NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — The Fourth of July can be a fun, relaxed day of celebration followed by a night full of festive fireworks. However, for some pet parents, the holiday can be stressful. That's why Metro Animal Care and Control has shared a few tips and tricks on how to avoid making your pets anxious and keeping them safe as you celebrate.

“It’s not uncommon for pets to run away during this time of the year, especially as fireworks become more common and families spend more time outdoors,” MACC Director Ashley Harrington said. "Taking steps like ensuring your pet is microchipped, checking for holes or openings on fences and keeping your pets inside during parties and gatherings can make it much less likely you spend your holiday searching for your missing pet.”

If your pet goes missing, you can check lost and found groups on social media. Last year, MACC reunited 1,031 pets with their families, adding that many of those reunions were made possible because of microchips. If your pet is microchipped, you should make sure that information is up-to-date. You should be able to update that information through the chip's online database or through your veterinarian — but with many vet offices closed for the holiday, it's a good idea to check as soon as you're able.

If you find a lost pet, you should check to see if they have a rabies or other identification tag because owners will often put a phone number onto the tag or collar. Before contacting MACC, you can post the pet to 24PetConnect.com under the "Found a pet" tab. You can also put up flyers or posters to spread awareness about your missing pet.

With hot, dry conditions persisting throughout the holiday weekend, it's important to make sure your pets have shady spots to escape the sun. They should also have plenty of clean, fresh water available. You can always bring your pet back inside if they begin to show signs of distress from the heat.

If you plan on taking your pet out for a walk, watch out for hot pavement. Reuters, citing the director of the Arizona Burn Center in Phoenix, reported that asphalt and concrete could reach surface temperatures up to 180 degrees on the hottest days.

Although MACC's facility will be closed on July 4 in observance of Independence Day, Animal Control team members will be active and on duty to respond to emergency calls. In-shelter reclaim services will not be available on July 4, which means there's a greater need for mitigation techniques to reduce the chances of a pet running away.

Those reclamation services will be available on Saturday, July 5 from noon until 4 p.m.

News Source : https://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/nashville/macc-july-4-tips/