across the street and next to our neighbors. Lesson learned. I wish I had known more then and had been better prepared but I was a young, inexperienced pet owner. It’s always better to over prepare and keep your furry friends safe!