Pet Care On The 4th of July

More pets go missing on the 4^th of July than any other day of the year with “30 to 60 percent more pets between July 4 and July 6 than normal.” While you’re partying and having a good time, your pets, 90% of which are dogs, could be freaking out at the explosions.

Animal brains are wired differently than ours are and fear can make them run away if not contained. "Every muscle of a cat's body is primed for 'kill or be killed,' so its whole nervous system is always on alert," – Animal Planet’s animal behaviorist Jackson Galaxy. A dog’s hearing is 4 times more sensitive than a human’s hearing.

That means you need to make sure your furry kid is microchipped and it’s collar has an ID tag on so you can get the animal back if it runs. It would also help if you tired out your dog with a walk before show time. A ThunderShirt may help but some say that those may help with lower frequencies such as thunder but not be as effective on the higher popping and crackling of fireworks. You decide.

Watch for excessive panting, pacing, yawning, excessive whining or trembling, cowering with their tail tucked and ears back, or hiding and avoiding eye contact, shaking or shivering, hiding, not eating, not wanting to interact – or the opposite: some dogs will just be very clingy towards their owners, but other dogs will go into closets, basements and things like that to hide.

“Cats that are afraid of thunder and fireworks will hide on top of cupboards or under furniture during such incidents. The website recommends that owners leave scared cats alone and not try to coax them out.” “If you cannot take your dog to a place away from fireworks, then have a travel kennel at home for her to feel safe in.”

Have your doors, windows and pet flaps closed and secured. Having the TV or radio on can distract, as can playing with your pet. Putting your cat in a room where it can’t see or hear the fireworks well. Have it’s toys and maybe a cat condo with the low drone of news or talk may help. Speak to your pet in soothing tones and hold them close.

Having said this, let me add pet care begins with your BBQ and proper disposal of corn on the cob or chicken bones can be deadly.