ST. GEORGE — While many people love the boisterous ballistic bliss that accompanies the 4th and 24th of July in Utah, the loud bangs and booms can give any dog or cat a case of problematic pyrotechnic panic.
Animal shelters across America end up seeing an increase in animals – specifically dogs – following the Fourth of July. According to Veterinarians.org, statistics show more dogs go missing following this holiday than any other day of the year.
“Sadly, less than a quarter of those lost animals are ever returned to their owners due to a lack of proper identification,” a post on the veterinarian website states. “Whether you’re facing July 4th, New Year’s Eve, or upcoming thunderstorms, it’s vital to understand everything you need to know about keeping your dog calm so that they can stay safe at home where they belong.”
The loud booms from fireworks can scare both cats and dogs, though the reaction from dogs tends to be more pronounced. The loud noises will typically send cats into hiding while a dog may do its best to escape the noises altogether. In other words, Fido will start running — and keep running.
These pets can get lost and end up in the custody of an area animal shelter. However, some dogs may not be so lucky are injured or killed in traffic or attacked by predators, depending on where they end up.
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals reports that its Animal Poison Control Center experiences an increase in calls around Independence Day due to pets having issues with loud noises from fireworks or even having eaten fireworks.
The following are tips shared by the Best Friends Animal Society detailing how to protect your pets from succumbing to pyrotechnic-induced panic:
- Bring all pets indoors whenever neighborhood fireworks displays are likely to occur and secure them in a quiet room. Close the windows, draw the curtains, and surround them with their favorite toys and treats. It can help to play calming music or turn on the television to drown out the frightening sounds.
- Always keep pets away from lit fireworks (including in your own backyard). Some pets will chase after the bright moving objects and are at risk of being burned or blinded in the process.
- Fireworks also contain substances that are toxic if ingested, so be sure to keep unlit fireworks out of reach, too. Some of the health impacts that dogs can get from ingesting fireworks can be found here.
- If your pet gets spooked and runs off, ensure they are wearing current identification tags with your current contact information. Also, make sure their microchip contact information is up-to-date.
“The last thing you want is an emergency over a holiday, when many veterinary clinics and shelters are closed or only open for limited hours,” Dr. Erin Katribe, medical director for Best Friends Animal Society, said in a press release. “If you know your pets suffer from anxiety, discuss pharmaceutical options with your veterinarian in advance. Several medications to treat anxiety are available and can help your pets during these stressful holidays.”
Katribe also noted that milder anxiety may be helped with supplements, such as those containing tryptophan, or a compression-style garment, which swaddles and comforts them. It’s best to speak with a veterinarian for the best option.
Examples of pharmaceuticals that may be used to help calm pets can be found on Veterinarians.org.
Under Utah law, fireworks can be set off two days before and one day after the Fourth of July, Pioneer Day, Chinese New Year and New Year’s Eve.
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