Fireworks and the Fourth of July have been synonymous with each other since the very first Independence Day celebration in 1777. Their boisterous booms and bright colors reflect the pride and elation our nation’s citizens feel as we commemorate another year as a free, independent, nation, and honor the bravery it took for our founding citizens to lay the groundwork for the nation we call home today. While this tradition is a valuable one for us humans, this celebration boasts several celebratory activities that cause nothing but stress, anxiety, and fear for our pets, and the ramifications of that can end in tragedy.

More pets run away from their homes on the Fourth of July than any other day of the year, so having a plan to ensure your pets are safe and protected during the commotions of the day could be life-saving for them. In addition to fireworks, many of the activities on this day can be harmful to your pet. Here are some pet safety tips to help you keep your pet safe this Independence Day.

Keep your pet indoors at all times.
While it may seem like a fun idea to include your beloved pets in the festivities of the day, this will more than likely put unnecessary stress on them, and could end with them getting loose in a frightened effort to find safety. Even the most relaxed pets can be affected by the unusual sights and sounds of the Fourth of July, and the heightened stress can cause them to behave in an uncharacteristic manner - such as attempting to escape the household. The heat is also a major factor and keeping your pets indoors will also protect them from the deadly dangers of the heat.

Make sure your pet has proper and current identification.
Preparing ahead of time for a possible scenario in which your pet runs away from home is crucial. This includes, ensuring your pet has up-to-date ID tags securely fastened on their collar, getting them microchipped if you haven't already, and confirming with the microchip company that all of your contact information is accurate.

Make sure their environment is safe and secure.
If you are leaving your home to celebrate, make sure your pet’s area is secure and safe for them. Keeping your pet in a crate or escape-proof room will ensure their safety is helpful in reducing their anxiety levels throughout the evening. If you are hosting guests, ask them to help you with monitoring your pet’s anxiety levels, and place signs on all entrance and exit locations to remind guests to secure them as they come and go.

Keep common festivity items out of reach and away from pets.
Remember that many foods intended for human consumption can be harmful to your pet’s health. Refrain from giving them table scraps, and ensure all alcoholic drinks are out of reach. Don’t place glow jewelry on your pet, or allow them to play with them as the contents inside are toxic to pets.

NEVER set off fireworks near your pet.
Exposure to lit fireworks can increase the likelihood of your pet enduring severe burns, and the unfamiliar sounds, sights, and smells of fireworks can cause extreme anxiety in your pet causing them to bolt and potentially hurt themselves in search of safety.

The Humane Society of Southern Arizona is dedicated to arming pet parents with valuable knowledge and safety tips to best protect their pets in any situation. It aims to remain a constant reliable resource and place of information for members of the community who have questions and strive to be the best pet owners they can be. HSSA is a proud member of the community here in Southern Arizona and is hopeful these tips will reduce the number of lost or injured pets in Tucson this coming Fourth of July.

In the event you do lose your pet, or find a runaway pet, this weekend we are here to help! By visiting our Lost and Found Page, you will find the resources you need to reunite with your pet, or help a pet reunite with their family, faster.