Tips to keep your pet calm during the 4th of July
AUSTIN (KXAN) — With the 4th of July approaching in a few days, it’s important to keep in mind a few methods to keep your pets calm and comfortable with loud fireworks.
Meteorologist Tommy House sat down with Nicole Ellis, who is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer to learn more.
Read an edited version of the conversation below.
Meteorologist Tommy House: We’re now in the thick of summer, with temperatures in the 90s and 100s nearly every day, and the Fourth of July is approaching. I want to discuss the well-being and safety of our furry friends. What are some practical tips “pet parents” can use to keep their dogs and cats safe and comfortable during these heat waves?
Nicole Ellis: Obviously, do not leave your dog in a hot car. It heats up really quickly. Make sure you have plenty of cool things available for your dogs. Stock up on cooling mats. You can find them at local stores for pretty cheap. They don’t need to be refrigerated and provide a nice, cool place for pets to lie down. Ensure they have access to fresh, cool water at all times.
I love making frozen treats for my pets, just take a bowl, freeze some watermelon with water or their favorite chicken treats, and let them lick it to cool down. Also, get those walks in nice and early in the day before it gets too hot, then try to stay indoors. Use mental enrichment toys, like balls you can stuff with treats, to keep pets busy and entertained so they don’t need to go outside. Lastly, make sure the ground isn’t too hot for your pets when they do go out. We don’t want to burn their little paw pads. Place the back of your hand on the ground if you can’t hold it there for five seconds, it’s too hot for your dogs to walk on.
House: Introduce the viewers to your adorable dog!
Ellis: This is little Lana, who’s joining us for our talk today. With fireworks coming up, we want to keep our pets safe, not just our dogs, but our kitties and other animals too. Dogs and animals don’t understand where these loud booms are coming from, so it’s really scary because they can feel it. They hear everything so much louder. Well in advance, get those walks in and tire your pets out early. Fireworks sometimes start well before the sun goes down, so you don’t want to be out for a walk when that happens. Close your windows, not just the screens, but the actual windows, to try to block out some of the sound.
Obviously, we can’t prevent all those loud firework noises, so set up a nice, cozy area for your pet. If they’re crate-trained, make sure their crate is available. Otherwise, ensure their bed is out. If your pet likes to hide in the bathroom, make that their cozy spot. We want our pets to feel comfortable, so give them things to do. If they love to play tug, play tug to distract them from the mayhem outside. If you have friends coming over, put a leash on your pet to prevent them from bolting out the door. Even if your dog doesn’t normally bolt, everything’s different on the Fourth of July.
House: When pets are exposed to loud noises, what are some signs they show that are concerning?
Ellis: For the Fourth of July, if you have a pet that’s already stressed by loud sounds, visit your vet well in advance. Don’t wait until the day before. You want to test how your pet reacts to calming medications ahead of time. If you try them for the first time on the Fourth, they might not work, making the visit pointless.
Plan early to consult with your veterinarian and ensure the medication is a good fit for your pet. Sometimes that’s exactly what they need, and that’s okay. Definitely talk to your vet if you have a dog or pet that’s sensitive to loud noises.
As we approach the Fourth, with all the food and heat, if your dog eats something they shouldn’t like onions or dark chocolate, contact your vet immediately. When pets ingest toxic items, time is of the essence. Lastly, with the heat, watch for signs of heatstroke, which can be deadly. If your dog is panting heavily, drooling excessively, vomiting, or having diarrhea, act quickly. Don’t hose them down with freezing cold water, even though it might seem like a good idea. Instead, get them out of the heat, into a cooler environment with air conditioning, and get to your vet as soon as possible.
