The 4th of July is right around the corner and while we may love 4th of July celebrations, the loud noises can create severe anxiety in our furry friends. Sadly, every year many frightened pets also become lost during the festivities. Here are 7 tips to help keep your pets safe and stress-free this July 4th.

1.Keep your pets indoors
Though most of us consider fireworks to be the highlight of the evening, many pets are terrified of them. The bright lights and loud noises can unnerve pets and frightened animals will often escape in order to get away. Runaway pets can become lost or get hit by a car. To keep your pet safe and stress-free during a fireworks display, be sure to keep them indoors, preferably in a secure and comfortable room.

2.Keep your pets busy and distracted
Distract your pets from the commotion by turning on the TV or radio to help drown out the loud and scary noises outside. Give your pet a new chew toy to keep them focused on something besides the loud noises. Nylabone makes innovative chew toys in different strengths, flavors, textures and sizes and even has treat toys designed to keep your dog entertained longer. In celebration of their 70th birthday, Nylabone is donating a chew toy to Best Friends Animal Society for every Nylabone product purchased. So, in addition to helping your dog stay busy this holiday, you can help enrich a shelter pet’s life. For more information or to upload your receipt go to: NylaboneCares.com

3.Calming Products
Utilize calming products to help keep your pet stress-free during the celebration. Pheromones have been shown to decrease stress and anxiety in dogs and cats. Feline and Canine Pheromones are available as plug-in diffusers, sprays, and collars and can be found at pet stores and online.

4.Speak with your veterinarian about medications
If you have a pet that becomes very stressed or agitated by fireworks despite your best efforts, speak with your veterinarian about medications that may help. There are a number of medications available to help decrease anxiety and help keep your pet relaxed. Your veterinarian will determine which medication is appropriate for your pet.

5.Watch out for food that can be harmful to pets
The 4th of July is known for apple pie and BBQ’s, but even delicious holiday food can be hazardous for your pets. Keep your pets away from hot BBQ grills that can easily burn them, especially if they are tempted by what’s cooking on the grill. Animals should never have access to chocolate or alcohol. Bones, except for those specially treated and intended for canine consumption, should also be avoided. Poultry bones can splinter and get lodged in the gastrointestinal tract. Ham and beef bones can break teeth or cause intestinal obstructions. Though tempting, and always appealing to dogs, you should avoid giving your pet leftovers. Not only can this lead to obesity and encourage the annoying habit of begging, it can cause a pancreatitis attack. Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas usually caused by fatty foods. It is a serious condition that can be fatal if untreated.

6.Be sure all pets have ID tags and microchips
All of your pets should have collars with ID tags and microchips, even indoor-only cats. A door or gate could be left open accidentally during 4th of July BBQ, or your pet can escape if they become frightened during a fireworks display. Collars with ID tags and microchips are the best way to ensure that if your pet gets lost, he or she will be returned to you. And of course be sure all of your information is correct and current.

7.Know what to do If your pet gets lost
What should you do if your pet gets lost? Walk or drive around your neighborhood to look for them. Be sure to call out their name but they may not come to you if they are frightened. Contact your local shelters and call nearby veterinary clinics as soon as possible. Make flyers with your pet’s picture and post these around the neighborhood, on neighborhood apps, in local pet stores and veterinary clinics, and around retail stores with high foot traffic, like grocery stores.

Follow these tips so that you and your pets can have a safe and fun 4th of July!

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