July 4th is a scary time for pets. The loud booming fireworks can put animals in a fight or flight mode, many like to flee.
Please make sure to have identification on your pet(s) and your home is secure. If you plan on going out, double check your home. Dogs and cats are acrobats and can squeeze or dig through the tiniest space. Try creating some white noise by leaving on some soft soothing music or turn on that noisy fan to help relax your pet. Please keep cats and dogs inside.
If you know your pet doesn’t do well with loud noises, make arrangements for someone to doggie sit if you are going out. For extreme anxiety issues talk to your veterinarian, there are many natural calming and anxiety relief treatments you may be able to give your pet.
So have fun and celebrate this nation, because there are many great things about living in America. Please use all caution necessary around fireworks and leave your dog at home. If you light fireworks off in the yard, make sure your dog is secure in a different area. All dogs I’ve seen at firework shows look terrified. Make it a point to let the owner know, politely. A good thing to say is “Is your dog okay? Looks really scared.” Most smile and say “he/she is okay”, but maybe next year they will think about it and leave the pup at home.
Some of my fondest childhood and young adult memories are around the Fourth of July. I can distinctly remember my little brother and I playing with charcoal snakes, lighting off bottle rockets and firecrackers in the middle of the street. Later in life, hanging out with my best friend and her family at Edgewater Park in Cleveland and hearing the “oooohhhs”, “aaahhhhhs” and “YEOWWWW” because the last expressive interjection was a bat flying through where we sat, watching the fireworks show too.
Be kind to each other and remember pet safety on the 4th of July!
The ASPCA has some great additional tips “Do’s and Don’ts” at their website: