Pet safety tips for this Fourth of July

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Fireworks are sure to erupt in and around Springfield this Fourth of July and not every member of the family may enjoy them.

Fireworks can be dangerous and frightening for pets in a multitude of ways. Thankfully, there are ways to ensure the best safety for your pets.

According to the Humane Society of Missouri , here are some safety tips for your pet so you can all enjoy the holiday.

Before the fireworks

• Talk to your veterinarian ahead of time about supplements, pheromones or medications that may help your pet to feel calmer and more relaxed.
• Creating a safe, open and quiet space within the home is also important.
• Be sure to plan for the worst-case scenario : having pictures of your pets and making sure they are chipped and marked correctly can help the public find and identify your pet if they get lost during the commotion.

During and after the fireworks

• During the show, keeping your pet (and home) secured and away from fireworks can reduce the potential to trigger your pet.
• Continuing to reassure and calm them will help this potential stress.
• Watch what your pet eats: both celebratory foods and firework debris is highly toxic when consumed.

There will be plenty of fireworks shows this Fourth of July. Be sure to check out when and where these shows will occur in our previous story .

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