On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, announcing the separation of the 13 American colonies from the British Empire. In commemoration of that eventful day, we typically celebrate by enjoying backyard or camping activities, tasty barbecues shared with family and friends, parades and beautiful fireworks. Since pets are family, it is only natural to want to include them in these fun festivities but, if you do, be sure to take precautions that will ensure that they will enjoy the holiday as much as you do.
Unlike people, pets are afraid of fireworks and often panic at the loud noises. The American Humane Association states that July 5 is the busiest day of the year for animal shelters because they are inundated with pets that flee at the noise of firecrackers, ultimately becoming lost. Why not start with a little advance preparation? Make sure your pets have identification tags with up-to-date information.
In addition, if your pets are not already microchipped, then this is the perfect opportunity to get it done. This simple procedure can greatly improve your chances of getting your pets back if they become lost. Be sure that you have a current photo to identify them if they do become lost.
Also, be sure that your yard is secure enough to keep your pet contained, making improvements as needed to guarantee it. If your dog does panic with the sounds of the holiday, it may make you feel unsettled, but remember that it is important to keep.
