“Bow OW!  My ears! I’m scared!”

The problem: The sky is lighting up for the Fourth of July and pets are running for cover. Pet owners need to remember that dogs have more than twice the sensitivity to sound as humans and can hear sounds four times farther away The unfamiliar combination of painful, unusual noise and flashing lights can cause Fido to bolt. Animal shelters across the country report extremely high numbers of “July 4th Dogs” are rescued by good samaritans and animal control officers every year as they run off during fireworks celebrations. Dogs are willing to do anything to escape the noise as their behavior is usually unpredictable and out of character. This behaivor may include: chewing through leashes, jumping through screens and even windows, digging under fences, jumping over walls, bolting from the owner and sadly, running into traffic.

Fortunately, there are some simple guidelines to follow to help ensure your pet’s protection and make the 4th a fun and safe holiday.

The precautionary planning:

• Do not take your pet to fireworks displays
• Keep pets indoors at home in a sheltered, quiet area. A television or radio for background noise might help muffle some of the unfamiliar fireworks noise. When frightened, your pet may become destructive,
• so make sure special or harmful items are out of reach.
• Do not leave your pets unattended outside even if your yard is fenced. Pets risk being injured or killed if they escape to look for you. If they are chained up, they may become entangled risking injury.
• Be certain that you have current ID tags on your dog as well as having had them microchipped. These chips remain a permanent ID in case the collar is lost.
• Never punish a dog for showing fear.

What about Fourth of July parties and BBQ’s?: If you are having large crowds come to celebrate, it may be best to put your dog in a bedroom away from the crowd. Small animals sometimes are accidentally stepped on by a visitor. Guests may feed your pets foods that your animals are not used to causing upset tummies. Some vets will prescribe anxiety meds if your pet is extremely sensitive to stressful events. Excitable children need to be watched so as not to overwhelm a pet. Not all dogs are happy to be held by strangers. Also, the 4th can bring soaring temperatures in July so be sure to have plenty of water and shade for your pets and of course, never leave them in a parked car. Watch dogs around the pool and beach. Keep toxic items such as matches and lighter fluid away from pets. Plates of food left laying around create a tempting grab and go treat for pets and rib bones, etc. can cause a choking or digestive hazard.

The outcome:

With a little thinking ahead, and utilizing some of the above precautions, your pets can have a blast on the 4th too and everyone can have a safe and memorable holiday.

Sources:
ivillage.com
examiner.com
theleafchronicle.com
hsus.org
kdrv.com
dogs.suite101.com