Pets and Fireworks Don’t Mix

Precautions to Keep Your Pets Safe This Holiday

Every year we celebrate certain holidays with a fanfare of parades, parties, and fireworks! The splendid displays of aerial pyrotechnics may be fun and enjoyable for the human species, but our pets do not always share our enthusiasm.

The following guidelines should be used to care for your pets during our holiday festivities:

• • First and foremost, keep them in a secure location. Many cats and dogs are terrified of the loud pops and screams that accompany fireworks. The number of “lost dog” posters decorating light poles skyrockets after thunderstorms and firework evenings. Dogs become fearful and dig, break or jump out of fences trying to escape the terrifying noise. Bring cats inside and lock dogs in kennels or secure well ventilated buildings.

• • Inside is not always enough: Some animals become so anxious over the noises that even bringing them inside around their owners is not enough. A dark room in the interior of the home with a tv or radio can help drown out the sounds of the fanfaire outside. Make sure, however, to put them in the room or in a kennel and start the music BEFORE the fireworks start or the anxiety will already be in place.

• • Worst case scenario, with a very anxious pet, talk to your veterinarian about medications that might help the evening pass with less destruction or fear on the part of your pet.

• • Other things to be aware of:
    a. Like most holidays- candy, cakes, sweets and alcohol should be kept out of reach of pets who could be harmed by the contents
    b. Decorations that could be eaten by pets should be placed only in locations where they can’t be reached

• If you have any concern that your animal may have eaten something it shouldn’t, contact your local veterinarian or nearest animal ER for advice or assistance.