While we are busy celebrating America’s birthday, it’s easy to forget that our dogs and cats might not think it’s so much fun.
In fact, they can be terrified by both the sight and sound of fireworks. They can also become
upset if you have a number of guests coming and going in your home.
upset if you have a number of guests coming and going in your home.I worked for years in animal rescue, and the days following July 4 were always the heaviest in terms of lost dog reports. Sadly, most of those dogs were never found. Fear causes them to run – and run, and run, in an attempt to escape the noise.
If you're a long-time pet parent, you know this, but if this is your first 4th of July with a dog or a cat, please don't learn it the hard way.
If you're visiting in an unfamiliar place, your dogs are even more at risk. If they run from fear, they won't know where they are or how to get back to you.
So give your dogs and cats a safe place to hide out – both on the 4th and on other days when neighbors might be using fireworks. Give them a crate or a box to snuggle inside in a well-insulated room, where the noise might not be so threatening. If you’ll have guests in and out, shut the door so they can’t accidentally slip outside.
When they need to go out, put your dogs on a leash. Provide a litter box for your cats.If you’re leaving to watch fireworks from another location, leave them inside the house – not in a yard, even if it’s fenced. A frightened dog can climb unbelievable heights in order to try to get away. If your dogs aren’t allowed inside, then put them in a garage.
If you're camping, there may be others nearby who are lighting firecrackers all day. If your dog shows any fear at all, put him on a rope and keep him in your sight. If it gets bright and noisy at dark, put him in your vehicle, perhaps with a covered crate so he can hide.
If you know your dogs will be terrified, make a quick trip to your veterinarian for a mild tranquilizer.
Don’t let your holiday be spoiled by the loss of a beloved pet.
A Happy Independence Day – to you and to your pets!
Fireworks courtesy of MorgueFile.com
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