Looking Out for Our Furry Friends on the 4th of July

Many of our clients are celebrating 4th of July this year for the first time in their very own lake home after closing on a house at the Lake of the Ozarks.  We know you have been looking forward to it all summer long.  But your pets may not be so excited.  The Lake of the Ozarks is very enthusiastic when it comes to fireworks, with both public and private displays.  We thought we would share some tips to make your first 4th of July at the Lake more pleasant for your pets.

photo credit: Fun Lake MO

Prevent Runaways.

One of the biggest concerns during the holiday is pets getting frightened by fireworks and running away.  Fireworks may be shot at any time of day or night, so during this weekend, it is good to limit outside time.  Even when taking your pet for a potty break, make sure they are on a leash just in case.  Be extra diligent to make sure doors are latched and windows are closed so your pet cannot escape once inside.  Also, be sure your dog or cat has ID tags on their collar and if they are microchipped, make sure your information is current.

Calm and Comfortable.

During the fireworks, there are a few other things you can do to help your pet cope.  First, make sure they are comfortable and secure in a familiar (and closed) room or in their crate.  You may play with them a little extra (in the house) to get some nervous energy out and give them a fresh toy or chew bone to keep them distracted.  Background noise like TV, radio, or white noise can also help drown out the booms.  If it is possible for someone to stay with them to keep them company, that is the best.

Food Hazards.

However, fireworks aren’t the only thing to consider this weekend.  As we are all out grilling in the backyard, there are some other things we can do to keep our pets safe.  Of course, we know to keep them away from the heat of the grill.  But it is also important to keep pets away from things like matches & lighter fluid which can be hurtful if eaten.  Even some people food like chocolate, onions, and avocados can be harmful to dogs (as well as alcoholic beverages).  Even glow sticks and glow jewelry can be dangerous to your pet if chewed or broken open and ingested, the same goes for citronella candles. With all the excitement and activity, plus the possibility of daytime booms, it is recommended to leave the fur babies inside and away from the BBQ.

Heat and Bug Protection.

If you are going to have your pet outside, use similar precautions as you would for yourself, only tailored for your pet.  To protect your animals from the heat and the sun, make sure they have shade and plenty of water.  Usually, fur is sufficient to protect a dog or cat from sunburn, but if they have very thin or short fur, sunscreen may be necessary.  But it must be made for pets, because some sunscreen for people contains ingredients that are toxic to dogs. Similarly, bug repellant spray is a great protection but must be one that is specifically made for pets.

At Arrowhead Title, we are very focused on risk management as we help clients through real estate closings at the Lake of the Ozarks every day.  We know how important it is to protect your rights to ownership, and we know how important your pets are to you.  We hope you find this information helpful.  If you are ready to buy or sell a home at the Lake of the Ozarks, look out for yourself like you would care for your pets and choose the best title company at the Lake of the Ozarks to be there for you. 

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