The Fourth Of July weekend is finally here and most of us are looking forward to some fireworks. While we are enjoying the displays our pets tend to get scared and frightened by the noise. Make sure you don’t loose your pet during the holiday weekend.
“July 5 is one of the busiest days for animal shelters across the country as dogs break their restraints and flee their homes due to anxiety and fear from fireworks displays. Fireworks typically occur once or twice each year so the loud noises and flashes of light can catch your pet off guard.”
Louisiana SPCA
What You Can Do To Help Pets Out
Here are a few tips from the Louisiana SPCA how you can protect your pets this Fourth of July weekend.
· If you live near the location of a fireworks display, leave your pet inside and try using a white noise machine or playing soft music to help calm your pet and block the sounds of the fireworks.
· Exercise your dog before the fireworks start. A tired dog is less anxious.
· Be sure all pets, including indoor cats, wear current ID tags. Consider microchipping your pet if they are not already.
· You can also stuff a Kong or other work-to-eat toy with special treats for your dog to work on during the fireworks. This can also help your pet associate the scary noises with good things.
· Do not punish your pet during times of stress as this can only make the problem worse.
· If it is absolutely necessary to be outside with dogs during fireworks displays, ensure each dog is secure on a leash or harness.
· Make sure outside dogs are secure in the yard, all gates are locked along with possible holes closed.
“During holidays like the Fourth, we urge pet owners to keep in mind that what’s fun for us can be downright frightening for our pets. That’s why it’s so important to keep them safe and inside. No one wants to experience having their pet become lost or injured.”
Louisiana SPCA CEO, Ana Zorrilla.
If you loose your pet fill out and an online lost report with the Louisiana SPCA: www.la-spca.org/lostreport.