Please be sure your pets are safely indoors this holiday weekend. It is also strongly recommended that you have dog licensed. Be sure to secure both the license and name tag to durable collar. For both dogs and cats, it is also very, very important to have them micro-chipped.

Every year hundreds of dogs and cats end up in shelters or worse due to the fireworks. News channels, shelters, newspapers are always reminding each and every pet owner to take these simple steps to avoid this. It doesn’t take long to go to your local pet store and get a name tag engraved with the dogs name and your phone number.

If your pets are afraid of the noise, then be sure they are securely in a room or kennel with plenty of toys, blankets anything that comforts them. Turn the TV up loud, air conditioners (The noisy kind) and fans work well too. There are companies that sale products that can comfort your dog. For instance a vest called the “Thunder Shirt” is available. Your vet can even prescribe medication if it is really bad.

Small and easy steps can go a long way to ensure you have a happy pet.

Pawcific NW Petsitting wants you and yours to have a fun and safe holiday.

Be sure to be prepared when it comes to the safety of your pets. Make sure they are either micro chipped or have tags on them. This is one of the busiest times for rescue shelters and animal hospitals. If your dog is scared of the noise, use a fan or turn the volume up on your TV or stereo, make some kind of white noise to drown out the boomers.

Most of we here at Pawcific NW Petsitting want  to wish you a safe and fun filled holiday weekend.

If anyone was wondering if summer was ever going to arrive, these last two days should have squashed any doubts. I came home from a day and half trip to a house full of hot dogs even though the air conditioner was on. Being the worry wart I am, I took each one outside and gave them a good soaking of fresh, cool water. There is nothing more funny than to watch my dogs after they get a bath or in this case a dose of cool water. My big guy, Gus was running around like he was a year old puppy. I am sure they all felt a lot better. I know my Pugs, Wheezer and Raven sure do. As is with any blunt-nosed dogs, it is harder to breathe, especially in extreme heat.

I also worry about next Friday, the 4TH of July, where fireworks rule the day. I know that two of my dogs are not bothered by the noises, but last fall I added two others to my four-legged family. I am not sure how all the noise is going to affect them. As I was waiting for the train yesterday I read an article about helping cats and dogs cope with all the fireworks.

One tip suggested conditioning your pet to cope with the sound of fireworks, by playing recordings of fireworks at a low volume during which your pet is engaged in a activity, such as eating or playing. As time goes on play the recordings a bit louder. When your pet stops exhibiting signs of stress, such as pacing or panting you know that they’re conditioned to the noise. (This is a great idea, one I am going to use)

Another option is taking your pet to a vet for mild sedatives. However, this is a personal choice. Some experts prefer exercises over sedatives.  A good work out can drain much of the pent up energy.

If your dog or cat does panic during the holiday, get them inside and try keeping them calm. They say to turn either the TV or radio up high to mask the noise. Even a fan or air conditioner would work. If the pets are inside try giving them a toy or something they can chew or lick. Anything that can relax them and let them have fun.

If your pet does get out during the 4TH and becomes lost be prepared.

Make sure they are up to date with their ID tags or microchips. Call your local shelters or vets and be careful how you describe your pet, some people may find them but give a different description. Ask neighbors or anyone near if they have seen your pet. Post signs that include a picture and contact information. Don’t forget the internet, use listservs and e-mail contacts.

Last but not least if you find a lost pet call a shelter to see if anyone has filed a lost report. This is especially important if the animal doesn’t have tags. Shelters and vet offices can also scan the animal to see if they have been micro chipped.

By taking precautions you and your pet can have a safe and fun 4TH of July.