The PetCot Company: Keep Your Pet Safe this Independence Day

Fourth of July is just around the corner, and we're all looking forward to the opportunity to celebrate and enjoy some amazing fireworks displays! It's a time of the year when the whole family gets together to grill out, spend some much needed time bonding, and shooting off or watching a professional fireworks show. While we do consider our pets to be family members, this is probably not a celebration that you want to try to involve your dog in. After all, more dogs are reported to be lost on Fourth of July than any other day of the year. Put simply, dogs just do not appreciate fireworks like we do. So this week, the PetCot Company wants to offer some tips to keep your beloved dog safe and happy this Independence Day.

PREPARE IN ADVANCE

Before the big celebration comes, make sure you're prepared. Update your dog's identity tags and make sure they're secured properly to his collar so as not to easily fall off. If your dog is chipped, make sure the contact information is updated so if your dog does get loose and is found, a vet clinic or shelter is able to reach you. If you do not have a safe, quiet place for your dog to be during the festivities, make arrangements for him to be boarded for the night.

HOSTING FESTIVITIES AT HOME
If you're planning to keep him home and holding festivities there, set up your dog's crate in a quiet location in your home that is set away from traffic and noise. When scared of sounds they can’t orient, they'll feel safer hiding out in their crate or on their comfy premium raised dog bed. If possible, keep the windows and curtains closed. Covering the crate or lowering the blinds can also be helpful. Removing visual stimulation can also help calm dogs. It's best to keep your dog in a room where the door can be closed and nobody will enter. If your dog gets out and sees an opportunity to jet, he may take off down the road.

ATTENDING FIREWORKS SHOWS

If you're planning to attend a fireworks show away from home, leave your dog at home. While it may feel like you're leaving him out of the fun, you're actually doing him a favor by not bringing him somewhere he'll become scared easily and won't have a safe place to go. Not to mention, it'll likely be pretty warm outdoors and your furry buddy would much rather enjoy the evening in the comfort of his own home in A/C. Be sure to leave your dog with plenty of toys to keep him busy. If he does become anxious from the fireworks going off around the neighborhood he'll have something to focus his energy on other than your furnishings.

Dogs are instinctively flight animals. They'll want to run and hide from the loud noises of ongoing fireworks. As much as you would like to include your dog in the holiday festivities, sometimes it's just best to leave your dog at home where he will be safe. By using these tips for this Fourth of July, you'll prevent your dog from becoming another statistic for dogs that are lost during this holiday. While your dog is hanging out in his safe place, he'll need a comfortable place to rest his head. Don't forget to order your pooch a premium raised dog bed or a waterproof crate pad from PetCot!

Taking Comfort and Care to a New Level for Pets!