While the Fourth of July is a day of fun and fireworks for us, for pets, all those booms are seriously traumatizing.
If you’ve got a pet that gets freaked out by fireworks, experts say there are things you can do to keep them safe. Here’s what you need to know:
Leave your pet at home: Fireworks displays can be disorienting and frightening to pets, even those used to going places with their people.
Do not leave your pet in the car: Cars in the summer are dangerously hot. Your pet can suffer serious health effects, even death, in a few short minutes. Partially opened windows do not provide sufficient air, but do provide an opportunity for your pet to be stolen.
Create a home sanctuary: Leave your pet in an area of your home where they are safe, comfortable and sheltered from any outside noise and lights. An inside room with no windows may be best.
Pet-proof your home: When scared, some animals can become destructive, so be sure to remove anything that can become damaged or might harm your pet if chewed.
Keep them inside: 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.
Identification: Make sure that your pet is always wearing identification. Better yet, make sure they are micro-chipped. In the unfortunate event that your pet gets lost, IDs greatly increase your chances of being reunited.
Source: (American Kennel Club)