Fireworks and pets: How to keep animals calm and safe
Share this @internewscast.com

Veterinarians and animal experts recommend creating a safe space indoors, staying close and using distractions to reduce firework anxiety.

WASHINGTON — While fireworks events are exhilarating for many people, they can induce stress and fear in pets, potentially putting them in harm’s way. With the Fourth of July nearing, it’s essential to focus on ensuring your pets are as comfortable as possible during the festivities.

How to keep pets safe during fireworks

Prepare in advance

The American Veterinary Medical Association suggests taking proactive measures, such as updating ID tags with current information or ensuring pets are microchipped. Additionally, it’s crucial to secure your yard for instances when neighbors might launch unexpected fireworks.

Create a safe indoor space

The ASPCA and American Kennel Club advise keeping pets indoors, placing them in a calm, enclosed space like a closet or basement, away from windows, where they are shielded from the sights and sounds of fireworks.

“Dogs are den animals — they’re looking for that cave to get away from it all,” Judy Morgan, DVM told the American Kennel Club. Include familiar items like toys or blankets and consider using white noise machines or calming music.

Comfort your pet

Experts say it’s okay to comfort pets if they seem scared, just make sure to do it calmly. Avoid high-pitched or frantic tones. “Petting them can be comforting — long, slow, firm strokes along the length of their body are typically very soothing,” professional dog trainer Jenn Stanley said in the AKC article. If possible, stay home with your pet or have someone trusted with them.

Use distraction tools

Treat-dispensing toys or puzzle feeders can help keep your pet distracted and engaged. Some owners try dog-safe headphones or anxiety vests to muffle sound or reduce physical stress. Stanley also suggests playing recordings of fireworks at a low volume before the holiday to help dogs adjust.

Check for hazards after fireworks

Even if you didn’t use fireworks yourself, the AVMA says to check your yard for debris like sparklers or sticks, which pets may chew or ingest.

Talk to a vet

For pets with severe anxiety, it’s worth consulting a veterinarian about calming supplements, anxiety meds or additional coping strategies.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Speculation Grows About Girl’s Scary Fall from Disney Cruise Ship and Her Heroic Dad’s Rescue Dive

RUMORS and theories continue to swirl regarding how a little girl went…
Charlize Theron, 49, makes candid sex confession about hookup with a 26-year-old

Charlize Theron, 49, Opens Up About Intimate Encounter with a 26-Year-Old

Charlize Theron recently had a “f–king amazing” hookup with a 26-year-old. The…
He pioneered the cellphone. It changed how people around the world talk to each other — and don’t

He Revolutionized Communication: How the Cellphone Transformed Global Interaction

DEL MAR, Calif. (AP) — Dick Tracy got an atom-powered two-way wrist…
Trump admin fast-tracks death penalty case for transgender cult suspect in Border Patrol killing: attorneys

Attorneys say Trump administration accelerates death penalty case for transgender cult suspect in Border Patrol officer’s killing.

The remains of David Maland, a U.S. Border Patrol Agent who was…
People who go to bed at this time get the most exercise

Individuals who sleep at this hour are more active

The early bird gets the workout. It’s bad enough that night owls…
Honolulu water board sues Navy for $1.2B over fuel leak that contaminated drinking water

Honolulu Water Authority Files $1.2 Billion Lawsuit Against Navy Over Fuel Leak Contaminating Drinking Water

On Tuesday, the Honolulu Board of Water Supply (BWS) initiated a federal…
American tourist vanishes in tropical paradise after early morning walk from vacation rental

American Tourist Disappears During Early Morning Walk in Tropical Paradise

A man from Monroe, New York, who was vacationing in Turks and…
UFchild abuse pediatrician to resign following controversial custody case

Internal Probe Reveals Controversial Pediatrician Involved in Child Abuse Cases

The report indicates that staff members working with Dr. Barbara Knox frequently…
Ex-Met retires after 13 MLB seasons

Former Met Bids Farewell: Retires After 13 MLB Seasons

Kevin Pillar is calling it quits.  The ex-Mets outfielder announced that he’s…
Port Authority Bus Terminal entrance in New York City.

Port Authority Bus Accident Injures 12; Driver Freed from Wreckage, Terminal Closure Causes Delays

AT least 12 people have been hurt in a massive multi-bus crash…
Snake on a plane delays Virgin Australia Flight for two hours in Melbourne to Brisbane

Snake Causes Two-Hour Delay for Virgin Australia Flight from Melbourne to Brisbane

An Australian domestic flight was delayed for two hours after a stowaway snake was…
Islanders sign KHL star Maxim Shabanov in free agency swing

Islanders Acquire KHL standout Maxim Shabanov in Free Agency Move

The Islanders had more moves to make in free agency. On Wednesday,…