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 Many pet parents assume that if their pet is not afraid of
thunder or other loud noises, they will not be bothered by
fireworks. This is not necessarily true. Even pets who normally are
not bothered by thunder and other loud noises are often frightened
and panicked by the cumulative effects of the fireworks, the excited
voices outside, and being left alone inside the house.
If pets are left outside and unattended, the noise and raucous often
drives them to run away. In fact, the July 4th holiday is a very
busy time for animal shelters across the U.S. They report taking in
a higher number dogs that run off during firework festivities. In
addition, many police stations log higher volumes of stray dog calls
and barking complaints on July 4th compared to any other day of the
year.
By planning ahead and taking some common sense precautions, you can
help ensure your pet is happy and safe this Fourth of July.
- Do not take your pet to fireworks displays.
- Do not leave your pet alone 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 they do provide an opportunity
for your pet to be stolen. See our previous post: Leaving Pets
In Parked Car Can Be A Deadly Mistake. However, if your pet is
most comfortable in the car, some pet parents find that driving
around with their pet in the car helps to calm their pet.
- Keep your pets in your home in a comfortable and quiet area
with the shades drawn. If your pet is crate trained, then their
crate is a great choice. 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
keep your pet 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 he or she
will experience during fireworks displays.
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- If your pet seeks comfort in a bath tub, under a bed or
other small space...let them. Do not try to lure them out.
If the space is safe and it makes them feel more secure, let
them be.
- 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.
Here's to you and your pet having a happy and safe Independence
Day!
For more pet friendly tips, please visit our pet travel tips page.
[© 2014 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.]
About TripsWithPets.com
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About the Author
Kim Salerno is the President & Founder of TripsWithPets.com. She
founded the pet travel site in 2003 and is an expert in the field of
pet travel. Her popular web site features pet friendly hotels &
accommodations across the US and Canada, along with other helpful
pet travel resources. Her mission is to ensure that pets are
welcome, happy, and safe in their travels. |
