How to Keep Pets Safe, Calm During the Fourth of July

(KNSI) – Independence Day is coming up this weekend, and while people may want to get outside and enjoy some fireworks, pets probably don’t.

Executive director of the Tri-County Humane Society Vicki Davis was a guest of KNSI’s Bob Hughes and says she recommends keeping pets inside at home because the sight, smell and sound of fireworks can scare them.

“There aren’t any dogs out there that enjoy loud noises, the smell of sulfur, the bright lights and the banging,” Davis said. “Maybe when you go down to the park ahead of time, you might be having fun with them. But once the fireworks start, that’s no place for a pet.”

There are also other dangers if your pets are around fireworks.

“When you have people throwing firecrackers and stuff, what’s the first thing a dog does when you throw something? They usually go to get it,” Davis said. “So, make sure that they’re, again, being supervised, in the house.”

Leaving your pet in the car while you’re outside celebrating is also not a good option.

“If you’re going to stay in the car the whole time with the pet, that’s different, but do not leave them alone in there,” Davis aid. “It takes just minutes — the way they cool themselves is panting. Well, if they’re panting in the car and the temperature is already 110 degrees, it’s not doing any cooling and they can overheat very quickly.”

At home, Davis says closing the curtains and playing music or the radio at a low volume can help distract dogs and cats from the bright lights and the booms.

“There is also a product out there called ThunderShirt; it’s a coat that wraps around real snugly around the pet and it calms them,” she said.

She also notes that a veterinarian can prescribe anti-anxiety medicine for pets who are very stressed out by loud noises, but that’s a conversation to have with your vet.

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