Like many Americans, you may be planning to have a festive Fourth of July, complete with BBQ, a day at the beach, lots of sun, sand and cocktails. And no July holiday celebration is complete without a grand fireworks show to celebrate the birth of our nation. Perhaps you are planning on staying at home and having a get-together with friends and family. Whatever your plans, don’t forget about your four-legged family members.
Unlike people, pets don’t associate the noise, flashes, and burning smell of pyrotechnics with celebrations. Pets are terrified of fireworks, and often panic at the loud whizzing sounds and big bangs they produce. Because of all this chaos, July 5th is reportedly the busiest day of the year for animal shelters, according to the American Humane Association. Shelters are inundated with pets who panicked at the noise of fireworks and fled into the night, winding up lost, injured or killed.
To prevent such tragedy in your home, here are a few tips on how to keep your pet from panicking this Fourth of July weekend.
Keep your Pet Indoors at All Times!
It may seem obvious, but even if your pet is used to being outside, the panic caused by fireworks or other loud noises may make them break their restraint or jump a fence in an attempt to find safety.
Going to a Fireworks Display? Leave Your Pet at Home
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 will make your pet freak out and desperately seek shelter. Locking them in the car is also not an option; your pet may suffer brain damage and heat stroke. Instead, keep your little guys safe from the noise in a quiet, sheltered and escape-proof area at home.
Have Your Pet Properly Identified
If your pet manages to break loose and become lost, without proper identification it will be that much harder to get them back. Consider fitting your pet with microchip identification, ID tags with their name and your phone number, or both. It is also a good idea to have a recent picture of your pets in case you have to put up signs.
NEVER Use Fireworks Around Your Pets
While lit fireworks can pose a danger to curious pets and potentially result in severe burns and/or trauma to the face and paws, even unused fireworks can be hazardous. Some fireworks contain potentially toxic substances such as arsenic, potassium nitrate, and other heavy metals.
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The safest and best bet for celebrating this Fourth of July with your pets is to exclude them from holiday festivities, at least this time around. Instead, find a safe, secure spot in the home for your pets while you go out and enjoy the loud bangs, bright lights and spectator fun. Your pets will appreciate the quiet a lot more than you’ll enjoy the noise.
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