Summer is a favourite time of year for many people, full of gatherings with family and friends, plenty of food and games, and occasionally celebrating with an evening of fireworks. While much of the fun of summer can be celebrated with pets, many cats and dogs don’t respond well to large groups of people and the lights and noise of fireworks. To ensure pets are safe and as comfortable as possible during the festivities, the ACANATM team have put together some tips and tricks to help Pet Lovers care for their furry friends. Ensure Your Pet’s Identification Is Up to Date One of the easiest things Pet Lovers can do in advance of big events is make sure their pets have identification tags with current information in case they get lost. If your pet is microchipped, it’s also a good idea to double check that information so it’s up-to-date. If your pet isn’t microchipped, discuss the idea with your veterinarian, as this procedure increases the chances of finding your pet if they get loose. Also, be sure to have several current photos of your pet so you can share what they look like with others, should you need help finding them. Create a Pet-Safe Zone For Pet Lovers, creating a space where their pet feels safe and comfortable not only helps the animals to relax during high stress events, but allows them to rest easy, since they know where their pets are. In advance of the event, make sure any outside fencing will keep the pets contained and plan to keep doors and windows in the home securely closed. If your dog or cat has a favourite space, like a room or crate, that’s a good place to keep them during fireworks or other loud celebrations—it will help calm them to be in a place they’re familiar with. Don’t take a pet along to any parties or firework displays, unless you know for certain crowds and fireworks don’t bother them. While out, make sure to keep them close so they don’t eat anything they shouldn’t or get too close to any small firecrackers, sparklers or other hot items. It’s also critical to provide access to fresh, clean water, due to the summer heat. Hosting an Event? Plan for Pet Safety If you’re the one throwing a party, keeping pets in a favourite space where they feel comfortable is a good idea, as you’ll know where they are for the whole evening. If the pets aren’t going to be kept in one place, ask guests to keep an eye on them and put signs on exit doors and gates reminding visitors not to let your pets out. Just like if you were to take your pet to an event, make sure they don’t have access to any food they shouldn’t (remind guests not to feed the animals), ensure they have access to water and keep them away from barbeques, sparklers, fireworks and any other dangerous items. The next day, check the yard for any debris from fireworks or leftover food you don’t want your pet consuming. Keep a Nervous Pet Engaged Pet Lovers staying home for the night with a nervous pet while neighbors are loudly celebrating can still have a great time by engaging with their animal in enrichment activities. ACANATM foods can be used as part of these enrichment activities. Treats like ACANATM Lickables* for cats and ACANATM Chewy Strips for dogs can be served as rewards for successful completion of a game, or you can turn the food itself into an activity by mixing wet food diets together in a lick mat, Kong or other toys and freezing them. If your pet is particularly anxious during the summer and enrichment activities don’t help, consult with a trusted veterinarian, as they may have other suggestions or medications. Everyone should have a good time enjoying the season, and that includes cats and dogs. By taking safety steps and finding ways to engage them during the fireworks and loud events, Pet Lovers can ensure their animals have a positive experience.
