With all the festivities and the fireworks bursting in air, Independence Day can be a scary and dangerous day for your pets. In this article from The Huffington Post, veterinarian Dr. Karen Becker offers advice on some advance planning you can do to prevent problems for your pet on July 4th.
While holiday festivities are typically non-stop fun for human family members, often the same can’t be said for the four-legged members of the household.
Sadly, July 5 is the busiest day of the year for animal shelters simply because so many pets panic at the sound of firecrackers, escape through an open door or window, and disappear into the night. Many turn up miles from home – frightened, disoriented, dehydrated, and sometimes injured. Others are lost forever.
There are a number of hazards you’ll want avoid or at least be aware of to insure the safety and health of your pet over the holiday weekend.
Don’t allow your pet outside, especially after dark. If she’ll be within range of the sights and sounds of fireworks, try to secure her in a room without windows. Create a safe haven with bedding, a toy or two, and a few treats. Turn on a TV, radio or other music to help muffle the noise from outside. Leave someone at home with your pet if possible, but whatever you do, don’t leave her outside alone. If she becomes frightened, even a fenced yard may not keep her safe. Dogs have been injured while making panicked attempts to escape their yard, and those that succeed can run away, be hit by a car, or stolen by a stranger.
Don’t take your dog or cat around backyard or neighborhood fireworks displays. And make sure to store personal fireworks where your pet can’t get them. Pets have been known to swallow unexploded firecrackers, and it’s also important to remember that an animal’s fur coat is highly flammable.
Also, don’t give your pet access to glow jewelry. If eaten, it can cause excessive drooling, GI irritation, and potentially, intestinal blockage.
