How to keep your pets safe this Fourth of July!
We had a sweet family dog growing up and I still recall so vividly how she went CRAZY at our back door during our yearly fireworks party. I remember thinking how wild it was that she would get so bonkers over the loud noises and hissing and crackling sounds that came from the celebration. Every year, we started out with the hope that our furry friend would have matured into a wise old poochie who knew those silly cracklers were not a threat. Did not happen. Ever.
For the entire time we were blessed with her shedding on our couches and hogging our beds at night, like clock-work she turned into Psycho-Dog every July 4th….and I mean that with love of course. In my Maggie’s defense, she was no wimp of a dog. She was a big lover, a baby but very protective of our home. My Mags was not alone in feeling threatened or scared of fireworks, as many pets are fearful and often panic in response to the loud noises. Our Maggie even pushed right through the door one year and tried to attack this “invader” which can be dangerous to any animal. Thankfully, she was not hurt in any way – but it is important to learn how we can keep our pets safe this Fourth of July!
*Keep your pet indoors during the fireworks in a safe and quiet place in your home where she will feel secure. Unless someone is shooting them off inside the home, in which case you may all want to run far far away. Shooting fireworks off inside is never a good idea.
*Turn on a fan or music to help keep the “booms” to a minimum.
*Watch the boose – Fido is no idiot mind you and he may find that your little red, white and blue fizzy drink tastes pretty darn good during the party. Consider Fido like that slub in college who always mooched off your beverage cart. Yeah, Fido can be quite the lush and you should there never ever leave your alcoholic beverages accessible to him! Alcoholic beverages can potentially poison pets so please do not leave your drinks unattended.
*Bug Spray and hair gel are never a good idea on your pets! Okay, the hair gel one does not really apply to July 4th, but seriously – that’s just weird and icky. I’m just speaking on behalf of all dogs and cats of the world on this one. (yeah I got your back)
“Love the look on you…love it, but honestly, I’m just gonna stick my head in the jon as soon as you leave if that gives you any indication of my vanity. Heeeelloooo?”
The misuse of insect repellent that contains DEET can lead to health problems such as neurological issues. Avoid bug spray of any kind, as well as sunscreens.
*Keep all fireworks, matches and lighter fluid out of the reach of your pet. Out of defense or curiosity, many pets will try to attack the fireworks which could result in serious injury or burns. Keep pets away from any lit or unused fireworks for potentially toxic and dangerous chemicals such as arsenic and other heavy metals. Don’t think your pretty poochie would ever chew on something so nasty? They can. They have. They might. They will. Plan on it and take preventative measures just incase.
*The all you can eat buffet might look and taste great to us, but those glorious meatballs may cause severe indigestion or worse – diarrhea! (OMGosh, did I just seriously type that? *shudder* the thought of Fido’s runny meatball poopskies all over the carpet is not a fun one). That. is. nasty. Do yourself a favor, save those meatballs for yourself or that icky guy that keeps hitting on you! *snickering*
*Make sure your beloved friend has proper identification and appropriately-fitting collar. It is important to keep all records and shots current with a local vet to help locate your sweet little fuz muffin if lost. Always make sure to leave your pet in a safe, quiet and escape-proof area of your home during the festivities. If your pet does stray away from home, always visit local animal shelters as soon as possible to look for her!
The Fourth of July celebration can and should be a joyous and funtabulous time for all of us! With just a few safety precautions – our pets can stay safe and sane through the party too. Happy Fourth Fido!
Image Credits:
http://4urpets.files.wordpress.com/2008/07/4th-of-july-dogs.jpg
http://debeachblog.files.wordpress.com/2008/07/dog1.jpg
Great article!! Love the humor too!
LOL! Thanks girlie
So happy that you came by and hope to see you round these parts again soon!
We “lost” our pooch last Canada Day. My husband set out on his bike frantically looking for him around the neighbourhood. He (the dog, not my husband! LOL) is terrified of fireworks and goes all “psycho dog” too! We thought he’d fled the house somehow. Turns out he was hiding under the back deck the entire time. Poor little pooch. This year I’ll turn on a fan and let him hide under the blankets on our bed.
Awww….goosebumps! I am so happy he is safe! Poor babies just get so frightened don’t they? The bed/fan idea is a great one – maybe some music and treats too lol! Dogs shld take advantage and really work this holiday. Perhaps a poochie pedi?
Our neighbor’s dog hides under the couch during fireworks and it takes at least a week to calm her down.