How to keep your pets safe during July 4th fireworks
MIAMI - While the beaches, barbecues, and fireworks combine to make the Fourth of July the most fun summer holiday weekend for humans, for pets it's traditionally the most dangerous time of the year.
More pets go missing each year over the July 4th holiday than at any other time.
Most dogs and cats get frazzled by fireworks and it's important to keep them calm and safe.
Ginger, 9, is normally a pretty chill dog, enjoying treats and hanging with the family, but come Fourth of July and fireworks, she's a whole other dog.
"Ginger shakes uncontrollably. With even just the slightest little pop, and so you can imagine on the 4th of July, all the fireworks," said Pet Parent Andrea Tromer.
That's s when Ginger bolts to her hiding spot under the bed. After speaking to their veterinarian, the Tromers came up with a plan. "We went to the vet and we'll get her a little mild sedative and that calms her down," Tromer said.
Flora Beal is with Miami-Dade Animal Services. She knows firsthand that fireworks and pets don't always mix. " Sweet Pea, here is one of my family members and he kinda gets freaked out with fireworks and that happens to a lot of dogs," Beal said.
Her dog has a special vest. "Sweet Pea's got this thunder vest that feels like a hug to them, so they can feel a little more secure and calm," she said.
Beal says to have a plan and figure out what works best to keep your pet calm. "Crate-train your dogs, that's also a great way to alleviate some of that stress. Put him in a crate, put a blanket over it. It gives them a little cocoon feeling," Beal said.
Miami-Dade Animal Services put out some tips for keeping your pet calm and safe:
Before the fireworks or celebrations begin, make sure to find a safe, quiet, and secure indoor area where your pet can relax.
Play gentle music to help reduce stress caused by the fireworks or party noises.
- It's a good idea to walk your dogs and feed your pets early before the festivities begin.
- To protect your pets from harm, it's best to keep them indoors during the fireworks or celebration.
- If your pet needs anxiety medication, make sure to administer it before the fireworks or party noise starts.
- For added comfort, consider using an anxiety or thunder jacket and giving your pet a special treat or toy while they are in the safe area you've created for them.
- Unused fireworks can cause serious illness if ingested by a pet.
Please make sure to pick up any fireworks or debris after the festivities.
Pets can be frightened by fireworks and loud celebrations, which can cause them to run away. To ensure that your pet is returned home as quickly as possible, these are some steps you can take to keep them safe and secure:
Ensure your pet is wearing a well-fitted collar with up-to-date identification tags and consider microchipping them for added safety.
Remember to register your name and contact information with the microchip company if your pet is microchipped.