Every year on July the 4th the sky lights up all over Los Angeles with spectacular fireworks displays. Many neighborhoods start weeks earlier with unpredictable pops and bangs; some very close to home. Pets, while they are no less patriotic than their owners, are not fans of explosions.
The lights, sounds, and smells of fireworks are downright scary. In fact, shelters are often their busiest on July 4th with pets who are lost or injured trying to flee and seek shelter from the noise.
Pet owners can minimize stress and keep pets safe with a few strategies:
Keep pets indoors. Consider keeping pets confined to a small room or crate if they are crate-trained.
Play music or TV to drown out the noise of fireworks.
Close curtains or blinds to block out flashes of light.
Take pets for a potty walk before fireworks begin if possible. If you must take your pet outside for a potty walk during fireworks, use a leash- even in the backyard.
Keep your pet busy and distracted by practicing their favorite tricks or playing with their favorite toys.
Make sure your pet is microchipped. Pets that are microchipped are much more likely to be reunited with their owners if they are lost.
Anti-anxiety medications can be tremendously helpful for noise phobias. We can prescribe a short course for the fireworks season by request HERE.
Wishing you and your pets a safe and fun Fourth of July!
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