The Fourth of July is a celebratory day of food, fireworks and fun for most around the U.S., but unfortunately your pets do not enjoy this holiday as much as you do. Fireworks can turn this holiday into one of the most miserable nights for pets.
Loud noises startle and distress many pets, with their super sensitive hearing. Scared pets have been known to jump out of apartment windows, leap over or dig under fences, or chew their skin until it's raw. They may also bolt out an open door to become lost and never found, or hit by a car. Even the ones who just tremble in terror may be safe, but they're miserable. Even calm pets may seize the opportunity offered by a holiday buffet to eat something they should not.
Follow the below prevention steps to help keep your pet safe and comfortable this Fourth of July:
Don't leave a dog outdoors alone when someone is going to use fireworks.
Keep your interactions with your dog upbeat, happy and hearty. Don't use a pitying voice or touch that gives a dog reason to be afraid. Act happy and confident, and reward your dog for confident behavior.
Ear infections can make noises more painful. Take good care of your dog's ears. Pay special attention if the ears are not erect, or if the dog has ever had an ear infection. Dogs tend to conceal their pain as a survival instinct, so it's important to make a real effort to know your dog's physical condition.
Fears are often contagious from one dog to another as well as from people to dogs. If you have a dog who fears fireworks and you get another dog, working with the fearful one can help prevent the new dog from developing the same fear.
Source: Kathy Diamond Davis. “Fireworks Phobia.” Veterinary Partner. Web. 16 June 2016. Gina Spadafori. “The Pet Connection.” Veterinary Partner. Web. 16 June 2016.
