June 29th

By Mutt Mulligan

5 tips for keeping pets safe this Fourth of July

The July 4th holiday means picnics, parades, parties and fireworks for most of us. But for our pets, the holiday can be frightening and even dangerous. Here are TurfMutt’s top tips for keeping your furry friends safe this Fourth of July.

• Microchip your pets. Microchipping is the best way to ensure that if the worst happens and your pet escapes, he will be returned to you. ID tags and collars can slip off or break, but a microchip is implanted under your pet’s skin. Also, be sure your pet’s microchip is registered and that your contact info is up-to-date.
• Leave your pets at home. It may be tempting to bring Fido along for Fourth of July festivities. But the safest, most comfortable place for your pet is tucked away inside your home. Consider putting her in a cozy room or crate complete with her favorite toys, dog bed and chewies to help her feel comfortable. A swaddling device used for calming pets during storms can also be helpful on the Fourth. Playing soft music can help drown out the startling noise of fireworks.
• Never use fireworks around pets. Not only will fireworks scare your animal, they can also result in severe burns and other injuries.
• Check your yard for debris. Before letting your pet outside after the festivities, be sure to check your yard for firework debris that could be harmful if ingested. Even if you didn’t set off fireworks, something might have floated into your yard!
• Keep your pet on its regular diet. Even a small change to your pet’s diet can disrupt their digestion. Avoid feeding your pet people food during parties – and ask your guests to do the same. Also, never leave alcoholic beverages where pets can get to them. Alcohol can be poisonous to pets.

TurfMutt wishes all the pets and families out there a safe and happy Fourth of July! To learn more about keeping your pet safe this Fourth of July – or any time of year – visit the ASPCA website.