Guide Dog Foundation and America’s VetDogs Prepares Pet Owners With Firework Pet Safety Tips

While Out Celebrating, Set Your Pet Up For Success During Firework Celebrations

WHAT: As Independence Day celebrations begin by breaking out the grills, lawn chairs and festive food, the Guide Dog Foundation and America’s VetDogs wants to remind pet owners that fireworks can be scary to your four legged friends and can send them into a panic. With a little planning and the below tips, you can ensure your pets can enjoy the holiday, just as much as you do. 

• Create a safe place for your pet indoors by finding a room or area they are tucked away from loud booms of fireworks, preferably without windows can be helpful. Playing soft music or putting on the TV can help muffle the sounds of fireworks. Draw any blinds or shades to reduce the amount of bright flashes into the room. Remove any items in the room that your pet could chew or ingest, as animals can become destructive when frightened or stressed. 
• Exercise your pet earlier in the day before any planned celebrations. By getting the energy out, they’ll have less to exert if they become anxious during fireworks. 
• Feed your pet their meal an hour or two prior to the firework celebration. This could help them feel relaxed before celebrations begin. 
• Provide appropriate and pet safe distractions by cuddling or playing with them during fireworks. Stuffing a Nylabone or KONG with peanut butter, kibble or pumpkin and freezing it can help divert their attention and focus on licking the toy over the celebrations in the background.
• Make sure your pet at proper ID. To prevent your pet from going missing, make sure your pet always wears an ID tag with your up-to-date contact information. 
• As a reminder, fireworks can be stressful on veterans suffering from PTSD in your area. Please be considerate of your neighbors by not setting them off late at night or close to their homes. 

For more pet care tips, visit guidedog.org and vetdogs.org.