Independence Day fireworks mean animal shelters will see a 30-60% increase in lost pets. July 5th is one of the busiest days of the year for shelters. There are important steps you can take to safeguard your four-legged family members.
More pets go missing around the 4th of July than any other time of year, and noisy fireworks are to blame. Fireworks are really loud. Pets don’t expect they’ll happen. And, because fireworks are so infrequent, our pets don’t know how we pet parents will react, so they don’t know how to react. Many simply run away.
The explosive sounds associated with Independence Day fireworks scare our pets. They want to find safe haven, and instinctually, they’ll run from the sound. And when a pet runs in fear, they’re likely to become disoriented or injured – many are hit by cars trying to escape the sound of fireworks, as reported by veterinarians. We’ve written about a pet’s slim chances of returning home and how to improve those chances.
Don’t take the risk. Fireworks will happen, but you can take steps to keep your pet safe… and calm.
Keep them inside
Try to keep your pet indoors at all times during holiday celebrations. Ideally, someone stays home with your pet. Also keep your dog leashed when going out for walks.
Make them feel safe
Comfort your pets with petting, hugging, talking to them in a soothing voice, providing a treat and staying nearby if possible. Make sure they can access their crate or “safe place.” Also ask your veterinarian or local pet retailer about natural calming products, anxiety wraps and other products that can help.
Hide the noise
This tip, published everywhere, including PetAmberAlert.com, perplexes us. So we’ve adapted it because we think the general idea makes sense: Try to drown out the fireworks sounds as much as possible by closing windows, playing music or turning on the TV – at volume levels normal to your home.
Be calm
Our pets take cues from us. Go about your normal routine as much as possible, talking and playing with your pet as usual.
Keep pets away
Don’t bring your pets to a fireworks show. The noise, sights and sounds are frightening. And leaving your dog in a hot car can be deadly.
Lucky & Lady® just might be the perfect solution for noise later this year. Opening soon in Atlanta’s much anticipated Madison Yards in Southeast Atlanta, Lucky & Lady® will be a soundproof, state-of-the-art facility. Learn more about our services and why we’re offering them.
