With the 4th of July fast approaching…
Now is a great time to share some tips on how to prepare your fur babies to cope with the fireworks of this national holiday.
Bring Your Pets Inside
It will become a treat for them and the best way to keep them home and safe. If that isn’t an option, remember to secure your backyard and check any gates for small openings they may be able to slip through. Also, remove items they may be able to jump onto to get over the fence. Fight or flight can cause animals to force things they wouldn’t normally try.
Take a Picture of Your Pet
If they must stay outside, take a good, clear, recent picture of your pets. Shoot a direct headshot and a full body shot with any unique characteristics. It’s always a good idea to have an up-to-date headshot and body shot photo of your pets in case they get out. It will help when posting on social media, the Ring app, or making flyers. You will also have proof when you are trying to claim your fur baby if they end up at the vet or shelter.
Make Sure Their Collars Have Your Information
Be sure to get your pets’ collars with reflective properties and latch their rabies tags and a tag with all of your information. That is the fastest way to let others know they have a home and people can easily contact you when they are found. If you don’t have your pet chipped, now is a good time to do so and/or update the information if you’ve had any changes since it was implanted.
Find a Safe Space Indoors
For indoor pets, try to find a safe place in the center of your home with the least amount of noise. It’s best to start this at least a week before so they know what is happening and feel more comfortable on the 4th. Use their kennel, favorite bed or blanket, and a favorite toy into the room. Sit with them a few times before the big night so they know it’s a good place and not a time out.
Prepare with CBD Oil Ahead of Time
Stock up on pet-specific CBD like Happy Dog and/or Happy Cat CBD at alurell.com. (Hint: Use code JULY50 for 50% off your ENTIRE order!) Supplies do run out in the days before, so don’t wait. CBD is the biggest help with calming the nerves and may help them go to sleep. CBD has a buildup effect, so start your pets in mid-June for maximum results. This will also be handy on the few nights following when people continue to randomly go through their left-over fireworks. Go to our CBD for Dogs and CBD for Cats pages to educate yourself if you are new to CBD for your pets. It is very safe when you buy pet-specific CBD.
Get an Anxiety Jacket
Anxiety jackets, like CBD, are good for more than just The Fourth. They work great together and help with fireworks, thunder, travel, and separation anxiety. You can find great options on Amazon.com.
Leave Your Cats Inside
Finally, for the cat owners: if possible, bring your outdoor kitties in, and don’t let your indoor/outdoor cats out a few days before and right after the 4th. Not only are they scared, but coyotes and other predators are scared too and are more likely to frequent the neighborhoods during the holiday. It is extremely unfortunate, but sadly, there are people who do very mean things with fireworks to animals – especially cats.
Take care of your babies and show them the love they show you 24/7/365. Both you and your pets will feel better in the end.
Have a happy and safe Fourth of July!