Tips for Keeping Your Dog Safe During Fireworks

Due to remarkably acute hearing, both dogs and cats tend to be naturally frightened of loud noises like fireworks.

Independence Day has become one of the most popular holidays in the U.S. People come together to show their patriotism while enjoying a day out with good weather and great company. Every 4th of July, thousands of people gather to experience an extensive show of fireworks! According to historical facts, John Adams reassured that the anniversaries to come would require a display of “illuminations in the sky.” For this reason, around 14,000 fireworks are displayed in the skies during the 4th of July, according to the American Pyrotechnics Association. 

There are some furry, friendly faces that are incredibly affected by the alarming sound that fireworks make. Pups can get easily distressed and incredibly anxious during fireworks displays. Sometimes they even run away because of their fight or flight instinct. As a result, they do not always make the smartest decisions and may end up in dangerous or life-threatening situations during perceived danger. Dogs react much more like humans do when danger comes calling. They may respond with fear, hostility or even violence which might explain why fleeing is so popular. During New Year’s Eve and the 4th of July hundreds of shelters around the country end up with tons of lost pets due to the frightening reactions these displays induce. 

There are a couple of things you can do to make your pet feel safer and more comfortable during 4th of July fireworks. Here are some tips to follow before, during and after the fireworks are set off: 

Before:

• Make sure the place where you will leave your pet is secure and safe.
• Create an environment where your pet would feel at ease. Some people opt to leave the TV, radio or sound machine on with distracting noises.
• Make sure your dog has an identification tag on with up-to-date information. You can also have your pup microchipped, which would make finding your dog easier during worst-case scenarios. This could also increase your chances of finding your pet if it gets lost.
• Take clear and recent pictures of your pet(s) and have them handy.
• If your pet has shown anxious behavior before, you can try products that help them ease their anxiety, like CBD. Take your pets out for a walk, this will help exhaust their energy and feel at ease before night falls.

During:

• If you’re hosting, let people know about your pet’s safety measures so that they can help keep an eye out for anxious behavior.
• Keep pets inside at all times and keep fire hazards away from pets.
• Keep your dogs cool and avoid excessive heat.
• Give them toys or chews to keep them distracted.

After:

• Let them know that it’s okay to be scared.
• Hold them and pet them. Reward them if necessary.
• Make sure the nervous reactions have come to a stop. If it prolongs, consult your vet.