– While many families joyfully celebrate the 4th of July, animal experts caution that this holiday can pose significant dangers to pets.
Fireworks have become a staple of Independence Day festivities for people, but for pets, the loud explosions often trigger panic and anxiety.
Animal shelters across the country report that the number of lost pets spikes by 30% to 60% between July 4th and July 6th.
“Dogs get scared, and when they bolt for safety, many don’t find their way back,” explains Tina Scheuerman, who owns Dogwood Trails Animal Rescue and Equestrian Center.
Experts suggest that making preparations before the fireworks begin can help ensure pets remain safe and composed during the celebrations.
“You can get with your vet prior to and get trazodone. They will give you the trazodone, and it helps to kind of quiet them to where they can handle the stress. They also make thunder shirts that you can put on them that makes them feel like they’re being held,” says Scheuerman.
Keeping your pet inside during fireworks is one of the easiest ways to keep them safe.
Experts say taking simple precautions now can help make sure they stay right where they belong at home.
If a pet does get out, experts say acting quickly can make all the difference.
“They want to contact their microchip company and put in a lost dog report, and then, they want to go and put up signs in all of their neighborhoods. They want to get online to the Facebook groups. There’s a lot of good Facebook groups out there where you can post lost and found pets,” says Scheuerman.
Animal experts also recommend making sure your pet’s microchip information is up to date.