Animals often become frightened and frantic by the extreme noise and commotion of our Independence Day fireworks displays.
Many of them cower and hide in deep dark corners, or frantically rush about seeking safety; and very sadly, many of them are soon struck down by vehicles.
Last July 4th, I watched a mother goose and her tiny goslings feverishly racing back and forth across a busy highway, desperately seeking refuge from a nearby fireworks show.
I also read about a small town fireworks celebration in which half the town dogs raced out of town in a total panic, and many of them were killed on the roads, or ended up at the local pound.
Animal shelters across the country are accustomed to receiving ‘July 4th dogs’ — dogs who run off during fireworks celebrations and are rescued by animal control officers or Good Samaritans who usher them to safety.
Fortunately, preventing pet problems on Independence Day is possible by simply planning ahead and taking some basic precautions.
"With a little bit of planning and forethought, you can enjoy the excitement of the Fourth of July and know that your animal companion is safe, sound, and enjoying a little peace and quiet," says Nancy Peterson, an issues specialist with The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS).
To protect your pet on the Fourth of July, take these precautions:
Resist the urge to take your pet with you to fireworks displays.
Do not leave your pet in your car. With only hot air to breathe inside a car, your pet can suffer serious health effects, even death, in a few short minutes. Partially opened windows do not provide sufficient air, but do provide an opportunity for your pet to be stolen or to escape.
Keep your pets indoors at home in a sheltered, quiet area perhaps in your basement. Some animals can become destructive when frightened, so be sure that you've removed any items that your pet could destroy or that would be harmful to your pet if chewed.
Leave a television or a radio playing at normal volume to keep him or her company while you're attending Fourth of July picnics, parades, and other celebrations.
If you know that your pet is seriously distressed by loud noises like thunder, consult with your veterinarian before July 4th for ways to help alleviate the fear and the anxiety he or she will experience during fireworks displays.
Never leave pets outside unattended, even in a fenced yard or on a chain on the Fourth of July Weekend. In their fear, pets who normally wouldn't leave the yard may escape and become lost, become entangled in their chains, or even worse, be run down and killed by a vehicle.
Make sure your pets are wearing identification tags so that if they do become lost, they can be returned promptly. Animals found running at-large should be taken to your local animal shelter, where they will have the best chance of survival and of being reunited with their owners.
And if you plan on going away for the holiday weekend, make sure that your pet is adequately cared for in a quiet, safe environment.
If you follow these simple precautions, you and your pet can both have a safe and a happy Fourth of July.
