Firework Safety for Pets
From the Animal Defense League of Texas
Humans may enjoy the revelry of fireworks, but for some pets – fireworks, like thunderstorms, can cause a great deal of stress which may include:
- Violent shaking, trembling
- Excessive drooling
- Barking, howling
- Trying to hide or get into/out of the house, fence, or other enclosure
- Refusing to eat food
- Some animals may lose bladder or bowel control or experience temporary diarrhea from prolonged stress
How can you protect your pet from the stress associated with fireworks?
- Keep your pets indoors.
- Close the curtains or blinds and turn on the TV or radio to provide some distraction.
- Provide treat toys, such as KONG’s filled with their favorite food, to help keep their minds busy and distract them from the fireworks.
- Provide a quiet place, such as a carrier or crate, which may give your pet a sense of security and comfort.
- Use a leash or carrier if you must go outside with your pet to keep them from running off, which is a common response to stress and fear.
- Practice fire safety! Keep pets away from matches, open fires, and fireworks. Pets may try to sniff (or eat) fireworks, and pet hair can easily catch fire if they get too close.
- Take pets for a walk before the fireworks begin. Some pets are too frightened to go out once the fireworks are popping, and this may lead to an “accident” later.
- Make sure your pet’s ID/Microchip is current. Your pets should always have proper identification tags with current information in case they get lost. Microchipping is strongly recommended. Please talk to your vet and schedule your appointment- typically the cost of a microchip is about $30.
Some dogs don’t seem to notice the fireworks. But some pets cannot be calmed by petting or talking to them; they are simply too upset by the noise. Animals who are frightened/stressed can hurt themselves and possibly escape if left alone, and the results can be fatal. Frightened animals running loose are in great danger of being lost or, worse yet, hit by a car. For this reason, please be prepared to be there for your pet during the Fourth of July and News Year’s Day.
In the event your pet does get lost, we recommend the following:
- Search your property thoroughly
- Contact your microchip company
- Try to attract your pet: Leave food and water outside along with your pet’s bed and a worn article of your clothing.
- Post Lost Flyers, ask your neighbors, visit the City of San Antonio Animal Care Services website, and check lost and found ads daily!
- Lastly, register your pet with Petco Love Lost which is a national lost/found pet tool utilizing patented facial recognition technology to reunite pets and families.
Visit them at: https://lost.petcolove.org/.
To learn more about The Animal Defense League visit: www.adltexas.org, and don’t forget to use the following hashtags: #petcolovelost and #ADLtexas. We hope these tips can help keep your pets calm and safe during the fireworks celebrations.
