Pets can find fireworks scary, and it is often a stressful experience for them. They may panic, get sick, or even run away from home.
As much as fireworks can be a fun and exciting experience for us humans, for our furry friends, they can be terrifying and stressful.
Dogs, for instance, have a much more acute sense of hearing than people do, and the loud booms and bangs of fireworks can cause them to panic and become extremely anxious.
In fact, according to the ASPCA, more pets go missing on July 4 than on any other day of the year. So, if you’re wondering how to help pets with fireworks, read on.
Here are some tips to help make this noisy and sometimes scary event a little less stressful for your furry friend.
The safest place for your pet during fireworks is inside your home. Close all windows and doors, draw curtains or blinds, and create a safe and comfortable space for your pet.
You can also turn on some calming music or white noise to help block out the sound of the fireworks. It is important to keep your pets inside-even if they are used to being outdoors, as the loud noises and bright lights can be extremely distressing.
If your pets are crate-trained, consider using their crate during fireworks. Make sure that it is in a quiet area of your home, and cover it with a blanket or sheet to help block out noise and light. If your pets are not crate-trained, find a safe room for them instead.
Choose an area in your home that your pet is familiar with, and make sure there are no hazards, such as electrical cords or sharp objects. Place some comfortable bedding and toys there, and close the door to help muffle the sound of the fireworks.
Part of how to help pets with fireworks is to keep their minds occupied. Keep your pets distracted during the fireworks by playing with them or giving them a puzzle toy.
You can also try giving them a long-lasting chew toy or a frozen treat, such as a Toppl filled with peanut butter, or colorful balls and interactive toys.
By giving your pets something to focus on, you can help take their mind off the noise and reduce their anxiety.
As tempting as it may be to bring your pet to a fireworks display, it is important to avoid doing so.
Even if your pet is well-behaved and used to crowds, the loud noises and bright lights can cause them to panic and become disoriented.
It is best to leave your pet at home, where they feel safe and secure. That’s how to help pets with fireworks!
While we hope that our pets will never need emergency medical attention, accidents and illnesses can happen at any time. Consider getting pet emergency insurance to help cover any unexpected costs in the event of a crisis.
Pet emergency insurance can give you peace of mind, knowing that you have a financial safety net in case of an emergency.
Another important aspect of keeping your pets safe during fireworks is to make sure they have proper identification.
In the event that your pups do escape or get lost during fireworks, having up-to-date identification tags and microchip information can greatly increase the chances of them being safely returned to you.
Make sure your pet’s tags and microchip information are current, and consider adding an extra tag with your phone number on it, specifically for the 4th of July or other celebrations with fireworks.
In addition to the tips above, another tool that can be helpful for keeping your pet safe during fireworks is a pet camera.
A pet camera can help you keep an eye on your pets while you are away from home, giving you peace of mind that they are safe and comfortable.
Some dog cameras, like the Petcube camera for puppies, even come with features such as two-way audio, so you can talk to your pets and soothe them if they become anxious.
This can be especially helpful during fireworks when you are away from home and can’t be there to comfort your furry friend.
When your team wins the Super Bowl but you have two dogs and there are too many fireworks.
Bathroom party. pic.twitter.com/kKms9XGqLF
— Chip Cohlmia (@Chip_Cohlmia) February 13, 2023
Overall, the key to keeping your pets safe during fireworks is to create a safe and comfortable environment for them inside your home.
You can lessen your pet’s anxiety and ensure their safety and security during this busy and stressful time by following the tips above.
Remember, your pet looks to you for comfort and guidance, so stay calm and relaxed, and your furry friend will be sure to feel the same.
I am a full-time mum of two kids and a beautiful golden retriever. Writing is my passion: from food journalism to pets, parenting tips, etc. I can write on just about everything under the sun. I have been writing for the past 7 years and during that time, I have been a regular contributor to several blogs and pet magazines. I have also written feature articles, POV pieces, and dabbled in a few different formats of writing over the years.
