Pet Care Essentials for a Happy 4th of July

Though many of us look forward to celebrating summer holidays like the 4th of July with friends and family, the festivities can be stressful for our beloved pets.

If your pet is sensitive to loud notices, fireworks can be particularly distressing. Schedule a vet appointment well in advance if your pet may need a prescription for sedation. Your vet can assess your pet’s needs and provide appropriate medication or suggest alternative calming methods, such as anxiety wraps or pheromone diffusers.

Pets can easily become frightened and disoriented during fireworks displays. Do not leave pets outdoors. Even in a fenced yard, it's best to keep them inside. Fearful dogs may jump or climb fences or dig holes to escape the noise. To be extra safe, ensure your pet’s identification tags and microchip information are up to date. This simple step can make a significant difference in quickly reuniting you with your pet should they become lost.

If staying at home during the 4th of July celebrations, create a comfortable and secure space where they can retreat from the noise. Close windows and curtains to help muffle the sound of fireworks and consider playing calming music or white noise to further reduce anxiety.

If you’re planning to travel, ensure your pet's vaccinations are up to date, whether they will be boarding or traveling with you. Most boarding facilities require proof of vaccinations to ensure the safety of all animals in their care. Keeping your pet’s vaccinations up to date also protects them from any potential illnesses they may encounter.

In any emergency, The Emergency Veterinary Clinic of Tualatin is here for you. We are local, privately owned, and open 24 hours, 365 days a year, including all major holidays, nights, and weekends. Call us at 503-691-7922 or visit us on the web at www.evcot.com .