While many Americans looked on in awe and happiness fireworks boom on the Fourth of July, it can be a difficult time to own a dog and a stressful time for pets arewho may feel scared or anxious about fireworks and need help to calm down.
Loud fireworks can easily scare animals. Data shows that nearly one in five lost animals are lost after being frightened by loud noises, such as fireworks, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Staycee Dains with Los Angeles Animal Services told CBS Los Angeles that she is concerned about shelters being flooded with stray animals after the Fourth of July.
Veterinarians and animal care experts explain why fireworks can scare your pet, what you can do to prepare for patriotic day and how to keep them calm during fireworks.
Prepare for the Fourth of July fireworks display
Veterinarians in the US, along with the ASPCA, Rover, the American Kennel Club, Purina and PetMD, have shared advice to prepare pets for the Fourth of July.
Make sure the animal has an ID tag or microchip registered with your current contact information in case they run away.
Before the holidays, it can be helpful to get the animals used to the types of noise they may encounter. Pet owners can play the fireworks sound at a low level for a short period of time while feeding their pets, and repeat the process over time. The volume of the fireworks sound can be gradually turned up during training as your pet becomes more comfortable.
Owners can also purchase custom-made earmuffs for their dogs before the holidays. It also works best when started gradually before the fireworks.
There is also anti-anxiety medication available for pets, but Dr. Carly Fox, with the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center in New York City, told CBS New York that they should be reserved for extreme cases. Fox recommends contacting your veterinarian before the holidays and trying any medications before the Fourth of July.
“It’s really helpful because it gives you a sense of sedation for your pet,” Fox said. “You don’t want your pet to be over-sedated or under-sedated on days when you need medication to function.”
During the holidays, experts also advise to go outside before the fireworks show starts.
Tips for protecting animals during fireworks displays
While there are techniques to prepare, there are also some tips to keep pets calm when the fireworks go off. Veterinarians say pets should be kept inside during the fireworks display, with curtains and blinds closed. They advise against leaving frightened dogs at home during fireworks.
Owners can try to distract their pet with valuable food. Adding a treat to a puzzle game can give your pet something to focus on other than fireworks.
Calm music or white noise can also be distracting.
A pet can search for the safety of the crate when the fireworks go off. If your pet is trained or sleeps in a certain room, open the door. If the noise makes them panic, they can run and hurt themselves in the closed door.
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development says if you take your dog outside, you should be sure keep them on a leash – even in the fenced area – because it can run due to unexpected noise.
Horses and livestock must be kept securely in fences or in barns, Michigan officials said.
After the fireworks show is over, check your yard for debris from the fireworks before letting your pets out.
Why do fireworks affect animals?
Animals have better hearing than humans, said veterinarian Dr. Ruth MacPete told CBS Los Angeles.
“A lot of animals get really scared by loud noises and flashing lights,” he said.
A booming sound can trigger a dog’s fight-or-flight response, according to Rockies Veterinary Specialists. The unpredictable nature of noise can also frighten dogs, according to the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine.
“As humans, we know and look forward to the annual tradition of fireworks, especially around the 4th of July, but this concept is foreign to our dogs, and many of us are terrified by the sudden loud noises and scary sights associated with fireworks. , “Dr. Sandra Mitchell, a veterinarian at Animal Medical Associates in Saco, Maine, told the Chewy pet site.
Signs of anxiety to look for
Experts told CBS New York on Friday some signs of anxiety in dogs to keep an eye out on the Fourth of July. He advises to keep the following vigilance in mind:
- Urinating or defecating inside
- drool
- hold back
- Destructive behavior
- Depression
- Barking a lot
- Pacing
- Anxiety
- Repetitive or compulsive behavior
More Fourth of July pet safety tips to keep in mind
Charcoal, barbecue grills and kabob skewers can harm pets, the American Veterinary Medical Association warns. Food safety is important every day, but especially during the holidays when there are people around animals who don’t know what kind of food they can eat.
Pets must avoid chocolate, onions, grapes and raisins, fatty and fried foods, macadamia nuts, avocados and products containing xylitol, artificial sweeteners. Alcohol, citrus fruits, salty foods and yeast dough can also be harmful to animals. Do not give your pet corn on the cob because large pieces can cause problems.
