Fireworks can be awesome but not every member of the family is in on the fun. Adrienne Carson, director of behavior & training at St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center offers the following suggestions for pet owners and guardians to help keep animals safe and secure this summer.
How to keep your pet safe this Fourth of July?
On the Fourth of July many pets become frightened and overwhelmed by the loud noise and flashes of fireworks. Fireworks can be terrifying for cats and dogs and cause them to flee or try to escape and become lost.
Keep pets indoors.
The safest place for your pet is at home, not in a crowded, unfamiliar, and noisy place. The combination of too many people and loud fireworks could make your pet panic and desperately seek shelter. Another reason to keep your pets at home is hot summer temperatures. Leaving your pet in the car is never an option and can become deadly quickly. Act immediately if you notice signs of heatstroke and follow our tips for keeping your dog safe in extreme heat.
Create a safe place in your home.
Keep pets indoors with window shades and curtains closed. Turn on a television, radio, white noise machine, or play calming music for your pets and create a safe place in your home for your cat or dog to hide. For example, open a closet door and put in a pet bed, creating an enclosed space with no windows. Giving your pet a safe haven like a covered crate with the door open in the innermost part of your house can help them get away from external noises and commotion.
Ensure ID tags are up-to-date.
Make sure your animals are wearing ID tags on their collars with up-to-date contact information. If your pet is micro chipped, double check that your information is current. If your animal does escape, file a lost report with your local animal care and control.
Shut all doors and windows.
Panicked animals can easily break through screens. Dogs can often open doors by jumping when scared, especially doors with lever-type handles. Secure doors with a bolt lock or chain latch.
Consult your veterinarian.
If your animal is fearful of thunderstorms it is likely they will be fearful of fireworks. Consult your veterinarian in advance for medication that may help ease your pet's anxiety.
