Five Tips for Staying Safe with Your Pets on the Fourth of July
Summertime Safety
1. Keep Your Pet Cool. In most areas, it's hot outside, and if you don't have air conditioning, hot inside too. Pets can overheat quickly in confined spaces with stagnant air. Wherever your pet is, whether inside a tent, in his crate, or out in the sun, he can overheat fast. Provide good air flow (fans, air conditioning), water and shade at all times. Don't force your dog to go on long walks and if he's not used to the heat, be sure to wet him down to cool him off.
2. Never Leave Your Pet in a Car, Even with the Windows Down. Most pet owners know this, but still let it slip by because they're making quick stops to the grocery store or fast food joint. Don't do it. A quick errand can take more time than you expect, especially around a holiday because other people are doing the same thing. If you have to leave your dog or cat in the car, be sure to have someone stay with him and keep the air conditioner running.
3. Keep Your Pet Inside Around the Fourth. The Fourth of July means fireworks, which means loud noises. Cats and dogs can get freaked out and flee because of the fireworks. While the Fourth is typically the noisiest, people tend to set off firecrackers and other fireworks around that time -- not just on the fourth. Be sure to have a collar and tags -- or better yet, have your dog or cat microchipped -- just in case your dog or cat escapes and gets lost.
4. Wear Life Jackets. If you're planning on boating this Fourth of July, you'll need to wear a life jacket, but don't forget your best friend needs one too. Dogs can fall off a boat and drown, just like people. Many pet suppliers offer life jackets for dogs.
5. Teach Your Dog to Get Out of the Pool. If you have a pool, you need to keep your dog away from it while you can't watch him. When you're home, teach your dog to climb out of the pool by teaching him to swim to the shallow part of the pool and walking out.
Above all, have a safe and fun Fourth of July!
References
Bring Me Home: Dogs Make Great Pets, Margaret H, Bonham, 2005.
Published by MH Bonham - Featured Contributor in Lifestyle
MH Bonham is a multiple award-winning author and world-renown pet expert who has more than 30 books and hundreds of articles published. She is a Science Fiction and Fantasy and Pet author. She is an expert... View profile
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- Keep your pet inside during the Fourth of July.
- Keep your pet cool.
- Practice good water safety.