This 4th of July, make sure to keep your canine companion comfortable during the firework presentation in your community. Fireworks can cause animals to become scared, nervous and can cause the animals to run away if they have access to the outdoors. Animal Control Services across the country typically see an average increase of 30% in lost pets during the firework season.
There are a few ways to tell if your animal is stressed or scared during fireworks. Some of these signs include: panting, pinned ears, avoidance, carrying their tail low, lots of barking, pacing, refusing food and scratching or over-grooming.
To help keep your dog calm during fireworks, try taking them on a long walk that day so that they want to rest during the evening or set up a hangout area for them with familiar toys and bedding. If you can watch the fireworks from your home, it will help your furry friend stay calm if you are with them. Being left alone can increase the nervousness when the loud, unfamiliar noises of the fireworks are happening within earshot.
Along with fireworks, be sure to make sure your furry friend is comfortable, hydrated and out of harm’s way during all Independence Day festivities. It’s a busy day, and we want to make sure our pets are enjoying the holiday as much as we are!