Fireworks and Pets: A Dangerous Mix Pets usually don't care for fireworks.

 

 

Don't you just love those Fourth of July fireworks? The noise, the color, the excitement and the fun make it a special time to spend with family and friends.

 

Your pets—especially dogs and cats—may not feel the same way. To them, the noises are frightening, the excitement is intimidating and the fun isn't very enjoyable. In fact, the whole event bothers them deeply. Leaving your pet at home or in the car may not be enough. If they still hear or see the fireworks, they'll still be upset.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To protect your pet on the Fourth of July, take these precautions:

• Resist the urge to take your pet to fireworks displays.
• Do not leave your pet in the car. With only hot air to breathe inside a car, your pet can suffer serious health effects, even death, in a few short minutes. Partially opened windows do not provide sufficient air, but do provide an opportunity for your pet to be stolen.
• Keep your pets indoors at home in a sheltered, quiet area. Some animals can become destructive when frightened, so be sure that you've removed any items that your pet could destroy or that would be harmful to your pet if chewed. Leave a television or radio playing at normal volume(to provide background noise) to keep him company while you're attending Fourth of July picnics, parades and other celebrations.
• If you know that your pet is seriously distressed by loud noises like thunder, consult with your veterinarian before July 4th for ways to help alleviate the fear and anxiety they will experience during fireworks displays.
• Never leave pets outside unattended, even in a fenced yard or on a chain. In their fear, pets who normally wouldn't leave the yard may escape and become lost, or become entangled in their chain, risking injury or death.
• Make sure your pets are wearing identification tags so that if they do become lost, they can be returned promptly. Animals found running at-large should be taken to the local animal shelter, where they will have the best chance of being reunited with their owners.

If you follow these simple precautions, you and your pet can have a safe and happy Fourth of July.

 

Source—Humane Society of the US

 

Published 06/02/08