Keeping Pets Safe on the 4th

Independence Day is not a time of celebration for our pets. The fireworks that we humans find so thrilling can drive pets, especially dogs, into a state of utter panic. The explosions (even miles away), the high-pitched swoosh of rockets climbing into the sky, the flashes of light - these can all be overwhelming sensory assaults. If your pet is terrified of fireworks, you probably know the signs: he cowers, trembles in fear or hides and appears disoriented. Some dogs become so frightened they take drastic action. They can crash through a screen door, jump out of a window or leap a high fence.

Every year, animal shelters have their hands full dealing with lost dogs that bolted on July 4, cats that have gone missing and anxious owners looking for them. Sadly, some lost pets are never recovered. There are ways to make July 4 safer and less stressful for pets. Keep your pet inside as much as possible on July 4 (and for a few days before and after if your pet is extremely phobic about fireworks). If you find a stray animal, please keep them with you until your local animal shelter is open and ready to receive them.

SafeHaven Humane Society urges pet owners to follow the suggestions below to ensure their pets will not run off.

1) Make sure all pets, even indoor-only cats, are wearing a collar with an identification tag that includes your name and telethon number. A microchip is also a good idea. Terrified animals will become confused and disoriented. They may end up miles from home or deep under a neighbor’s porch. This simple precaution will save a lot of anguish, time, and energy.

2) Walk dogs in the early evening – well before nightfall – to prevent undue stress from noisy fireworks. This includes the day before July 4 and the day after, as fireworks go on sale early and are likely to be used before and after the holiday.

3) During neighborhood firework displays, keep all pets safely inside. Dogs, and cats, who are agitated should be put into a bathroom or other room with no windows, with the door secure. Consider leaving the tv or radio on to help drown out the noise. Remember screen doors will not keep in a charging dog. Please do not take a dog to watch a large commercial firework display. This only increases the chances of him becoming lost in an unfamiliar area.

4) Make sure your pet is wearing an ID tag with a phone number where you can be reached. If you pet does become lost, this is the easiest way for someone who find your pet to find you.

4) In extreme cases, check with your veterinarian about tranquilizers.

If your pet becomes lost during the holiday (or at any time):

1) Immediately check with your local animal control agency.
2) Put up flyers with a photo and detailed description of the missing pet.

3) Check around the neighborhood carefully. Lost cats have been found days later hiding under a bush in front of their owners’ homes. For dogs, expand the search area further than expected as a precaution.

adapted from The Oregon Humane Society