Most Dogs Don't Like July 4th Fireworks — Tips To Keep Them Safe

Is your doggo already freaking out from random explosions in your neighborhood caused by folks who bought their own fireworks?

The Citizens Committee For The Lakewood Animal Shelter (CCLAS, pronounced "Claws") reminds pet owners to keep their animals safe and comfortable during the celebration.

Pets, especially dogs, are more likely to get lost on the Fourth of July holiday than any other day of the year. Dogs get scared by loud booms and pops that fill the air triggering their flight instincts. If you’re having guests over the holiday, or merely chilling out at home with frightened pets on your lap, here are a few tips for making keeping pets safe and at home this Fourth of July.

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"Fourth of July weekend and the day or two after are always the busiest days of the year for animal shelters across the U.S, with July 5 specifically being the busiest," says Megan Baucco, CCLAS board president. "This does not exclusively apply to dogs because excessive and unexpected loud noises are upsetting to many, many types of animals. Additionally, it's not simply about the noise — the sight of the actual fireworks exploding can also be very upsetting for pets."

Baucco suggests pet owners do the following:

• First and most obvious, do not take your pets to "watch the fireworks" with you, whether it's a public fireworks display in your city or a fun party that you think the pet would enjoy. It's always best to leave your pet safely secured at home where they are most comfortable and feel safest. At home, be sure to designate a "safe space" for your pet. This should not be outdoors, should include some of their favorite items, and might even have some soft, calming music playing to help drown out the sound of the fireworks.

• Include some of their favorite items, and maybe even have some soft, calming music playing to help drown out the sound of the fireworks.

• Make sure that your pet is prepared in advance for the possibility of escaping your home. Do not overlook having your pet microchipped (this quick, inexpensive and non-invasive procedure can be done at your vet's office and is incredibly useful in helping lost pets find their way home quickly) and making sure they are wearing a collar with ID tags that have your current contact information.

• If you're having or attending a cookout 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 is wearing its rabies tags for identification purposes and she is wearing a collar 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-pitched sharp cracks of fireworks.

• Watch where your dog or cat goes 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.

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Photo by Lori Uldricks