You can start by providing them with plenty of fresh #water. Then, make sure their bedding and/or housing is in a cooler and shady spot in your yard. Try and bring them inside if possible. #Pets can have #heatstrokes as easily as humans can, so keep that in mind. If you see a stray out in need, leave some #water out for them, too. Be compassionate, our #furry friends need a hand. I have a #straycat in my backyard. He hunts for his food, but he knows he has a #cool backyard to come rest in and a bowl of clean #water if he needs it.
Since today is a major #holiday to pop #fireworks, #petparents can take a couple of measures to ensure pet's well-being. #Dogs and #cats have better hearing than we do. Loud bangs and pops of #fireworks shows can cause them to panic and try to escape. Make sure your #pets are #microchipped, or have pet ID tags on with their name and your contact info on them, in case they run away. Our local #animalshelter sees a big surge every year on the #4thofJuly, of #lostpets. That's a shame!
#Chachi and I went to #petsmart yesterday and had another #petID tag made for him. Coincidentally, his old one fell off last week and we never found it. So, this was a great time to get that done.
Another thing you can do for #pets is go out and buy them a #Thundershirt. This jacket wraps around them like a blanket and stays secure with lots of velcro straps, so they can't take it off. It hugs them and helps them feel #safe during #thunderstorms and #fireworks shows. It is great for getting them through #separationanxiety when left home alone. Try one! Chachi's was a hand-me-down, but they do have them at #PetSmart, #PetCo, and I have seen them at #Ross Dress For Less. You may wanna try wrapping them in their favorite blanket, just make sure it won't make them hot. Or, you can try wrapping them in a shirt of yours to feel #safe, if you don't have access to a #Thundershirt.
Most of all keep #pets safely behind fences. If you know they can still get out if scared, bring them inside. #Chachi hides under the bed every #4thofJuly, despite my efforts to keep him by my side on the couch. But, putting on his #Thundershirt gives him extra comfort. The best thing you can do for your #pet when they are afraid is to not coddle them. This is tough for me since #Chachi is my baby and I hate to see him afraid. Mama Bear likes to protect her cub. But, the reality is, he's not a baby. Our #pets can sense and take on any emotions we feel. If you show your scared #pet that you are cool and calm, they will follow your lead. Maybe, not at first, but keep working at it. It's worth the effort. The truth is, they may always be afraid of loud noises because of their intense hearing, but, they'll be more inclined to hide under the bed and not try to climb the fence and run down the interstate. Playing soft #music in the background may help as well.
When #Chachi goes under the bed, I turn on his #classicalmusic channel on tv and shut the bedroom door. He's fine. I check on him periodically, too. The worst thing you could do today is punish them in any way for their #fear. Please do not do that! They deserve our understanding. As a responsible #petowner, do your research on #pet behavior and do your best to do right by them. Othetwise, they get the message that fear is wrong and they will fear you, too. Take care of #pets, the #elderly, #children, and the #homeless during the next few days of unbearable #heat out there in #Texas. Have a happy 4th and stay #cool and #hydrated! And always be kind to #animals! Peace, love, and pets!