Pets and 4th of July Fireworks

The 4th of July is no picnic for animals. Pets (especially dogs) are very frightened by fireworks and loud noises. In fact, more animals are lost on the 4th of July than any other day of the year. The loud noises from fireworks frighten animals due to their heightened senses of hearing (the noises are almost deafening to them). They will do almost anything to escape the noise. A normally well behaved dog(s) will chew through leashes, dig under or jump fences, bolt from its owner, run away, run into traffic and jump out of vehicles (open windows, etc.) Many people don't realize the severity of actually how scared their animal can get until it is too late. Pets need to be in a place where they feel safe and secure. Here are a few things to do to insure that you and your beloved pet have a safe and wonderful 4th of July.....

1. Do NOT take your pet with you to see fireworks displays. Believe me, they will be much happier at home and you will be much happier that they are at home.

2. Make sure your pet has its collar and tags on it (even in the house). I have heard of big dogs eating through walls, tearing through closed pet doors, jumping through windows, etc to escape the loud noises.

3. If your pet is microchipped then please make sure that the information online (your account) is complete, correct, up-to-date and that you have a good picture of your animal placed on file just in case your pet is ever lost. So many people forget to update their information when they move or they forget to put the information on there from the initial sign up. Don't have your pet microchipped? Many local government agencies or humane societies now have discounted microchipping available. If you live in the Greenville, SC area then you can have it done for $ 10. To see more info click here http://www.greenvillecounty.org/acs/microchip.asp.

4. Do NOT leave your pet outside or on a leash or chain in the yard. Pets can severely injury or kill themselves by trying to get away from the loud noises. There is also the fear that they will dig under or jump the fence to escape.

5. Bring your animal inside and put it in a cool, quiet bedroom or crate. For added comfort you may turn on a television (or radio) to a channel that has a calm program on (like HGTV, America's Funniest Home Videos, etc) or a music channel like Jazz. The voices from the television will help calm your animal down and make them think someone is there with them. If you are home with your pet then keep them close to you to make them feel safe.

6. Leave a blanket or piece of clothing (t-shirt, robe, etc) that has your scent on it with the animal(s). Your scent will help soothe the animal as well.

7. If you find a lost pet, please take it to your local animal shelter immediately. Most likely a frantic owner is looking for their beloved pet and they will be able to be reunited quicker.

If you follow these simple rules then you and your beloved pet(s) will have a safe and wonderful 4th of July. Happy Independence Day's everyone! :-)