It’s America’s birthday and you’re ready to celebrate with fireworks! It’s a tradition, right?

But your pet probably has a very different – and perhaps frightening – view of fireworks.

While some animals take the celebrations in stride, others are unusually anxious about the loud, sudden noises associated with fireworks.

Here are some ways to address the needs of your more anxious (and non-human) family members in anticipation of our nation’s 241st birthday, courtesy of the American Veterinary Medical Association:

Before the celebrations – prepare:

  • Make sure your pet’s home environment is safe and secure. If your neighbors set off fireworks at an unexpected time, is your yard secure enough to keep your pet contained?
  • Identification tags: Make sure your cats and dogs have ID tags with up-to-date information, including your current address and phone number. If you have horses, you might consider marking a safety (breakaway) halter with your contact information and leaving it on your horse during this stressful time.
  • Microchips:
  1. If your animal is microchipped, be sure that your contact information is up-to-date
  2. If you haven’t done it already, now is a good time to consider having your pet microchipped. This simple procedure can greatly improve your chances of getting your pets back if they become lost.
  • Picture: Take a current photo of all of your cats, dogs and horses – just in case.
  • If your pet has historically been anxious on this holiday, talk to your veterinarian. He or she may be able to provide both non-medical and medical interventions that will help soothe and calm your pet.

During the celebrations:

  • Leave your pets at home when you go to parties, fireworks displays, parades and other gathering. Loud fireworks, unfamiliar places and crowds can be frightening to pets.
  • Consider putting your pets in a safe, escape-proof room or crate during parties and fireworks.
  • If you’re hosting guests, ask them to help keep an eye on your pets to make sure they don’t escape. Placing notes on exit doors and gates can help both you and your guests remain vigilant.
  • Keep your pets inside if you or your neighbors are setting off fireworks.
  • Keep sparklers, glow sticks, fireworks, charcoal and kabob skewers away from curious pets.
  • Don’t let pets get near your barbecue grill while it is in use or still hot.
  • Avoid the urge to feed your pets table scraps or other foods intended for people.
  • Remember that too much sun and heat (and humidity!) can be dangerous to pets. Keep them inside when it’s extremely hot/humid; make sure they have access to shady spots and plenty of water when outdoors; don’t leave them outside for extended periods in hot weather.
  • Never leave your pet in your car when it’s warm outside.
  • If you’re travelling out of town for the holiday, consider leaving your pets at home with a pet sitter or boarding them in a kennel.

Post-celebrations:

  • Check your yard for fireworks debris before allowing pets outside to play or relax. Even if you didn’t set off fireworks yourself, debris can make its way into your yard, where curious animals may pick it up to play with or eat.
  • If you hosted guests, check both your yard and home for food scraps or other debris that might be dangerous to pets, such as food skewers.

If a human member of the family needs medical attention during the holiday weekend, Hartford HealthCare-GoHealth Urgent Care is ready. Find a location near you by clicking here. 

SOURCE: American Veterinary Medical Association