Keep Your Dog Safe During Fourth of July Fireworks

By Lorraine Swanson (Patch Staff). Photo: Evanston Animal Shelter

You're probably already hearing the sounds of M80s and quarter sticks being blown off in your neighborhood as we head into the Fourth of July holiday, which probably means your dog is freaking out.

The Cook County Department of Animal and Rabies Control reminds pet owners to keep their animals safe and comfortable during the celebration.

"Remember, your pet may be frightened by the noise and activity," said Dr. Donna Alexander, administrator of the Cook County Department of Animal and Rabies Control. "Make your pet feel safe and comfortable so the holiday is enjoyable for everyone."

Dr. Alexander suggests pet owners do the following:

• Create a quiet place for your dog or cat. Make sure it is cool enough, comfortable enough and away from the celebrations. Once you have located the spot, make it off-limits to guests and minimize any interference with this solitude.

• Leave a radio, television or fan on in your pet’s safe spot.

• If your animal requires prescriptions to cope with the fireworks, make sure you get them well before the Fourth of July holiday. Most veterinarians are closed for the holiday and emergency clinics will not prescribe tranquilizers.

• If you're having or attending a cook-out with a pet, remind guests to watch their plates and to properly dispose of their garbage. A finished steak bone/chicken bone or that expended corn cob is appetizing but can be deadly to your dog or cat.

• Post notes or signs on back gates or front and rear doors that an animal is present and to be careful to close doors and gates when entering or exiting.

• Make sure that your pet has on its rabies tags for identification purposes and she is wearing a colar and tag with your name and phone number in case of escape. Most pet stores, such as Petco or Petsmart, have machines inside the store where you can make pet ID tags on the spot.

• Thundershirts and other commercially available swaddling devices work on some dogs, but are often more effective against lower-pitch rumbles of thunder and lightning, than the high-pitches sharp cracks of fireworks.

• Watch where your dog or cat go before the Fourth of July when the neighborhood hooligans start blowing off fireworks. See where your pet seeks quiet and make that their space. If they seek your comfort, locate a place of solitude for them and leave comforting articles with your scent on them.

Honey, the dog spokesmodel, is available for adoption at the Evanston Animal Shelter.