This Smart Tag Is an Essential Fourth of July Accessory for Dogs Afraid of Fireworks

Fireworks are an entertaining part of Independence Day for many people, but for pets, they can trigger panic. There are steps you can take to calm down your dog during fireworks shows, such as keeping them indoors, putting them in an anxiety vest, and giving them a walk beforehand, but when 170-decibel explosions are going off around them, there's a chance they may bolt. Animal shelters report a spike in new admissions each year on July 5 due to scared pets running from home. If you want to keep close tabs on your dog this Fourth of July, a smart pet tag can help.

Pawscout combines the technology of a pet microchip with the noninvasive convenience of a dog tag. The battery-powered tag snaps securely onto your dog's collar. After connecting it to the companion smartphone app via Bluetooth, you can upload your pet's personal profile to the device. Pawscout stores photos, medical records, behavioral details, and contact information. If your dog ever gets lost, you can use the app to alert other Pawscout users in the area. Anyone within a 300-foot radius of your pet will be able to see your dog's location on a map in the app.

Even if you're the only person in your neighborhood with Pawscout, the system is an essential pet safety tool. You can program a "virtual leash" to let you know every time your dog wanders outside a certain range. And if you need to find a local veterinarian, groomer, or pet-friendly business, the Pawscout map can help with that as well.

The Pawscout tag can be purchased for $20 from Amazon, and there's no monthly fee to use it. Whether your pet is outfitted with a smart tag or not this Fourth of July, it's still important to pay extra close attention to them during the festivities. Here are some ways to keep them calm.

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