Posted on 06/30/2012 3:14:12 PM PDT by SandRat
Fireworks are a high point for any Independence Day celebration, but pets can become distressed by the additional noise and commotion. In fact, animal shelters across the nation are accustomed to receiving “July 4th” dogs—dogs who run off during the fireworks celebration and are rescued by animal control officers or good samaritans.
"Pets are family members, and it’s understandable that we want to include them in our holiday plans," said Jeff Ingerson, Animal Control Officer. "However, most pets will be more comfortable staying at home. Spare your furry friends the stress of fireworks, crowds and fanfare on the Fourth of July."
Fortunately, planning ahead and taking basic precautions can prevent pet problems on Independence Day:
Leave pets at home: There are many family and group activities that are perfect for pets, but a public fireworks display or a picnic, cookout or any other type of gathering where fireworks will be set off is not one of them — please resist the urge to take your pets to such an event.
Don’t leave your pet in the car: With only hot air to breathe inside a car, your pet can suffer serious health effects—even death—in a few short minutes. Partially opened windows do not provide sufficient air, but they do provide an opportunity for your pet to be stolen.
Give pets shelter: Keep your pets indoors at home in a sheltered, quiet area. Some animals can become destructive when frightened, so be sure that you have removed any items that your pet could destroy or that would be harmful to your pet if chewed. Leave a television or radio playing at normal volume to keep them accompanied while you’re attending Fourth of July picnics, parades, and other celebrations.
Keep it quiet: If your pet is seriously distressed by loud noises like thunder, consult with your veterinarian before July 4 for ways to help alleviate the fear and anxiety he or she will experience during fireworks displays.
Pay attention: Never leave pets outside unattended, even in a fenced yard or on a chain. In their fear, pets who normally would not leave the yard may escape and become lost, or become entangled in their chain, risking injury or death.
Tag Pets: Make sure your pets are wearing identification tags so that if they do become lost, they can be returned promptly. Animals found are usually taken to the Animal Care Center, where they will have the best chance of being reunited with their owners.
My dogs don’t like the noise so I would just leave them home where they can go to familiar hiding places. In this heat I’ve been giving them a good soak every afternoon.
The neighbor’s dog attacks all fireworks — he’s eventually going to get his face blown off.
No fireworks are allowed within the city so no problem here. My Yorkie would be barking at the noise otherwise, lol.
Clear a spot under the bed for them to hide, if they’re like mine.
Many years ago I had a German Shepard who went crazy at the sounds. She would topple any table to hide.
My dad yokie dog like hide under the bed after he is fine also long we keep tv on he pretty cool he sleep through it
Gunfire too? Yikes, you must be in the countryside! I don’t have cats so can’t speak for how they act but I have some of my own ideas about this. I think a puppy is like a very young child and reacts to how others react.
When we used to have thunderstorms my Yorkie would jump up and I’d say, “It’s OK” and he would lie back down. Perhaps something frightened your German Shepard when it was young??
Gunfire too? Yikes, you must be in the countryside! I don’t have cats so can’t speak for how they act but I have some of my own ideas about this. I think a puppy is like a very young child and reacts to how others react.
When we used to have thunderstorms my Yorkie would jump up and I’d say, “It’s OK” and he would lie back down. Perhaps something frightened your German Shepard when it was young??
My husband, dogs and I will be in the air-conditioned house watching fireworks on TV. It is much too hot for man or beast outside, and the aerial views of the fireworks shown on TV are just spectacular. Frosty Paws for the dogs and frozen hot chocolates for the humans!
My shepherd is also afraid of thunder/loud noises. As far as I know, he was not frightened when young (and I've had him since 8 weeks). Rescue Remedy helps some but the safety of his crate (covered when the lightning is bad) is the best place for him. He's better than AccuWeather in letting me know that a storm will be upon us soon. Have you ever had a full grown shepherd on your lap?
Three of my guys are thunder phobic, but they’re all indoor dogs anyway.
Fireworks are banned this year cause we’re dry but we’ve always got some idiots who shoot them off anyway.
I’ve seen something called a “Thunder Coat” that might help. One of my girls was so bad that even Valium didn’t help, but she’s steadily gotten better since we quit trying to intervene. (I think her hearing is going, but that’s fairly recent.)
Maybe some breeds tend to react differently. I do know the crate makes some feel safe. Lol, yeah I’ve had some big dogs TRY to get in my lap, a couple of my kids have large dogs and the funny thing is that my Yorkie doesn’t like to stay in someone’s lap!
No. Talking about inner city fools firing guns into the air.
Happens a lot during “festivals” around here.
One gunshot here and the police would arrive very soon. You better stay inside during festivals Bronzy!
My little buddies do not seem to care much about fireworks. Good thing, last place we lived on Oahu was like a war zone on New year and the 4th. Asians and their fireworks you know....
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