4th of July, Shelters’ Busiest Day, Terrifies Pets

The family dog is so much a part of the family that it’s tempting to take the pooch along for the 4th of July festivities this weekend.

Don’t do it, animal welfare experts advise.

For one thing, dogs especially have a heightened sense of hearing and the boom-boom-boom of fireworks is traumatic for them and they’ll do whatever they can to escape.

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That makes the Independence Day one of the busiest days of the year at local animal shelters, according to the All About Animal Rescue, a nonprofit founded in 2005 that operates Michigan’s largest low-cost spay and neuter clinic to help end pet overpopulation.

All About Animals Rescue, the Humane Society of the United States and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) offer advice on getting your dog through the noisy celebration

First off, here are some behavioral signs that a pet is distressed:

• Leash chewing
• Jumping through screens and windows
• Digging under fences
• Jumping over walls
• Running into traffic

Follow these tips, too:

• If you must take the dog along to a local celebration, spare the dog the fireworks. Make sure the pet has been microchipped or has identification and/or a license on the collar to make a quick reunion easier if they do bolt.
• If you find lost pets, take them to a local veterinarian and get them scanned in case they have been microchipped.
• If you’re staying home, but plan to ignite some consumer fireworks, which are legal in Michigan July 3-5, create a safe shelter for them away from the action. Make sure it’s escape-proof and the pets have plenty of water. Turn on the TV or a radio to buffer some of the fireworks sounds with a noise that is more familiar to them.
• Some animals can become destructive when frightened, so be sure that you’ve removed any items that your pet could destroy or that would be harmful to your pet if chewed.
• If you know that your pet is seriously distressed by loud noises like thunder, consult with your veterinarian before July 4th and fireworks for ways to help alleviate the fear and anxiety he or she will experience during fireworks displays. Ask your veterinarian about anti-anxiety products like Thundershirts or fermone diffusers.
• Never leave pets outside unattended, even in a fenced yard or on a chain. In their fear, pets who normally wouldn’t leave the yard may escape and become lost, or become entangled in their chain, risking injury or death.
• As always, make sure your pets are wearing identification tags so that if they do become lost, they can be returned promptly. Animals found running at-large should be taken to the local animal shelter, where they will have the best chance of being reunited with their owners.
• All About Animals Rescue also suggests exercising and feeding pets a few hours before the fireworks start so they’ll be tired and will easily relax in the safe haven you’ve created.

Image: Leslie Yager