July 4th Fireworks & Our Pets... Not A Winning Combination.
As pet owners we know that the 4th of July and summer storms complete with lightning and thunder are not our pets happiest days. Fireworks, like gunshots and thunder are frightening to cats and dogs.
However, fireworks are even more overwhelming than other sounds. They are low to the ground, because they create smoke and are accompanied by loud booms. They can be frightening to even hunting dogs that are used to gunshots and smoke.
According to statistics, more dogs run away and are lost on the 4th of July more than any other day. Some reports show numbers of up to 30% more lost dogs on this holiday. If your dog is outside (preferably not), make sure that he is wearing the proper identification. These statistics show how important it is to make sure your dog’s I.D. information is up-to-date. Micro chipping, of course helps and new collars with GPS tracking will also do the trick.
Dogs will jump over a backyard fence and keep running. Don’t take your dog to a fireworks display. They are not a 10 year old child who has missed them for a few years during COVID. So what’s a pet parent to do? Plan in advance.
Obviously, don’t let him outside during the fireworks display but if you can’t bring him to a friend’s house that may be far from the local fireworks or plan a safe spot in the house. Even a travel kennel or carrier where he will feel safe can be good.
If he is small, you can wrap him like a baby. Give him any a bit of a sense of security if you can.
Exercise him earlier and tire him out, close the blinds in the room where he is staying and don’t emphasize the fireworks while you are there.
Of course, there is dog anxiety medication that your vet can prescribe. There is Trazodone for dogs, a prescription antidepressant drug that is often prescribed to humans who suffer from depression.
For dogs, there is a generic medication of Trazodone, in the brand names Oleptro and Desyrel that is prescribed to treat behavioral issues in dogs and cats.
As in humans, these drugs have side effects, found on the medication’s websites.
As always, your vet will know best what to prescribe.
Cats will hide, perhaps for days. Make sure that they have a high place to climb to and recognize that they may be missing for quite a while.
Bottom line?
It is imperative that you understand what you could be facing on July 4th or during severe summer thunderstorms. Keep your pets calm and AT HOME where they feel safe.