With the Fourth of July and its inevitable fireworks just around the corner, many owners are dreading their pets’ heightened anxiety.
What’s more, according to American Humane, July 5 is the busiest day of the year for animal shelters across the country, as excessive sounds and flashes can cause panicked dogs and cats to run away amidst the pyrotechnics.
“While millions of Americans will enjoy fireworks displays during the upcoming Independence Day holiday, many furry family members will experience emotions ranging from unease to terror,” says the animal welfare organization’s chief veterinary officer, Thomas Edling, DVM, MSpVM, MPH. “Loud booms and light flashes can spook pets, causing them to flee—later being found scared, disoriented, and exhausted miles away from home.”
To help prepare for and, ideally, avoid this scenario, American Humane has released the following precautions for veterinarians to share with clients:
- Do not take pets to fireworks displays. Keep them at home and inside with windows closed and shades drawn to minimize sounds and flashes of light.
- If a pet is known to be upset by loud noises, they should not be left alone. Humans caring for anxious pets should be calm and reassuring.
- Pet tranquilizers should only be administered at the advice of veterinarians.
- Owners should double-check all identification tags are properly affixed to a pet’s collar with current contact information, including cell number(s).
- Microchip registration and pet license information should also be checked to ensure it is current.