Pet Precautions for the Fourth of July
25 June 2024 - 2:00PM
For most Americans, the Fourth of July means cookouts, pool
parties, and fireworks. But for some pet owners—and their beloved
animal companions—the patriotic celebrations bring anxiety and
dread.
“Tragically, more pets go missing over the Fourth of July
weekend than any other time of the year,” said Dr. Robin
Ganzert, president and CEO of American Humane. “Loud
fireworks cause some animals to panic and flee, and they are often
recovered miles from home.”
Fortunately, vigilance and a few simple precautions can help
prevent tragedy this Independence Day.
American Humane is sharing veterinarian-approved tips to
help keep pets comfortable and safe over the dangerous holiday
weekend:
- Know your pet. Pet owners celebrating their
first Fourth of July with a four-legged friend can usually guess if
the upcoming fireworks displays will upset them. If loud
noises—such as thunder, doors slamming, or cars backfiring—frighten
or disturb your pet, fireworks will likely do the same. Owners with
sound-sensitive pets should take extra precautions to ensure they
don’t escape or experience unnecessary trauma.
- Create a safe haven. Don’t bring your pet to
watch fireworks shows they won’t enjoy. Instead, leave them at home
in a quiet escape-proof room or crate. Keep windows closed and draw
shades to minimize the sound and flashes of light. For added
comfort, consider adding background noise—like the TV or a white
noise machine—to help muffle sound along with their favorite toy or
chew to distract them.
- Don’t leave them unattended. If your pet is
likely to be anxious, ensure someone is with them to provide
comfort and companionship. To reassure them, stay calm and don’t
react to fireworks.
- ID your pet. Make sure your pets are
microchipped and have up-to-date identification tags affixed to
their collars. If your pet does get lost, you are much more likely
to be reunited with them if they have proper identification with
your correct contact information.
- Call the experts. Don’t medicate an anxious
pet without first consulting a veterinarian. Contact an animal
behaviorist to work with your pets on their fears. With positive
reinforcement and behavior modification training, the next
Independence Day will be worry-free for the whole family.
About American Humane
American Humane is the United States’ first national humane
organization and the world’s largest certifier of animal welfare,
helping to verify the humane treatment of more than one billion
animals across the globe each year. Founded in 1877, American
Humane has been First to Serve™ the cause of animals and for over
145 years has been at the forefront of virtually every major
advance in the humane movement. For more information or to support
our lifesaving work, please visit www.AmericanHumane.org,
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Media Contact: comms@americanhumane.org