Fireworks are setting off all summer long, especially in the streets of Los Angeles.
For many Americans, the family dog is part of the family who participates in many festivities throughout the year. However, celebrating the July 4th holiday and summer fireworks, families may want to reconsider bringing their pet out for fireworks shows and similarly noisy activities that can cause unnecessary panic for their pet, putting them at risk of running away.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Fourth of July traditions, such as parades, picnics and fireworks are fun for people but can be frightening for pets. The holiday is among the top days of the year when more pets break away from their families or homes, primarily out of fear.
The AMVA suggests we can prepare for the holiday by having identification tags with up-to-date information, in case a dog or cat panics and darts away from its family or home. Take a current picture of your pet, just in case they become lost, and if your pet is not already microchipped, talk to your veterinarian about microchipping your pet to improve your chances of getting them back if they become lost. Every Petland puppy goes home with a microchip for this purpose.
Other tips to assure the safety and wellbeing of your pet during holiday celebrations, AVMA veterinarians suggest:
- Leave your pets at home. Loud noises, unfamiliar places and crowds can be frightening to pets, increasing the risk of pets becoming scared and running away.
- Consider putting your pet(s) in a safe, escape-proof room or crate during parties and fireworks.
- Keep your pet(s) indoors if you or your neighbors are setting off fireworks at home.
- Keep sparklers, glow sticks, fireworks, charcoal, and kabob skewers away from curious pets, and
- Never leave your pet in your car when it’s warm outside, even if only for a short time.
“Pets are family, and it’s important that the humans in their lives take all necessary precautions to keep their four-legged loved ones healthy and safe at all times,” said Petland’s President and CEO Joe Watson. “With upcoming Independence Day fireworks and other activities, pet owners should prepare for how they will assure the safety and wellbeing of their dog or cat over this year’s July 4th holiday and weekend.”
