Keep Your Pets Happy And Safe This 4th Of July: Experts Weigh In

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — Most dogs and cats aren't big fans of Fourth of July Celebrations, but that doesn't mean there aren't things you can do to make the holiday safe and comfortable for your pets.

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) points out that there is plenty for pet owners to worry about on Independence Day. Noisy fireworks can startle animals and cause them to run away. Holiday foods can be unhealthy. Summer heat and travel can be dangerous and potentially dangerous debris can end up lying on the ground where pets can eat or play with it and visitors can create stress.

The good news is that the AVMA says there is plenty owners can do to make things safer and easier for pets.

• Make sure your pets – cats and dogs alike – have ID tags with up-to-date information.
• If your pets aren’t already microchipped, talk with your veterinarian about microchipping.
• If your pets are microchipped, make sure your contact information in the microchip registry is up-to-date.
• Take a current photo of all of your cats, dogs and horses – just in case.
• If your pet has historically been anxious on this holiday, or if you have reason to expect potentially harmful reactions, consider behavioral therapy to desensitize your pet and reduce the risk of problems.
• Some pets may need medication. Consult your veterinarian or a veterinary behaviorist.
• Make sure the environment is safe and secure.

During the celebrations, extra precautions are advised by the group.

• Leave your pets at home when you go to parties, fireworks displays, parades and other gatherings.
• Consider putting your pets in a safe, escape-proof room or crate during parties and fireworks.
• Keep horses and livestock in safely fenced areas and as far from the excitement and noise as possible.
• If you're hosting guests, ask them to help keep an eye on your pets to make sure they don’t escape.
• Keep your pets inside if you or your neighbors are setting off fireworks.
• Keep sparklers, glow sticks, fireworks, charcoal and kabob skewers away from curious pets.
• Avoid the urge to feed your pets table scraps or other foods intended for people. Be especially careful to keep them away from common foods that are actually toxic to pets.
• Remember that too much sun, heat and humidity can be dangerous to pets.
• Know the signs that a pet may be overheating.
• Never leave your pet in your car when it's warm outside. Vehicle interiors heat up much faster than the air around them, and even a short time in a locked car can be dangerous to pets.
• If you're traveling out of town for the holiday, consider leaving your pets at home with a pet sitter or boarding them in a kennel. If you need to bring them with you, be sure you know how to keep them safe.

The AVMA experts warn that just because the night's celebrations have ended, doesn't mean the danger is over.

• Check your yard for fireworks debris before allowing pets outside. Even if you didn't set off fireworks yourself, debris can make its way into your yard, where curious animals may pick it up to play with or eat.
• Check your pastures and remove debris to protect horses and livestock.
• If you hosted guests, check both your yard and home for food scraps or other debris that might be dangerous to pets, such as food skewers.