Keeping Yorktown Pets Safe This Holiday Week

Strategies for Successful Celebrations

Most pets would agree that Independence Day is one of the most terrifying celebrations of the year. Because they don't understand the festivities and are usually frightened by the noise, we recommend you take the following precautions to ensure your pet's safety and comfort this July 4th week. Let's discuss keeping Yorktown pets safe this holiday week!

For Your Home

Pets are happiest at home but, even then, loud noises coming from the vicinity can send them into a panic. For this reason, it's important to set your home up in a way that maximizes its soothing elements. While the holiday this year lands on Thursday, it's smart to employ these recommendations throughout the week and any time you hear fireworks throughout the year.

• Create a Safe Space: Set up a comfortable, quiet room for your pets with their favorite toys, blankets, and bedding. Ensure the room is well-insulated from noise and light.

• Soundproof: Close windows and doors, and draw curtains to help muffle the sound of fireworks.

• Play Music: Play calming music or white noise to mask the loud sounds outside. Studies show that pets respond well to classical music and reggae so take your pick!

• Keep Pets Indoors: Ensure your pets are inside the house this week - long before fireworks begin. It's much safer for them to be inside because it reduces the risk of them running away and becoming disoriented due to the intense noise.

• Use Pet-Calming Products: Consider using pet-calming sprays, diffusers, or collars that contain pheromones. We like Feliway for cats and ThunderEase for dogs. These can help reduce anxiety in pets whenever there is noise, change, or a new addition to the family. They can be used simultaneously in multi-species homes and are available in local PetSmart locations.

For Your Pet

• Check Identification: Ensure your pets are wearing collars with ID tags in case they get scared and run away. Please be sure your pet's collar is tight enough - most collars are too lose and can fall off or get stuck on something, making them dangerous. You should only be able to put one or two fingers between the collar and the pet's skin.

• Consider Microchips: Microchipping your pets is also a good idea for added security. We highly recommend all pets be microchipped as early as indicated.

• Update Information: Make sure your contact information is up-to-date on your pet's ID tag and microchip registration. The registration will initially be registered to the veterinary office or rescue that implants the chip. You should update it to your contact information so that there isn't a delay if your pet is found. Few vet offices and rescues operate 24/7.

• Exercise Early: Take your pets for a walk and engage them in playtime earlier in the day to tire them out. A pet whose physical and mental needs have been met is more likely to be calm during the evening's festivities.
  

• Feed Early or Less: Many pets will have an upset stomach during stressful times. For this reason, feed your pets dinner long before fireworks start and consider reducing the portion if they have a history of stress-induced vomiting and diarrhea.

• Provide Distraction: Similarly, keep your pets occupied with their favorite toys, treats, or puzzle feeders during fireworks. A stuffed Kong or bully stick often helps divert their attention from the noise outside.

• Offer Comfort Items: Give your pets access to their favorite comfort items, such as a blanket, a piece of your clothing with your scent, or a familiar toy.

• Consider Supplements and Medication: If your pet has severe anxiety, consult your veterinarian about possible medications or sedatives to help them stay calm. Lots of calming treats are on the market that don't require veterinary intervention. While they are less potent than pharmaceuticals, many pets do well on CBD, WinPro Pet's porcine plasma treats with taurine and theanine, and other supplements.

For You

• Stay Calm: Pets can pick up on their owners' anxiety. Stay calm and try to relax to help your pets feel secure.

• Supervise: Don't let your pet interact with strangers - adults, children, other pets - without your supervision during fireworks. If you cannot supervise, place your pet in a safe space where there will not be a risk of fear-related conflict or accidents.

• Stay Home: Keep an eye on your pets while fireworks are going off. If they show signs of extreme distress, stay with them and offer comfort.

• Avoid Public Spaces: While it may seem fun to take your pet to a local Independence Day celebration, it's not worth the risk. Most pets won't enjoy it and it's too hot to risk being outdoors for an extended period of time.

At Hearts at Home, we are dedicated to educating pet parents on pet safety and accident prevention. We prioritize pets' comfort and well-being in all we do. During this week's pet care visits, we will be observing the pets in our care to determine if they need additional support during the holiday festivities. If they do, we will be in touch with scheduled clients to discuss solutions. As part of your pet care village, we are happy to answer any questions you may have and offer recommendations as needed.

We offer in-home dog walking and pet sitting services in Yorktown, Poquoson, Newport News, and Hampton, Virginia. To register your pet(s) with us, please complete a new client questionnaire here. Existing clients may request services here. Those outside our service area are encouraged to find a pet sitter near you at the Pet Sitters International or National Association of Professional Pet Sitters websites.

Please visit our website or contact us by email at Hello@HeartsAtHomePetSitting.com or by phone at 757-745-9868 to learn more. We look forward to caring for your pets and hope you enjoyed the tips offered in Keeping Yorktown Pets Safe This Holiday Week.