Many people love the roar and flashing colors of fireworks, but they can be frightening, overwhelming and dangerous to wildlife and domestic animals. The Humane Society of the United States (https://humansociety.org) offers some simple ways to keep two pets safe during the July 4th through New Year’s Eve festivities, and everything in between:
Keep your pets away from fireworks
- Pets are more sensitive to loud noises, flashing lights and strong odors. On July 4th and other days when people might set off fireworks, it’s best to keep pets safely indoors and turn on the radio or TV to dampen the screeching noise. If you cannot leave pets unattended at home, keep them on a leash and under your direct control at all times.
If your pet is startled by fireworks, seek help from a veterinarian
- There are medications and techniques that may help reduce your pet’s fear and anxiety. You can also try our suggestions to help your dog deal with loud noises. Read our holiday pet safety tips to keep your pet comfortable year-round.
Protect Your Pet From Heatstroke During Summer Celebrations
- Another reason to keep your pets away from the often noisy summer festivities is the heat. High temperatures can put your pet at risk of heatstroke, which can quickly become fatal. If you notice any signs of heat stroke, keep an eye on your pet and take immediate action.
Never leave your pet in a parked car, even if the weather doesn’t seem so warm
- The temperature outside may be a balmy 72 degrees, but the temperature inside an enclosed vehicle can soar to a deadly 116 degrees in less than an hour.
- Also keep in mind that hot pavement can be a hazard to unprotected paws; if your hands are too hot to rest on the ground for five seconds, it is not safe for your dog to walk on them.
Protect your pets with collars and ID tags
- All pets, even those kept indoors all day, should always wear an ID tag collar. Indoor-only pets can become so frightened during fireworks displays that they may resort to desperate measures to escape the noise, including breaking windows or door screens. You should also ensure that your pet is microchipped and that the chip is properly registered with your current contact information.
If your pet does get lost, contact your local animal control center and surrounding shelters immediately and follow our other advice to find your pet. If you find a lost pet, either take them to the address on the tag or take them to a local animal shelter so they can be reunited with their families.