4th Of July: How To Keep Your Pets Safe In Brookfield

BROOKFIELD, WI — People enjoy the excitement of 4th of July festivals and watching fireworks displays, but your dog won't.

Large and small animals can be terrified by fireworks and can run away when they go off, becoming lost, the Humane Society of the United States said. The summer heat can affect your pet's health during daily activities as well.

Here's some advice from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the Elmbrook Humane Society on how to protect your animals this holiday weekend.

Beat The Heat

Give your pet plenty of fresh and clean water in the hot and humid days. Make sure your pets have a shady place to get out of the sun but don't over-exercise them, the ASPCA said.

Know the symptoms of overheating in pets, which include excessive panting, difficulty breathing, drooling, stupor and even collapse, the humane society said. It added that extreme body temperature can induce seizures, bloody diarrhea and vomiting.

Never leave your animal alone inside of a parked vehicle. It's illegal in 11 states to leave an animal unattended in a parked vehicle, the Shouse California Law Group said.

If you leave your pet at home, leave a fan in a place where your dog can sit in front of it, Petfinder said. You can also add ice cubes to their water or offer it to them as a treat.

Don't walk your dog on a hot sidewalk or asphalt, the ASPCA said. It added that your pooch's body can heat up quickly and the hot ground can burn their sensitive paw pads.

Avoid Fireworks

Never use fireworks around your dog, the Elmbrook Humane Society said. It added that the noise can scare them or they can be accidentally burned by the fireworks.

Taking your dog for a long walk before festivities begin gives them a chance to potty and tires them out before the noise begins, the humane society said.

Resist the urge to take your dog to festivities, as large and crowded fireworks displays are no fun for them, the humane society said. It added that you should leave your dog at home with the windows securely closed and the shades drawn.

Use An ID Collar

Make sure your dog is wearing an ID collar with your contact information on it, the Elmbrook Humane Society said. Registered microchips work as well.

De-Stress

If your pet suffers from anxiety, consider getting them an anxiety vest or a snug t-shirt, the ASPCA said.

Consider staying home with your dog to ensure they are safe, especially if they have anxiety, the Elmbrook Humane Society said. It added that if you leave your dog at home, you should leave them something to play with.

Ask The Doctor

If nothing else works, visit a veterinarian. If your dog is extremely anxious, you can consult your vet about giving them a mild sedative, the Elmbrook Humane Society said.

Make a vet appointment in the spring or early summer for a checkup, the ASPCA said. Get your pets tested for heartworm if they aren't on preventative medication.