With July 4 quickly approaching, we want to give you the inside scoop on all things fun and safe for your furry family members this holiday.
Kick off Independence Day with your pooch at Bellevue’s annual Four on the 4th Dog Jog & Walk to benefit the animals at Seattle Humane. This family-friendly 4k jog and walk begins at Bellevue’s Ashwood Park at 9 a.m. and includes a visit by our own MaxMobile adoption bus, a dog costume contest, sponsor booths, a bouncy house, and so much more. This is a perfect opportunity to exercise your dog to help them be less stressed in the evening when fireworks light up the sky. There’s still time to register – enjoy a morning with the whole family, including Fido!
Dogs and cats are much more sensitive to loud sounds than us humans. Fireworks can scare pets and cause them to escape from a yard or an open door. When frightened, pets might run into the street, or get lost in the dark.
This Independence Day, try the following to keep your pets safe:
- Keep Pets Inside– Secure pets in a safe, enclosed room. For those hosting guests at their home, consider keeping pets in a room that is off-limits to guests, with plenty of water and food.
- Create a Calming Environment– Surround pets with favorite toys and other familiar objects. Play soothing music and keep the room as quiet as possible by closing doors, windows, and blinds.
- Keep Away From Fireworks– Besides the potential toxicity pets can experience from ingesting the gun powder in firecrackers, there is the obvious risk of accidentally burning or injuring pets by allowing them to be in the same vicinity as fireworks.
- Update Identification– The biggest risk is that pets will get loose from their homes. Even if a pet is secured inside, the sound of fireworks can cause them to panic. Dogs and cats are known to break through glass windows or sneak through open doors to escape the noise. Make sure pets are microchipped and wearing identification. Call to confirm that the pet’s veterinarian and the microchip company have a current address and phone number. If you have a lost pet, follow these tips and contact your local animal control agency.
Seattle Humane offers $20 microchipping services for pets of income-restricted guardians, including national registration. Visit us at seattlehumane.org to learn more about our microchipping services.
Have a great Independence Day while keeping your pets happy and safe!
Note: Seattle Humane is closed to the public on July 4 and will reopen at 11 a.m. Friday, July 5.
