July 3rd

By Mutt Mulligan

5 tips for keeping pets safe this July 4th

Many of us will be sticking close to home for the Fourth of July this weekend. Remember, the backyard isn’t cancelled. In fact, your yard offers a safe space for celebrating.

For our pets, Fourth of July noises can be frightening. Here are TurfMutt’s top tips for keeping your furry friends safe during July Fourth celebrations.

• 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.
• Keep your pets inside. 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 white noise sound machine or a swaddling device used for calming pets during storms can also be helpful on the Fourth.
• Never use fireworks around pets. Not only will fireworks scare your animal, they can also result in severe burns and other trauma.
• 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. Also, never leave alcoholic beverages where pets can get to them. Alcohol can be poisonous to pets.

Happy Independence Day from all of us at the TurfMutt Foundation! To learn more about pet safety tips, visit the ASPCA website. For more on how to enjoy the safe space of your own backyard this summer, go to TurfMutt.com.