This Fourth of July, families, and friends will have the opportunity to catch a fireworks show or create their own light show, but celebrations are often not complete without the family pet. It is effortless to join in and be enthralled by the colors and formations that fireworks display — enough to which the loud booms are worth it. Pets, on the other hand, may disagree.
With pops, explosions, and crowds yelling during the holiday, it will not be rare to find pets hiding or attempting to escape. In fact, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) Animal Poison Control Center (APCC), there is an increase in calls concerning pets who have ingested fireworks or show unusual behavior as a result of the blasts. Calls also correspond to a high volume of missing pets.
Lisa Takesue, DVM, from Main Street Veterinary, said it takes a couple steps to help pets be safe during one of the loudest holidays. “Some pets will get unreasonably anxious starting with the first bit of popping,” she said. “If you know your pet is afraid of noise, plan on staying home.”
Takesue also suggests:
We sometimes get dogs that are dehydrated or severely bruised from trying to escape the noise. It is best to keep pets indoors.
When indoors, leave them in a room that has no windows. Have the television or low music playing to block the outdoor noise.
Some pets do better with sedation. Plan ahead and test medication days before the holiday to ensure the one’s pet reacted will to the medication.
“The main thing,” said Takesue. “Do not fuss over your pet’s anxiety. They feed off that behavior. Go about your normal routine and act calm when the noise starts. If you act calm, your pet will too.”
ASPCA adds:
An anxiety vest may work in some cases—if you don’t have one, try a snugly fitting t-shirt.
And for pets who like to taste new and unusual things:
Some dogs have the tendency to eat anything and that might include fireworks. Be watchful of where your pets are during outdoor activities.
Lakeport Fire Chief Doug Hutchison said with high fireworks activity, “it is important to remember where one’s dog is at all times, especially if you will be the one lighting the fireworks. Dispose of all your fireworks trash thoroughly before letting your dog loose again.”
The Lakeport Police Department took to social media this weekend to remind the public that “Fireworks and pets don’t mix.” They shared a small post that suggested to leave pets indoors during the holiday.
For more information on pet safety during summertime festivities, ASPCA and APCC have a mobile app available for free to download or visit their website at aspca.org.
