Tips to Keep Your Pet Happy, Safe and Stress-Free This 4th of July!

NEW YORK - June 1, 2015 - PRLog -- This Fourth of July, Americans will celebrate with backyard BBQs, trips to the beach, and the sights and sounds of booming fireworks. While this patriotic midsummer spectacular sounds like a fun holiday for us, it’s crucial to remember it’s no picnic for many of our pets. There are numerous hazards our furry friends face during this celebration that we must prepare for ahead of time. We also must remember to stay mindful of our pets throughout the festivities as well. By following a few simple 4^th of July tips, your pet will experience the happy, safe and stress-free holiday they deserve!

As you are firing up the grill for the BBQ, it’s important to keep in mind the potential pet hazards cookouts pose. Although sharing scraps with Fido is tempting, many foods on your table are harmful to them. Pancreatitis, a serious and potentially fatal inflammation of the pancreas, is often caused when pets eat greasy, spicy or fatty foods. Corn-on-the cob, fatty meats, onions, garlic, caffeine, grapes, and even some baked goods can result in various health complications for your pet. It’s important we avoid giving into those pleading eyes, and inform friends and family to do so as well.

Barbecues often lead to trash bags full of bones and other unsafe items that are attract our pets. Cooked bones break more easily, and fragments can get lodged in a pet’s palate, esophagus, stomach or intestines. This can be extremely painful and require surgery. Beer and alcohol are poisonous to pets as well. Making sure that alcoholic beverages are stored and placed in an area inaccessible to pets can help prevent accidental ingestion.

Fireworks are the biggest perpetrators of 4th of July issues for pets, the most common being pet noise phobias. According to national statistics, animal control officials across the country see a 30-60% increase in lost pets each year between July 4th and 6th. It’s crucial to keep our pets inside, safe and sound during the firework show. Making sure they have access to their crate, or “safe place” is a must. Do your best to avoid the noise by closing windows, playing music or turning on the TV. Our pets take cues from our actions; so going about your normal routine and staying calm is important.

Products like the AKC Calming Coat for dogs, and Calm Cat for cats are easy and cost effective solutions in treating pets who suffer from anxiety. These coats are designed to apply constant pressure on an animal’s torso, which provides a calming effect for most pets. With the holiday excitement in the air, new guests visiting the home, and the terrifying sound of fireworks; wrapping your pet in a Calming Coat or Calm Cat will help tremendously during the 4^th of July weekend.

We all enjoy cooling off during the heat of the summer, and so do our canine companions! Many families plan vacations during this holiday, which often include trips to the ocean, lake, pond, pool or riding on a boat. It’s critical to keep in mind that not all dogs are expert swimmers, and we can not assume Fido will take to the water and be able to stay afloat. We must stay alert and monitor our four-legged friends around large bodies of water.

When out on a boat or raft, your pup should have a life preserver on – no exceptions! During outdoor excursions, it’s important to protect our pets from the sun with products specifically designed for your dog or cat. Human sunscreen and insect repellent is a no go. Also provide a shady, cool place for them to rest, along with plenty of fresh water for hydration!

Across the country, the busiest day of the year in animal shelters is the fifth of July. The deafening roar of rockets bursting in the air can easily frighten our pets, causing them to run or flee from their home or yard in attempt to escape the noise. Pet ID is key! All of your pets should have collars, ID tags and microchips, even indoor-only cats. Although pet identification is a necessity throughout the entire year, it is especially important during Independence Day.

Twigo Tags are a great option for both the 4^th of July and everyday use. These unique tags are simple, affordable, and instantly personalizable. All that is needed is a ballpoint pen to simply write, boil in water, and then slip onto our pet’s collar. Another great feature is that they’re completely silent, which eliminates the jingling noise pet parents dislike. Twigo is a great option for pet families planning to travel for the holidays since owners can easily create a new tag with updated lodging and contact information in a blink of an eye!

With some preparation and determination to stay mindful during this special occasion, the 4^th of July will be a happy time for both you and your furry friend.  It’s a smart idea to make sure your pet is well-exercised in the hours leading up to the festivities. Remember, a tired pet will be calmer and less likely to engage in disruptive or anxious behaviors. By following these helpful tips, your four-legged friend will have a safe and stress-free weekend, while allowing you and your pet to enjoy the 4^th of July holiday to the fullest!