HSPPR Provides Tips for Firework Safety
July 2, 2024 Colorado Springs, CO —It’s only natural to want to celebrate Independence Day with your family, including beloved pets. Please remember that fireworks can cause animals a great deal of stress this week and weekend. For animals with noise phobias, this holiday can be terrifying as they cannot control their reactions to the loud and unpredictable fireworks.
Pet owners should learn the signs of noise phobias and practice pet safety during the 4th of July celebrations. Common signs of noise phobias include: shaking/trembling, excessive drooling, barking or howling, trying to hide or to escape the house/yard, refusal to eat, and loss of bladder control. If symptoms persist after fireworks are over, pet owners should consult their veterinarian.
The days following the 4th of July are often some of the busiest for stray pet intake at animal welfare organizations across the country, as pets often escape from fear of fireworks. If your pet gets loose during the festivities, please come to HSPPR as soon as possible to check our lost pets.
Keep license and updated identification tags on them and make sure microchip information is up to date. HSPPR responds to an increased number of stray dog calls during the 4th of July. Keeping their licenses, ID’s, and microchip information up to date and on them at all times helps frightened runaways make it home faster.
Take them on a walk. Before fireworks start, walk your dog so they can have a bathroom break and express some energy.
Use a leash or carrier. Keep your pet close to you if you must go outside while fireworks are going off.
Keep your pets at home. Even if your dog does not have noise phobias, fireworks can cause burns or other serious injuries to curious pets.
Secure your fence. Make sure there aren’t any holes that your pet could escape from in your yard. Windy Colorado conditions can take a toll on fences as well. Make sure they are stable and not easily knocked down by a windstorm.
If possible, keep pets in interior rooms. Keep them in a place where they feel safe, and use calming music, not the television, to provide a distraction.
Provide them with an “escape.” Pets will often seek out a familiar crate, bed, or hiding spot during loud fireworks. Make sure they have access to a place they feel is their own.
Be fire-safe! Do not let your dog go near fireworks, lighter fluid, or matches. Sniffing or eating them could cause serious injury.
Enjoy your Independence Day holiday weekend and keep your Pet-riotic animal healthy and safe!
