Did you know more pets go missing on the 4th of July than any other day of the year?

We love our four-legged family members, so here's a short list of reminders from Virginia State Parks to keep them healthy and happy during our celebrations.

1. | I.D. YOUR PET

Be sure your pet is wearing a properly collar with I.D. that contains your current contact info. If you have microchipped your pet, have you ensured the info on file is up to date? This is something we forget when we move or change phone numbers.

Most dogs can slip right out of their collars from their owners when frightened, if too loose fitting. 

2. | FIREWORKS

Most pets are fearful of loud sudden bangs, keep your pet away from all fireworks and give them a safe place to hide out before and after. People begin setting them off ahead of the holiday period, so be mindful of that.

Make sure there is a water source nearby their hiding place. You can also turn on a radio or TV nearby to help distract the random booms they will hear.

Double check all windows and doors so they won't try to escape when they're startled.

Some pet owners buy a Thundershirt to help calm their extra nervous dog or cat. They feel similar to a swaddling cloth for a baby. Available at most pet stores.

3. | KEEP THEM COOL

Paramount this time of year when the heat index soars is to keep extra cool water on hand. Water kept in a metal pet dish can scald their tongue, face and lips, especially if it is sitting in the hot sun.

Just like humans, animals can get heat stroke, so a place in the shade or a/c. would be advisable.

Limit outdoor playtime and exercise during these long hot days of summer. Your pet won't understand, but you're responsible for his or her health and safety.    

4. | ROAD SURFACES

Road surfaces, like sidewalks, parking lots and even sand can reach triple digits when the weather doesn't even feel that hot. We may not feel this through our shoes or flip flops, but they can scorch their pads.

Be cognizant of the extra hot walking surfaces, and extreme heat in vehicles. Never leave a pet in a vehicle alone, with windows up or without the air conditioning on. The back of pickup trucks can be very hot as well.

BONUS

As an extra precaution, if you are unsure you can maintain any of the above safety measures, consider leaving your pet at home, where he/she feels safer in his own environment. If kept at home, someone can tend to his needs and be there when he is fireworks fearful.

OVERNIGHT 

Virginia State Parks provide comfortable and economical pet friendly overnight accommodations in more than 300 cozy, climate-controlled cabins of various sizes throughout the state.

Learn more about our comfy cozy cabins here. Twelve parks offer terrific family and group lodging, learn more here.

There is a per-pet per-night fee to stay in the cabins and lodges.

Twenty eight parks offer camping with more than 1,800 campsites from the Atlantic to the far Southwest Virginia and everywhere in between, click here to learn more.

There is no additional fee for pets staying with family in their campsite.

Click here to check availability and to reserve online or call 800-933-7275 Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (excluding holidays). Also be sure to sign up for the Customer Loyalty Program to earn points that may be applied to future overnight stays.

HAVE A HAPPY AND SAFE 4TH OF JULY 

IF POSSIBLE, ALWAYS SWIM NEAR A LIFEGUARD