(Photo: Fireworks over The city of Detroit: Home of Davinci and the Davinci Foundation for Animals)

July 4th is around the corner, and it is a Wonderful time to spend with family & friends, our four legged family member's included! We want Everyone to be safe and happy during the celebrations which often are accompanied by fireworks.Fireworks can upset pets as a result of the noise, smell of sulfur, and flashing lights. We want to insure that all animals remain safe and cared for, As July 4th is one of the most known days pets can panic and go missing. Know when fireworks will be happening and how they'll impact your home. Contact your local municipality to find out when your area is likely to have fireworks displays. Mark the dates on a calendar so that you can keep track of when to ensure your pets are safe. If you know or suspect that the fireworks will be heard at your house, take the precautions outlined in the following steps to care for pets, comfort, and Most of all Keep our pets Safe in their homes.

STEP 1:
Check that your pets' ID tags and microchips are in date; 

 ◦ mark the calendar when renewal payments are due and be sure to make the payments. If your pet does go running off during fireworks events, it's much easier to be able to identify your Pet with these features. 

~Special note:Consider a PET Hub Tag, in conjunction with microchips, anyone can scan your pets tag 24 hrs a day and you will know the location of your pet IMMEDIATELY, when scanned. Over 97% of pets wearing a PETHUB tag are returned home in less then 24 hrs from the time they go missing. you can order one of these tags from the DFA D-Shop on line or PetHub.com

• STEP 2:
• Desensitization of noises helps to prevent a phobia of loud noises.

• use Music or even a cd of halloween scary sounds( if that is all you have available). When hearing familuar songs or sounds. they know that use of those certain effects means calm, safety, and it will make them feel better with and have a sense of security.  

 ~ if possible Use all year before the firework season, and after the event to make your pet feel comfortable.

Step 3 : Prepare the house.

The house Is your pets' safety zone, so it's important to prepare it properly.

• Keep some lights on. Keeping a light on will calm your pet and make him feel more secure, rather than being scared in a dark room.
• Dampen the noise. Close the curtains in the room to muffle sounds from the outdoors and, if your pet, stays in a kennel, while your away, cover the kennel with a thick blanket, but make sure it is breathable so your pet doesn't suffocate. This will also help to stop the flashes of light affecting your pet.
• Plan to use the familiar sounds, you have implemented, to drown out the noise of the fireworks. Music from a stereo or turning on the TV are  familiar sounds that can sooth your pet too. Just make sure to play these sounds on a low/comfortable level.Playing music or sound effects too loud as they can become bothersome themselves.

Step 4

Prepare the room. Select a suitable room where you can contain your pets for the duration of the fireworks. An inner room that is least impacted by the noise is ideal. It should be a room that you can close off to prevent your pet from running about the house and injuring themselves or their surroundings. If you have more than one pet, be sure they don't mind being confined in the same room, or select several rooms for different pets. For example, dogs and cats will usually appreciate being kept separate.

• Make the room cozy. Put down familiar, clean bedding in a secure location such as under a table, on or behind a chair, etc. Add some familiar chew toys, scratch pads, balls, etc., to keep your pets amused and distracted.
• Ensure that the room temperature is pleasant; warm if it's cold weather, or cool if it's hot weather keep tempeture a moderate level.
• Consider whether sound might be soothing. If your pet is used to music, turn some on at normal volume. the sound of rainwater is very soothing to pets.
• Implement the scent of Lavender This is optional, but you might like to use lavender scented items to help calm your pet. Use a spray or gently bruise the leaves and flowers of some fresh plants. Just make sure that it's out of reach of your pet. Using heated scent oils, lit candles, or incense is not recommended as a frantic pet can knock them over and start a fire or injure themselves. unlit scented candles work fine. whatever you choose to use, please make sure they are out of reach.
• Add a litter tray for cats.
• Remove any sharp items from the room in case your pet starts jumping or running around.

Step 5:

Prepare yourself. In the desire to ease our pet's pain, sometimes we can transfer some of our anxiety and upset our pets. If you've prepared properly in advance, there is no need to feel upset and worried as you can be reassured about the safety of your pet.

• Realize that the startled and frantic reactions of your pet can source from your own upset or anxiety. Being ready for our pets reactions can help to keep you calm as well.

Step 6:

Confinement equals comfort in these situations Half an hour to an hour before the fireworks are due to be set off, place your pet into the chosen room. If you're concerned about not being able to locate your pet (for example, cats aren't always easy to find), consider finding your pet several hours earlier. Mealtime is a good time to round up every pet, provided time falls before the fireworks are set off. If your dog needs a walk, be sure to walk him/her before confining them.

• Even if your pet is caged, place it into the secure and comfortable room you've selected.
• If your pet is a horse or other farm animal, make sure they have clean bedding and is inside the stable or barn.

Step 7:

Provide food and hydration. Be sure to leave sufficient water and food for your pet in the confinement space. Many pets will be uneasy, or even frantic. If your pet has access to water, it will help calm them, and food supplied in your pet's regular portion will make him feel like it's a normal day.

Step 8:

Keep an eye on your pet, and if possible, stay with them.

◦Comfort her and talk to them. Be attentive, but don't fuss over them "too much"; this can increase their anxiety if she picks up on yours and can reward and encourage fearful behavior. If it's not possible to stay with your pet/s, (perhaps because you're out or busy (you may be at the fireworks display, don't worry - the previous steps should ensure that your pet has been adequately cared for.

• ◦ Allow your pet to hide somewhere in the room if they wish. It's your pet's way of coping. Dragging them out of a safe spot can increase their anxiety levels. Don't fuss to much, its best to try and be "normal" as possible. Your calm energy can help your pet cope. 

• Step 9:
• Check on your pet after the fireworks. Reassure him and remove the protection (blankets, etc.) as long as you're sure that the loud fireworks are over. Let him have free run of the house to see how he behaves before considering letting him return outside (it might be best to wait until morning, when possible). Check for signs of stress or trauma in your pet
• For cats, signs of stress include running away, soiling the house, hiding away and refusing to eat.
• For dogs, signs of stress include barking a lot, running away, soiling the house, hiding and cowering, clinging to their guardian/s, whimpering, trembling and shaking, pacing and panting, and refusing to eat.
• If your pet is stressed, keep him indoors overnight. Keep a litter tray somewhere in the house, walk a dog, or use an indoor training pad, after the fireworks but don't let them off harness and be sure to stay with your pet the Entire time.

Step 10:

Do a yard sweep before allowing your pets back outside. 

◦ Collect any sparklers, firecrackers, etc., as well as party items and broken objects. This will prevent your pet from being injured by unfamiliar objects.Anything that may appear suspicious including unfamiliar toys and object are best to remove to keep your pets Happy, Healthy and SAFE.

WISHING A HAPPY AND SAFE JULY 4th HOLIDAY TO EVERYONE! FROM THE DAVINCI FOUNDATION FOR ANIMALS!