Fairfax County Shares 4 Tips To Protect Pets On July 4th

Our dogs are so much a part of the family that it's tempting to bring them along to Fourth of July festivities. But no matter how much you want to share the experience with them, it's better if they stay home, animal welfare groups say.

Because dogs have a heightened sense of hearing, they can become frightened by the sound of fireworks and run away, according to the ASPCA. Even dogs that are secured with a leash or chain can break loose and jump a high fence when frightened.

For this reason, July 5 is typically the busiest day of the year at local animal shelters, according to the American Humane Society. Many pets that run away on the Fourth of July are never reunited with their owners. The National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy estimates that fewer than 2 percent of cats and 20 percent of dogs entering shelters are reunited with families.

Here are some tips from Fairfax County Fire and Rescue for keeping pets safe on Fourth of July:

• Don't bring pets to fireworks displays, even small ones.
• If fireworks are being used near your home, keep your pet in a safe interior room to avoid exposure to the sound.
• Make sure your pet have ID tags in case they run off during fireworks displays.
• Never shoot off fireworks of any kind near your pets.

SEE ALSO:

What Fireworks Are Legal In Virginia 2018

Virginia, DC July 4 Fireworks, Parades And More: 2018 Guide

Additional reporting by Patch editor Beth Dalbey

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