Keeping your pup safe is one of the best ways to ensure a happy Fourth! Fireworks can startle a dog even if you think it’s fine with noise. Fireworks are unpredictable, and loud. They have a well-known history of causing dogs to bolt in fear. Sadly, only 14% of lost pets are returned to their owners, according to nationwide statistics.
Shelters Say Their Busiest Day of the Year is July 5th
Animal control officials across the country report dramatic increase in lost pets each year between July 4th and 6th. July 5th is one of the busiest days of the year for shelters. Pets that are running in fear are more likely to be hit by vehicles and suffer serious injuries.
Read on for the best way to prevent your dog from bolting out of sight at the loud noise of fireworks and avoid an unwanted stay at the shelter or the danger of being lost. Even at home, an anxious dog may make a break for it and run after being frightened by the noise of fireworks.
Animals are usually scared by fireworks, firecrackers and other fourth of July celebratory actions that typically don’t harm humans, but upset the delicate auditory senses of dogs and cats. Their hearing is much more sensitive and there are incredibly loud fireworks that come out.
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Some dogs are not just afraid of fireworks because they are loud. Fireworks are also accompanied with sudden flashes and burning smells, which can be overwhelming for your pet.
The noise is also likely to be unfamiliar, which can be very frightening for some dogs. Running away is a survival instinct for dogs, so make sure your dog is wearing its collar with a GPS tracking device. Even if your dog is microchipped, your chances to find him fast enough are slim to none.
First, make sure your dog is wearing a dog GPS tracking device. At least if they get lost, if they have GPS tracker, you can get them back home to you. Have a current photo of your dog as well.
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Use these 10 simple tips to keep your dog safe this holiday and lower the risk of lost dog heartbreak.
- Walk your dog early in the day before fireworks begin! Also, make sure the collar is secure and your dog can’t back out of it. If you’re having a cookout, remind guest to close gates.
- Remind guest to not feed your pets table scraps as many foods that are okay for people can be toxic or harmful to pets. Keeping treats available at parties can help avoid this temptation!
- Keep pets away from charcoal, fireworks, sparklers and glow sticks. Also keep in mind some pets also may try to fetch or attack fireworks! An anxious dog also tends to chew or scratch: perform a check to put toxic or valuable items out of reach.
- Never use fireworks around pets! While exposure to lit fireworks can potentially result in severe burns and/or trauma to the face and paws of curious pets, even unused fireworks can pose a danger. Many types contain potentially toxic substances, including potassium nitrate, arsenic and other heavy metals.
- Never leave alcoholic drinks unattended where pets can reach them. Alcoholic beverages have the potential to poison pets. If ingested, the animal could become very intoxicated and weak, severely depressed or could go into a coma. Death from respiratory failure is also a possibility in severe cases.
- Always keep matches and lighter fluid out of your pets’ reach. Certain types of matches contain chlorinates, which could potentially damage blood cells and result in difficulty breathing—or even kidney disease in severe cases. Lighter fluid can be irritating to skin, and if ingested can produce gastrointestinal irritation and central nervous system depression. If lighter fluid is inhaled, aspiration pneumonia and breathing problems could develop.
- Keep your pets on their normal diet. Any change, even for one meal, can give your pets severe indigestion and diarrhea. This is particularly true for older animals who have more delicate digestive systems and nutritional requirements. And keep in mind that foods such as onions, chocolate, coffee, avocado, grapes & raisins, salt and yeast dough can all be potentially toxic to companion animals.
- Do not put glow jewelry on your pets, or allow them to play with it. While the luminescent substance contained in these products is not highly toxic, excessive drooling and gastrointestinal irritation could still result from ingestion, and intestinal blockage could occur from swallowing large pieces of the plastic containers.
- Keep citronella candles, insect coils and oil products out of reach. Ingestion can produce stomach irritation and possibly even central nervous system depression. If inhaled, the oils could cause aspiration pneumonia in pets.
- Make sure to keep your dog occupied during fireworks, especially if they’re afraid. Treats and music are great distractions.
On the Fourth of July, use a GPS tracker on pets so that if they do run away, it’s easier for you to locate and find them.
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