Before the Boom: What Every Pet Owner Should Know About July 4th 

While July 4th fireworks can be fun for us, our pets may not feel the same way. Pets may hide, pant, tremble, drool, pace or cry. Many become destructive. Frightened and panicked pets have been badly injured when they broke through closed windows and doors to get away from the noise. Animal shelters are full of escapees who ran away during this time.  

There are many things you can do to help your pets during this stressful time. It is important to keep them indoors. If your dog needs to go outside, take him on a leash. A frightened dog can go through, jump or climb fences, causing injury.

It is important to make sure all pets have some kind of identification. Unfortunately identification tags and collars can fall off during escapes. The best form of permanent identification is a microchip. All animal shelters and veterinary clinics will check lost and found pets for microchips at no charge. Microchips can be purchased and implanted at your veterinarian and most animal shelters.

Keeping a pet in a safe, quiet room with the radio or television tuned to a familiar station can be soothing for a pet.

There are synthetic pheromone sprays available for dogs and cats (Feliway for cats and Adaptil for dogs) that are sprayed in the room to help decrease your pet’s stress. These mimic the natural pheromones of the mother cat or dog, which calms their offspring and gives them a sense of security.

Training techniques work but must be started months before the fireworks. You can desensitize a pet by exposing the fearful pet to quieter sounds of fireworks, and then very slowly increase the volume over weeks and months. Sounds of fireworks can be downloaded off the internet. It helps to reward your pet with treats, toys or affection. The goal is for them to associate fireworks with a positive experience.

Many pets benefit from prescription medication to help decrease their anxiety and fear. Ask your veterinarian ahead of time so you can try the medication at home before the noise begins. Do not give your pet any medication without consulting your veterinarian first.

Wishing you a happy and safe July 4th!

Dr. Laurie Kelban, MS, DVM

Dr. Laurie Kelban practiced small animal veterinary medicine for 34 years. She has spoken at local schools regarding pet care and careers in veterinary medicine and has written reports as an expert witness for the California Veterinary Medical Board.