The 4th of July weekend is a time for family and friends to get together and enjoy one another's company while celebrating our independence as a country. While we may spend time making vacation plans or preparing our homes to relax and enjoy the festivities, we often forget about those members of our family that may find this time quite stressful. Our pets provide so much love and affection to us it is important that during these times of relaxation or travel we could easily include our four legged family members. Here we will provide some awesome activities to do over the 4th of July weekend that include our furry friends.
There are many campsites and animal friendly recreational areas that are great spots to get out and get some exercise with your pet. For detailed information BringFido.com is a great website that will tell you of all of the locations where pets are welcome. Some of these locations include campsites, hiking/jogging trails, beaches, pet friendly hotels, restaurants, winery tours, shopping centers and so much more.
Some of our favorites include:
Fiesta Island Off Leash Dog Park
San Diego, CA, US.
Alpine Pedal Path
Big Bear Lake, CA. US
Hound Town Dog Park
11150 Redlands Blvd.
(Contact locations prior to making plans to ensure their policies on pet visits)
If, however, you are simply enjoying the 4th of July break at home, it is a very common problem for pets to get scared or anxious when fireworks are heard or seen. Here are some great tips to help you prepare your home to give comfort to your pet.
1. Take your pet out for a walk or play with them in the afternoon/evening to help them get out any built up energy, this will help them to relax later.
2. Give your pet a comfortable place to relax and rest during the celebration. Usually any small enclosed space helps them feel safe. By covering the outside of a pet carrier and lining the inside with their favorite blanket or pillow it can help to calm them down and it makes it easier for them to rest. There are numerous products that can be worn by pets to help them feel swaddled and calm them down. One that we highly recommend is the Thunder Shirt. This snug fitting shirt helps provide the perfect amount of pressure to your pets body helping them stay calm and relaxed.
3. Treats are a great way to distract your pet from the loud noises outside. By giving them a rawhide bone, catnip, or even treating them to a new toy it will allow them to focus on something other than the fireworks.
4. Close all windows, doors, and curtains to help reduce the noise level and or flashing lights of the fireworks. Also turn on noises that your pet is already used to like a radio or a television to help mask the sounds of fireworks.
5. Finally, most pet stores have natural herbal drops for pets to help calm them down and relax. You can also contact your veterinarian, they should be able give you a very mild tranquilizer to administer to your pet in the evening.
We hope you enjoy the 4th of July weekend and please celebrate responsibly with friends and family. Remember that with all of the time and attention our pets give us throughout the year we should be able to cater to them one night and make sure they feel safe.
(Please consult with your veterinarian before implementing any new health routines including restrictive clothing and herbal remedies. Caution should be taken with all pets especially if your pet has other known health factors.)
Moss Bros Honda of Moreno Valley is privileged to have the opportunity to help the community and local schools by participating in the Honda: Back to School Supply Drive. This donation drive is going on now through Labor Day, and Moss Bros Honda is excited to be able to help schools in Moreno Valley that are in need. We have a designated bin that is located at the front desk and has been set up for anyone to stop by and drop off a donation of school supplies.