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Pets and Fireworks a Bad Combination

Explosive noises and flashing lights that accompany July 4^th celebrations are frightening to pets.

And, this year, it will probably be an even longer than usual noisy celebration, beginning Friday June 26th  and continuing through the weekend of the 4^th.  Additionally, some area communities are allowing more neighborhood celebrations than before, placing pets even closer to frightening fireworks.

Dr. Connie Wright warns that fireworks and pets are a dangerous combination, leading to lost animals who become terrified and confused by the noise and light show. 

She advises keeping all pets inside beginning Friday and continuing through the holiday, making sure to let dogs outside for only short periods in safe and contained settings.

Scared pets can get hit by cars, cause accidents, get lost, or hurt themselves trying to “out run” the noise.  And the day after the Fourth of July is one of the busiest at animal shelters, as owners try to find their missing pet who -- terrified and confused – prove again that fireworks and pets don’t mix.

“Dogs can become so panicked that they’ll do a lot of things they ordinarily would not do,” Wright says .

 “If they’re left outside in the yard, some will chew through chain link, or jump a fence that they’ve never even tried to do before.” 

Now is the time to take these precautions for the safety of your pets.

Make sure all fences and gates are secure.

Keep your pet indoors, with curtains shut or windows covered, a radio or tv playing to camouflage the noise of the fireworks. Give him a blanket or bed to burrow inside for safety.

Make sure a license or identification tag is on your pet’s collar. A collar fits properly when you can slip two fingers under it.

If your pet is particularly sensitive to loud noises such as thunderstorms and fireworks, check with your veterinarian about tranquilizers for your pet.

Don’t take dogs places where there may be fireworks.

            Never light fireworks near animals.

Have a current, good quality photo of your pet for use on a flyer, if you must circulate “lost pet” information in the neighborhood. Print flyers with color photo and distribute to neighbors, veterinarians, grocery stores, and any other outlets which allow posting.  Check the City of Tulsa animal shelter daily, in person. Additionally, Animal Aid of Tulsa keeps a list of reported lost animals.

 “A lot of animals are afraid of loud noises, so plan ahead to protect them during the Fourth,” Dr. Wright advises. “It’s also a time of year when we see animals getting shot because people think they can get away with it since the Fourth of July sounds like a lot of gunfire.

We recommend bringing in outdoor pets until a day or two after the holiday.