{"id":63581,"date":"2017-06-14T16:25:02","date_gmt":"2017-06-14T20:25:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/stage.bhgrelife.com\/bhgrelife\/?p=63581"},"modified":"2018-05-24T10:48:00","modified_gmt":"2018-05-24T14:48:00","slug":"fireworks-pets-dos-donts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/stage.bhgrelife.com\/bhgrelife\/fireworks-pets-dos-donts\/","title":{"rendered":"Fireworks and Pets: The Do\u2019s and Don\u2019ts"},"content":{"rendered":"

By Jenny Stout from Trips with Pets<\/em><\/p>\n

Your human family members might \u201cOoh\u201d and \u201cAah\u201d at the fireworks this Fourth of July, but what about your pet?\u00a0 This holiday is one of the most distressing, and possibly dangerous, annual events for pets.\u00a0 What is a cause for celebration for you can be source of anxiety for your pet.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s what to do, and what not to do, when it comes to fireworks and your pet:<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t Assume All Noise Is Created Equal<\/strong>
\nMany pet parents think that their pet will not be affected by fireworks if he or she is normally fine during thunderstorms, or when other loud noises are present.\u00a0 However, this is not necessarily the case.\u00a0 Even pets who are calm, cool and collected when it\u2019s thundering, or when a loud motorcycle goes by, may panic during fireworks.\u00a0 The full effect of the sounds, excitement and noise from the people outside, and the fact that he or she is alone inside the house, can add up to stress and fear for your pet.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t Leave Your Pet Outside Unattended<\/strong>
\nWhen frightened, pets who normally would not leave the yard may run away and become lost.\u00a0 If you leave your pet on a chain, he or she may become tangled up, which can lead to injury or even death.<\/p>\n

Animal shelters across the country have reported that they take in more dogs around the Fourth of July than any other time of year.\u00a0 These are mostly dogs who have run away during fireworks.\u00a0 Additionally, many police stations report an increase in calls about stray dogs and complaints about excessive barking on the Fourth of July in relation to other days during the year.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t Let Your Pet Sit in the Car Alone<\/strong>
\nDo not plan to take your pet with you to watch the fireworks.\u00a0 Cars can heat<\/a> up in a matter of minutes, and your pet can encounter serious health problems or even death in just a short time.\u00a0 Cracking open the windows does not provide enough fresh air, and unfortunately only invite thieves to take your pet for themselves.\u00a0 Additionally, the stress that your pet may endure while sitting alone in the car during the fireworks could cause him or herto get hurt.\u00a0 He or she may try to hide under a seat and become trapped, or jump around and get injured.\u00a0 Also, a pet can become destructive when under stress, and could do damage to the interior of your car if he or she chews and scratches.<\/p>\n

Do Allow Your Pet to Be Where He Feels Safe
\n<\/strong>It is best to keep your pet in your home, preferably with the blinds drawn and in a quiet area where he or she will be comfortable.\u00a0 Many pets seek safety and comfort in their crates<\/a>. If your pet is not a \u201ccrate pooch\u201d (or kitty), be sure to remove any items in the area that he or she can chew in the event he or she becomes destructive because of fear .\u00a0 You can also leave a TV or radio on at a neutral volume so he or she has something to keep them company while you are at festivities.<\/p>\n

Some pets seek comfort in a bath tub, under a bed or in another small, enclosed area.\u00a0 If your pet fits this description, then let him or her go to their \u201csafe spot.\u201d\u00a0 Do not attempt to make him or her come out, as long as he or she is safe and secure.<\/p>\n

If you know that your pet enjoys riding in the ca<\/a>r<\/strong><\/a>, taking him or her for a drive while the fireworks are in full swing may also help ease the tension.<\/p>\n

Do Seek Counsel from Vet
\n<\/strong>If you\u2019re concerned that your pet will become stressed and anxious from the loud firework noises,\u00a0 you may want to contact your veterinarian for suggestions of more ways to help keep him or her calm.<\/p>\n

Do Ensure Your Pet Is Properly ID\u2019d<\/strong>
\nBe sure your pet is wearing his or her collar with an updated ID tag, just in case he or she gets lost.\u00a0 This will ensure that he or she is returned to you quickly and safely.<\/p>\n

Just like you are planning for the activities<\/a> your family will participate in on the Fourth of July, be sure to also plan for your pet to ease him or her into the holiday.\u00a0 Take some basic, common sense steps ahead of time to make sure he or she has a happy and safe holiday !<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Kim Salerno is the President and Founder of TripsWithPets.com<\/a>, a pet travel guide that provides online reservations at more than 30,000 pet-friendly accommodations across the U.S. and Canada. Kim spends her free time traveling with her four-legged kids, Tucker, Charlie and Brownie.<\/p>\n

TripsWithPets.com<\/a> is the premier online pet-friendly travel guide \u00a0providing online reservations at over 30,000 pet-friendly hotels & accommodations across the U.S. and Canada.\u00a0 When planning a trip, pet parents go to TripsWithPets.com<\/a> for detailed, up-to-date information on hotel pet policies and pet amenities.\u00a0 TripsWithPets.com also features airline & car rental pet policies, pet-friendly activities, a user-friendly search-by-route<\/a> option, as well as pet travel gear. For more information, please visit http:\/\/www.tripswithpets.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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