- Fireworks can be a nightmare for pets.
- Shelters are most crowded during and after the Fourth of July.
- If possible, keep your pets indoors for the entire holiday.
While Fourth of July fireworks can be entertaining for humans, they’re a complete nightmare for animals.
Cats have extremely sensitive ears, so fireworks are extra traumatic and dogs will do anything to escape the noise, and according to the San Diego County Department of Animal Services "that includes digging under, climbing over or even breaking through gates, screens, fences, windows, and doors."
It’s because of fireworks that animal shelters are most crowded during and after the Fourth of July.
If you want to keep your pets safe and calm during Fourth of July firework displays, take note.
Make sure collars and microchips are up-to-date.
In the event that your pet runs away — make sure they have collars with phone numbers and home addresses up to date. If your pets are micro-chipped, make sure that the information associated with the microchip is current.
Don’t take your dog to see fireworks.
Trainer David Wright told The Denver Post that you should resist the urge to bring your dog with you to any Fourth of July festivities. If your pup is already scared of fireworks from inside the house, they’ll be even more scared seeing them up close.
Use a crate or keep them in a quiet room.
The American Veterinary Medical Association suggests keeping your pet in a crate or closed room for two reasons. First, doing so will keep them from running away. Second, a quiet room will muffle the noise from outdoors. If you have an "outdoor cat" or a dog who usually stays in the backyard, make an exception on the Fourth of July.
Take your dog for a walk before the fireworks start.
Taking your dog for a walk before the firework displays start is a good idea because "a tired dog is a more relaxed dog," according to animal trainer Nicole Ellis.
Play soothing sounds or white noise to calm your pets.
The AVMA also suggest playing soothing tunes or calming white noise in an attempt to drown out the sound of the fireworks.
Encourage hydration.
Fear makes dogs pant, and while they might want to hide out and avoid the water bowl, make sure your frightened pet is staying hydrated.
Consider a sedative if your pet has a history of anxiety.
If your pet has shown severe reactions to fireworks in the past, consult with your veterinarian about the use of a sedative. You might even want to see a veterinary behaviorist, which is a "veterinarian with a special interest in animal behavior."
Buy a "Thundershirt."
A "Thundershirt" is an anxiety vest for pets that is similar to swaddling a baby. The Thundershirt provides "gentle, constant pressure to calm all types of anxiety, fear, and over-excitement issues." They also make Thundershirts for cats.
Have treats on-hand as a distraction.
Treats, bones, chew-toys, catnip — whatever is it, have it on hand and try to distract your pet while the firework display is going on.
Consider staying home.
Consider staying home with your pet to keep them calm through the trauma. The resident cat expert at The Today Show advises that you stay home on your pet’s first Fourth of July experience because that will help train them for future Independence Day celebrations.
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