You may be looking forward to celebrating the 4th and watching the Florida night light up with fireworks, but your pet may not think it's so much fun. Dogs and cats can become frighten by the sudden, loud noises and flashing lights, causing them to hide, or worse yet, try to flee.
Shelters see a rise in lost pets in the days following fireworks displays. Even after the festivities die down, the dangers can still exist come morning with firework debris laying in yards. Here are some tips to keep your pet safe this holiday.
- Don’t leave your dog outside.
- Crate your dog or create an area in your home where your pet feels safe.
- Dogs can become destructive when frightened. If you are not crating your dog, remove anything in the room which could be destroyed or which could injure him if he chewed it.
- Closing blinds and curtains can reduce noise and bright flashes.
- Leaving a TV or radio on at normal volume can be a distraction for your pet and help them relax.
- Having proper identification securely fastened to your pet’s collar is important in case he does get out. Talk to us about microchipping your pet, and make sure that we have your correct contact information.
- Keep your pet away from the front and back doors. Stress can cause them to dart out the door.
- Ask us for ways to keep your pet calm if they become seriously distressed by fireworks or other loud noises. A mild tranquilizer for your pet or a Thundershirt for dogs can help provide needed stress relief.
- Do not use fireworks around your pets.
- Check your yard for any potential leftover firework debris. Even if you did not use fireworks, some could have landed in your yard from neighbors. Firework debris can become a choking hazard or become a serious problem if ingested.
Stay safe this holiday.
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