How To Keep Your Pet Safe During Kalamazoo Fireworks

Having a pet is a wonderful thing.  My first pet was a turtle I named Dingfuzz.  Ya I know.  Don't ask cuz I can't possibly remember why or where I got the name.  Ours was an unusual relationship.  I neglected him and he died.

As I grew older we had 3 dogs; Peppy the poodle, Sandy with explosive diarrhea and Penny the mutt.  We loved Peppy and Penny very much and they became part of our family.

Since my wife Karla and I have been together we've had 3 dogs; Yuppy, Allie and most recently Gracie who we had to put down last October after 14 years.  The point is they're not just pets but become members of the family.

So, as we approach the 4th of July and fireworks being legal there's going to be a whole lotta shakin goin on.  And as you may or may not know, all pets don't react the same way to the noise and the bright lights which makes it important to prepare them and yourself to the consequences.

Did you know that shelter see a dramatic increase in lost pets around the 4th?  Ever have to go looking for your dog or cat?  Take the necessary precautions.  Here's a few.

Make sure you pet has a tag or is micro-chipped.  Take some current photos just in case. Exercise your pet before hand as it reduces anxiety.  Create a "safe space" if you can to eliminate as much commotion as possible.  And finally, keep you pet at home.  a lot of people take their dog or cat to a fireworks event and the unfamiliarity exacerbates the trauma.  Happy 4th of July!