Happy 4th of July: Priorities & Pet Safety

July has arrived and with it comes the time to honor our nation’s heritage and the freedoms that come with it – Happy 4^th of July! Most of you know that I have a deep gratitude and constant remembrance for all of those who have served and sacrificed for the independence we have today. As such my focus this 4^th is my love of my country, my friends & my family; nothing matters more!

There are some family members who face particular challenges this holiday and that is our four-legged ones! Did you know that more pets go missing July 4-6^th than other time of the year (by 30% according to PetAmberAlert)? The loud, booming sound of fireworks elicits an anxiety response in pets. Many run away seeking shelter & safety, and find open doors and gates as a result of barbecues and gatherings as people come in and out. AKC Reunite Executive Dallas Harsa explains that “Barbecues, many people coming in and out of the house, and even the noise of the fireworks, which may cause pets to panic, and they will try to flee somewhere. They don’t know where the noise is coming from and they try to escape because they don’t understand.”

Here are a few tips from the AKC & The New York Post on keeping our pets safe this Independence Day:

#1: Check The Chip: Have you logged into your pet’s microchip information online to ensure that your phone number and account information is accurate? Are your pets tags on his/her collar legible and have you practiced having your pet’s tag reached for and looked at by someone other than you?

#2: Leave Pets At Home: While taking your pet to a gathering sounds like fun, pets feel safest in familiar places and will be less likely to run if spooked. A safe indoor space such as a favorite bed or familiar crate can help animals stay calm amidst the chaos. Confining pets to one room is also recommended.

#3: Think Ahead: If your pet is particularly frightened of fireworks, talking to your vet about calming medications or pet store supplements may help. In addition, consider what type of distractions to have available such as music or a show in the background to help mitigate blasts blaring in.

Last but not least – illegal fireworks pose a particular risk during fire reason and are the reason behind 11,500 injuries on average. Please leave the fireworks to the pros; in San Mateo County you can call 650-363-4911 if you see illegal activity.

May you and your pets stay safe as you celebrate! Below is a favorite pic of our HoneyB dressed for the 4th... she was the best & brightest spark in our lives & is missed everyday.

Resources Used:

How to Prevent Your Pet From Going Missing This Fourth of July

Dogs, cats go missing on 4th of July more than any other day

Why More Pets Go Missing on July 4th Than Any Other Day of the Year



Bobbi Decker
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Broker Associate, Bobbi Decker & Associates
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