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Make Independence Day a Great Holiday for Both You and Your Pet
A day filled of barbeques, swimming and firework displays may be fun for you and your family on Independence Day, but the loud noises easily could frighten your four-legged friend, causing unneeded anxiety and stress as they seek escape from the unfamiliar “booming” sounds. Each year, more animals become lost or injured on Independence Day than at any other time of the year.
Help your pet feel safe and secure during the day’s festivities by following these simple guidelines:
- Keep your pet indoors in a cool, quiet room . Close all windows and curtains to muffle the sound of fireworks, and always provide plenty of food and water. Turning on a radio, television or fan also may help calm your pet. If your dog or cat still experiences severe anxiety, you may want to consult your veterinarian about prescribing a mild sedative to ease your pet’s stress. Consider boarding your pet if you will be out of town.
- Leave your pet at home during firework displays . Animals have a heightened sense of hearing so the loud “booming” noise can be deafening and cause your pet to panic and want to hide. Take your pet for a quiet walk after the festivities end.
- Make sure your pet wears a collar with an identification tag at all times, even if he only lives indoors. The ID tag should include your current address and phone number, so you easily can be contacted should your missing pet be found. You also may want to consider having a microchip implanted in your pet, in case his collar or tag becomes lost.
- Never let your pet outside during fireworks. Pets can suffer burns, hearing loss and eye damage if they are too close to any explosion. Do not put your pet on a leash or chain due to potential physical danger and possibility of escape, since many animals become tangled during their attempts to flee. In general, dogs or cats should never roam unsupervised outdoors, as they can become lost or injured.
- Do not reinforce your pet’s nervous behavior. If your pet is exhibiting uncharacteristic behavior, such as incessant pacing, crying or whining, help distract him through play or another enjoyable pet activity. Avoid stroking, petting or reassuring your pet, as this possibly could lead to a serious phobia.
- Take any lost animal to a local animal shelter right away, so you can help reunite owners with missing pets.
- Clean up firework debris before letting your pet outside. If your pet eats the debris, it may cause digestive problems or serious injuries. Contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet has been exposed to any potentially toxic or poisonous substances.
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