Never leave alcoholic drinks unattended where pets can reach them. A cocktail or beer is a potential poison for pets. If left low enough where your pets can reach them, a thirsty pet could get into your beverage. Ingestion of alcoholic drinks can result in intoxication, weakness, depression, or coma. Death from respiratory failure is also possible in severe cases.

Always keep matches and lighter fluids out of your pets’ reach. The danger is not just from heat and smoke. In fact, the ASPCA points out that certain types of matches contain chlorates, which could damage the blood cells resulting in breathing problems – or even kidney disease in the worst cases. On the other hand, lighter fluid can be irritating to the skin. If a pet ingests lighter fluid, it can result in gastrointestinal irritation and central nervous system depression. Furthermore, when lighter fluid is inhaled, aspiration pneumonia and breathing problems could develop.

Make Sure your pet has an updated ID tag.

All pets should always wear collars with ID tags with the owner’s updated contact information. Most Indoor pets can become so frightened during the loud noises and fireworks displays that they may become so desperate to escape the noise, and worst case is they may escape through the windows or door screens.

If your pet does become lost, contact your local animal control and surrounding shelters immediately and follow the rest of our advice for finding your pet.

If you find a lost pet, either take them to the address on their tag or bring them to a local animal shelter so they can be reunited with their family.

Keep your pets away from too many treats. Pets need a consistent diet. Any changes can give your pet indigestion and diarrhea especially for older animals who have delicate digestive systems and nutritional requirements. Keep in mind that certain foods that commonly accompany celebrations can be potentially toxic to your animal companions.

• Loud, crowded fireworks displays are no fun for pets. Exposure to lit fireworks can potentially result in severe burns and/or trauma to the face and paws of your pets. Also, many types of fireworks contain potentially toxic substances such as potassium nitrate, arsenic, and other heavy metals. Additionally, pets become frightened or disoriented by loud noises.

  Therefore, it would be better not to take them to Independence Day festivities and consider keeping them the same from the noise in a quiet, sheltered, and escape-proof area at home. 

  If you know your pet has a panic attack, you should consult your vet a couple of weeks before the celebration. You can also give them something to calm them down quickly such as CBD OIL.