Many Americans enjoy it with awe. The sound of firecrackers exploding The Fourth of July can be a difficult time for dog owners, Those petsAnyone who feels fearful or anxious about fireworks and needs help calming them.
Loud fireworks can easily scare pets. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, nearly one in five lost pets are frightened by loud noises like fireworks. Stacy Danes of Los Angeles Animal Services told CBS Los Angeles that she is concerned that shelters are overflowing with runaway pets after the Fourth of July.
Veterinarians and animal care experts explain why fireworks can spook your pets, what you can do to prepare for Patriot Day, and how to calm your pets during fireworks.
Get ready for the July 4th fireworks
Veterinarians across the country, as well as the ASPCA, Rover, American Kennel Club, Purina and PetMD, have shared tips to help you get your pets ready for Independence Day.
Make sure your animal has an ID tag or a registered microchip with current contact information in case it runs away.
It may be helpful to familiarize your pet with the types of noise they might encounter before the holiday. Pet owners can play fireworks at a low volume for short periods of time while feeding their pets a treat, and then repeat the process over time. As your pet becomes more comfortable, you can gradually increase the volume of the fireworks during training sessions.
Owners can also purchase earmuffs made specifically for dogs before the holiday, which are best introduced gradually before the fireworks display.
There is also Anti-anxiety medication They can be used on pets, but Dr. Carly Fox of Schwarzman Animal Medical Center in New York City told CBS New York that they should only be used in extreme cases. Fox suggests contacting your vet before the holiday and trying all medications before the Fourth of July.
“It’s really helpful because it gives you a sense of how sedated your pet will be,” Fox said. “You don’t want your pet to be over-sedated or under-sedated on the day when the medication really needs to work.”
On holiday days, experts suggest tiring out your pets before the fireworks begin.
Tips for protecting animals during fireworks
While there are techniques to prepare, there are also many tips for keeping your pets calm when fireworks are going off. Veterinarians say you should keep your pets indoors and close curtains and blinds while fireworks are going off. They advise that you never leave a scared dog home alone while fireworks are going off.
Owners can try to distract their pets with valuable treats. Placing the treats in a puzzle toy will give your pet something to focus on other than the fireworks.
Calm music or white noise can also help you focus.
When fireworks explode, your pet may seek safety in a box. If your pet is crate trained or sleeps in a specific room, leave the door to that room open. If they are startled by the noise, they may run to a closed door and get hurt.
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development says you must follow these guidelines when taking your dog outside: Tie them up with strings — Even in a fenced area — because any unexpected noise can cause them to run away.
Michigan officials say horses and livestock must be securely fenced or kept in barns.
Before taking your pet outside after the fireworks display, check your yard for any remaining firework debris.
Why do fireworks affect animals?
Veterinarian Dr. Ruth McPheet told CBS Los Angeles that animals have much better hearing than humans.
“Many pets are scared by loud noises and flashing lights,” she said.
According to the Rocky Mountain Veterinary Clinic, thumping noises can trigger a dog’s fight-or-flight response. According to the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, the unpredictable nature of the noise can also startle a dog.
“As humans, we understand and look forward to the annual tradition of fireworks, especially around the Fourth of July, but this concept is foreign to our dogs, and many become genuinely scared when suddenly exposed to the loud noises and scary sights associated with fireworks,” Dr. Sandra Mitchell, a veterinarian with Animal Medical Associates in Saco, Maine, tells pet site Chewy.
Look for signs of anxiety
Experts told CBS New York: Signs of anxiety in dogs Things to watch out for on July 4th. They suggest that you watch out for the following:
- Urinate or defecate in the room
- Drooling
- Panting
- destructive behavior
- depression
- Excessive barking
- Facing
- Anxiety
- repetitive or compulsive behavior
Learn More Pet Safety Tips for the Fourth of July
The American Veterinary Medical Association warns that charcoal, barbecue grills, and kabobs can be harmful to pets. Food safety is important every day, but especially during the holidays when people around their pets may not know what kind of food is safe to eat.
Pets are needed Avoid chocolateOnions, grapes and raisins, fatty and fried foods, macadamia nuts, avocados, and products containing the artificial sweetener xylitol. Alcohol, citrus fruits, salty foods, and yeast dough can also be dangerous for your pet. Avoid giving corn to your pet as the large pieces can be troubling.
