The Fourth of July is almost here, which means it’s time to celebrate the nation’s independence and enjoy an exciting fireworks show. Unfortunately, the excitement from the holiday can cause a lot of stress for your pets. So, to help keep your furry friends safe during the holiday, the pet care experts from Bark Hotel for Dogs in McKinney, TX, share a few helpful tips below.

Do:

Keep citronella candles out of your pet’s reach.

Though citronella candles will keep the insects at bay while you enjoy your outdoor Fourth of July festivities, they're quite harmful to your pets. If you allow your dog to stay outdoors with you, keep the candles out of their reach. The candles can irritate their stomachs if ingested, and exposure to the smoke can cause breathing problems.

Update their information in case they run away.

These days, many pet owners microchip their animals. The microchip acts as a permanent method of identification for your furry friend by assigning them a number that’s on file with the animal’s details and their owner's contact information. Because fireworks and other rowdy noises can give your dog anxiety, they may try to run away. If they do, the microchip will help you find them, so make sure the information is updated.

Don’t:

Leave alcohol & food around your pet.

It may be tempting to give your dog a sample of your holiday feast, but you shouldn’t give into the temptation. Some human foods like chocolate, citrus fruit, dairy, onions, and raw meat can severely upset your dog’s stomach. Alcohol can lead to vomiting, tremors, and difficulty breathing. Don’t give them any food from the table; stick to their usual diets. 

Shoot fireworks around your pet.

The explosive sounds and bursts of bright light from fireworks and the noise from loud crowds will increase the anxiety in most animals. It’s best to keep your them indoors to minimize their discomfort. If you plan to throw a big holiday celebration or if your neighborhood is expected to have a fireworks show, you should consider overnight boarding for your pet in a kennel. Experienced pet care professionals will monitor your furry friend and give them comfort and companionship.

Keep your dogs safe and comforted this Fourth of July by boarding them with the pet care professionals at Bark Hotel for Dogs. They offer exceptional pet boarding services for families throughout the Collin County area. With their expansive 24,000 square foot outdoor space, 24-hour surveillance, and luxury comforts like games, toys, and water play time, you can rest assured that your dog will be in great hands. For more information about their services, visit their website, and call (972) 542-8377 to speak to a pet care professional.