Prepare Your Pets for the 4th of July Fireworks!

"Detroit Riverwalk, Detroit, United States"
Photo by Trust "Tru" Katsande on Unsplash

"WOOF! (MEOW!) We do not like the 4th of July nor the few days before or a few days after! Barks, the loud noises, the flashing bright lights, mini-humans screaming, humans yelling, it scares the bejeebies out of us. It sounds like there is a huge war going on outside! WOOF! (HISS! HISS!)"

"MEOW! When I start hearing the loud noises I make a fast dart to the basement. In the basement, I have a bazillion hiding places where I can escape the noises, bright lights, and humans screaming! HISS! HISS! Sometimes I hid so well my humans can't find me! Purrs, I have a room where I can go hide too! It's got a bazillion places for me to hide too! HISS! Meow."

"WOOF! That's great for you Sammy but I'm too large to go just anywhere in the basement. Bark, I have a room too but sometimes it seems louder upstairs so I curl up in my crate!

WOOF! I heard Dad telling our neighbors about their 4th of July plans and I don't think we have anything to worry about. Yeah, the fireworks will be annoying but ...."

"Meow, what's their plans? I figured they'd go out partying somewhere with other humans. You know how Mom is! Yeah, Dad's a bit of a nerd but Mom, she just loves going places!"

"WOOF! But, not on the 4th! The bestest thing they can do for us is to stay at home with us! They will take me outside to do my business early in the day and for my walk too. We'll curl up and watch favorite TV shows and have a delicious dinner with all the treats we want! Dad usually buys me a new toy to keep me occupied and distracted. Though our pawty noise will probably not drown out the fireworks entirely, it will help!"

"Purrs, that's pawsome! I love our humans! They always watch out for us! Is there anything else humans should know about taking care of their pets on the fourth, Noah?"

"Yes, woof, there is:

• Pawlease leave your pets at home. They do not enjoy the fireworks. The loud noises and lights could send your dog running and he could become lost.

• Make sure your pets ID collars and microchips are current! 

• Keep your pets inside your home preferably in a room which would be a quiet place for them. Play some gentle music in the background. Pawsonally, I prefer a bit of Mozart, Bach, and Beethoven when I need to relax.

• If you grill out, ask guests to play with your dog away from the flames. Always keep your curious dog away from the flames, charcoal, grill and related items. WOOF!

• Photos! Make sure you have current photos of your pets immediately available. It will be easier to identify your pet should they go missing! With today's camera phones, you should have pawlenty of photos of your darlings handy. Barks!

Samson, the 4th of July is the leading day of the year when more dogs go missing than any other day! WOOF! Humans need to take precautions to prevent this. Should your pet go missing, contact your local shelter. Barks!"

"WOOF! Happy 4th of July"
Photo by Camylla Battani on Unsplash