Fireworks and Your Pet
Almost everyone enjoys a good fireworks show on the Fourth of July — but you can bet that does not include your dog. Raleigh Pawz knows that to Fido, Independence Day is hands-down the most terrifying day of the year — but many pet owners don’t seem to take their pet’s off-the-charts anxiety on this holiday seriously enough.
If you want your dog to be happy, healthy, and secure, it’s important to prioritize your pet’s needs on this holiday, maybe more than any other day of the year. Here are some tips to help Fido get through what promises to be a very rough day.
MAKE SURE FIDO IS SECURE
First and foremost, double-check your doors, gates, and garages. This is helpful for both you and your pet sitter. Make sure there aren’t any broken doors, gates, or openings where Fido can slip through — because if there is one, you can believe he’ll find it. More dogs go missing on this holiday than any other day of the year — simply trying to escape the painful and terrifying sounds of fireworks. Don’t let your dog become another statistic.
MAKE SURE DOG TAGS ARE UP TO DATE
If the worst happens and Fido does escape, having up-to-date information on his dog tags will vastly improve the odds he is returned safely home to you. Hopefully before the fireworks are even finished!
MAKE SURE YOUR DOG WANTS FOR NOTHING
Make sure you’re stocked with plenty of Fido’s favorite treats, toys, and that his bedding is clean and inviting. Aw, heck. Give him a little doggie ice cream treat too. He deserves it. And, you know if you have a Raleigh Pawz pet sitter, we’ll be spoiling him rotten anyway!
INVEST IN A THUNDERSHIRT
A ThunderShirt is a very snug garment designed to make your pet feel more secure during thunderstorms or during any event he or she might be frightened. While it might be tempting to leave it on all evening, it is only safe to wear for an hour at a time.
GIVE FIDO SOME OF THE GOOD STUFF
If there was ever a time that Fido needed to get a little wasted, it’s on the Fourth of July. Stock up on veterinarian-approved anxiety meds, CBD, melatonin, and tranquilizers ahead of time. Follow the vet’s instructions and give Fido a special little cocktail before the fun begins. With any luck, he’ll be too zoned out to even care. If you have a pet sitter from Raleigh Pawz, simply leave the instructions and we’ll follow it to a “T”.
FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THAT IS HOLY, DO NOT TAKE YOUR PET TO THE FRONT LINES
If you are home and not using our pet sitting services, here’s a quick reminder to not take Fido to the front lines. You know those excruciatingly loud cannon blasts that any pyrotechnician just can’t seem to resist setting off by the dozens? The ones that make you stick your fingers in your ears to avoid going deaf? Now imagine those sounds four times louder. That’s how much more sensitive canine hearing is than ours.
HAPPY 4th OF JULY
When you put these tips in place and work with experienced pet sitters like Raleigh Pawz, the 4th of July is bound to be a happy time for both you and your fur baby. You can celebrate America’s birthday with a peace of mind that your pet is safe and sound.