Noise and flashing lights from holiday celebrations can cause stress for your family pet. (katkaak/sxc.hu)
Spectacular fireworks are a highlight of Independence Day celebrations. The resulting loud noises, however, can be a source of stress and anxiety for many pets. Many animal shelters and animal control agencies across the country see a spike in stray/lost dogs right after July 4.
The Humane Society of the United States strongly encourages pet owners to protect their pets from potential harm with these safeguards:
Leave your pet at home. Fireworks displays can be disorienting and frightening to pets, even those used to going places with their people.
Create a home sanctuary. Leave your pet in an area of your home where he or she is safe, comfortable and sheltered from any outside noise and lights. An inside room, where the pet normally spends time and is comfortable with no windows or doors to access the outside may be best.
Protect your property. When scared, some animals can become destructive, so be sure to remove anything that can become damaged or might harm your pet if it was to be chewed.
Never leave pets outside and unattended. Even in a fenced in yard, panic can lead a pet to escape and get lost, or become injured while trying to seek refuge.
Make sure that your pet always wears identification. In the unfortunate event that your pet was to get lost, an updated identification tag greatly increases your chances of being reunited, even if your pet is microchipped.
If your pet fears loud noises such as thunder, fireworks won't fly. In that case, consult your veterinarian before July 4 on how to lower your pet's stress level and consider having someone remain home with your pet.
"It's understandable that people want to include their family members - including pets - in their holiday celebrations," said Nancy Peterson, HSUS issues specialist for companion animals. "However, most pets are more likely to enjoy their comfortable routines. Save the fireworks and fanfare for your human companions, and for everyone, have a safe and fun holiday."
For more information, visit humanesociety.org/pets.
The Humane Society of the United States strongly encourages pet owners to protect their pets from potential harm with these safeguards:
Leave your pet at home. Fireworks displays can be disorienting and frightening to pets, even those used to going places with their people.
Create a home sanctuary. Leave your pet in an area of your home where he or she is safe, comfortable and sheltered from any outside noise and lights. An inside room, where the pet normally spends time and is comfortable with no windows or doors to access the outside may be best.
Protect your property. When scared, some animals can become destructive, so be sure to remove anything that can become damaged or might harm your pet if it was to be chewed.
Never leave pets outside and unattended. Even in a fenced in yard, panic can lead a pet to escape and get lost, or become injured while trying to seek refuge.
Make sure that your pet always wears identification. In the unfortunate event that your pet was to get lost, an updated identification tag greatly increases your chances of being reunited, even if your pet is microchipped.
If your pet fears loud noises such as thunder, fireworks won't fly. In that case, consult your veterinarian before July 4 on how to lower your pet's stress level and consider having someone remain home with your pet.
"It's understandable that people want to include their family members - including pets - in their holiday celebrations," said Nancy Peterson, HSUS issues specialist for companion animals. "However, most pets are more likely to enjoy their comfortable routines. Save the fireworks and fanfare for your human companions, and for everyone, have a safe and fun holiday."
For more information, visit humanesociety.org/pets.
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