While it’s important that we keep ourselves, friends, and family safe, it’s also important we comfort our pets this 4th of July. This holiday can be extremely stressful for our furry friends due to house guests coming over to celebrate and fireworks going off throughout the night (and sometimes day). Read through our pet safety tips to ensure you’re keeping your pet safe, comfortable, and calm!

Pet Safety Tips – Before the Festivities Start

• Check your pet’s collar. Make sure their collar is securely fastened (not too tight or too loose) and that the ID tag is visible and up-to-date.
• Take a photo of your pet. If your pet does sneak out through an open door, you’ll have a current photo on hand to share with friends and neighbors to help you locate your furry friend.
• Get some exercise! If you play with your pet early on in the day, it will help them get some of their energy out before the party begins. Hopefully, they’ll sleep right through the BBQ and fireworks show. You can always swing by the pet store and buy a new toy for your pet!
• If you’re in an area of St. Louis that legally allows fireworks, be sure to keep them away from your pets. You don’t want Buddy to play fetch with a glow stick or sparkler! Also, keep charcoal, lighter fluid or other cooking necessities out of the reach of your furry friends.

Pet Safety Tips – During the Festivities

• If you have guests over, move your pet to a bedroom or basement. This will reduce the chances of your pet sneaking out the door. If you choose to keep your pet out with the group, ask your guests to be mindful of your pet. (Ex: Don’t leave doors/gates open, don’t pet or play with your pets near flames or the grill, etc.)
• Keep treats for your pet in a convenient spot for your guests. Of times, visitors want to feed pets scraps of food. To avoid this offer your guests treats to feed your pets.
• Headed out to watch fireworks downtown or at the park? Leave your pet at home! We know you want to bring him/her, but it will be better if you don’t. All the commotion of fireworks and people can be extremely stressful for some pets.
• If your pet is frightened by loud noises, turn on some gentle music or the TV to help cover the noise of fireworks.
• Distract your pet. (Go buy some new toys or treats!). This can help keep your pets relaxed while others celebrate.
• Do not use sunscreen or bug spray on your pets unless specifically formulated for pets.

On the morning of July 5th, be sure to check your yard for fallen debris or leftover food before you let your pets out. You want to make sure nothing has gotten in your yard that could harm your pets. We hope our pet safety tips keep your pets safe this 4th! Check out our Fireworks Safety blog post to learn more about how to keep yourself, friends, and family safe!

About Woodard Cleaning & Restoration

Woodard Cleaning & Restoration was founded in 1946 by Earl and Nancy Woodard. Today, the company is run by 3rd generation, Justin Woodard. Located in St. Louis, Missouri, Woodard services the greater metro area (Illinois, St. Charles County, Jefferson County, St. Louis County, and many more). Woodard is proud to serve as the preferred provider for cleaning & restoration services. Our cleaning services include carpet, hard surface, furniture, and rug cleaning for both residential and commercial properties. We also provide water, fire, board-up, storm and smoke restoration services for residential and commercial clients. For information or questions submit a form online or call us at 314-227-3932.

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter.