The Fourth of July can be a fun holiday for families, but it’s often not as fun for pets. The mix of fireworks and extra food and drinks around the home can lead to some potentially unsafe situations. To keep your furry friends safe, here are some pet care tips to keep in mind.

Do:

Keep citronella candles out of reach.

Citronella plants are toxic to animals. However, pets may be tempted to ingest candles or oils due to their appealing smell. If you use these products to keep mosquitoes out of your backyard, keep them high enough so your pets can’t reach them. Insect repellent and sunscreen are also toxic, so avoid using them with animals nearby.

Make sure your pet’s information is up to date.

Pets are more likely to run off during gatherings where people may accidentally leave gates open. They may also be scared by loud noises and try to escape. By updating your pet’s information, you have a better chance of locating them quickly in those instances.

Don’t:

Use fireworks around your pet.

Many animals are scared by the loud noises created by fireworks. Keep your pet safe indoors if you or others in your neighborhood plan on having a display and leave them home instead of taking them to your community’s Fourth of July events. For pets that experience extreme anxiety, you may want to stay with them and try to find a quiet spot in your home, like the basement.

Leave food and drinks lying around.

Animals will naturally try to polish off any leftovers from your holiday barbecue. Avoid mishaps by cleaning up quickly and keeping everything elevated. Be especially careful with hazardous materials like barbecue skewers and alcoholic beverages.

If you need any pet care assistance this Fourth of July, contact Almost Home Pet Resort Inc. Serving Cincinnati, OH, and northern Kentucky, this trusted pet boarding facility has provided quality care to animals and their families since 1994. Their friendly staff is always available to answer questions for customers, and the company provides up-front, fair pricing. You can see a full list of pet care services on the company’s website, or call (859) 356-8181 to request more information.