Fido and fireworks – not a good mix
Unlike most people, pets don’t associate the noise, flashes and burning smell of fireworks with celebration. As a result, fireworks can cause a great deal of stress for some pets. Santa Rosa County Animal Services urges residents to be sensitive to their pets and take precautions, as unexpected behavior may be displayed by your pet while trying to escape from the loud noises including jumping a fence to find safety, running away, destruction of property and biting.
Shelters often see an increase in lost pets after fireworks displays. If your pet is missing, contact your local shelter. In Santa Rosa County, call (850) 983-4680 or search online by selecting the “Search Lost Pets” tab at www.santarosa.fl.gov/animals.
Follow these safety tips to help keep your pet safe during the upcoming fireworks celebrations:
Keep pets indoors during the evening of July 4. Turn on the TV or radio as a distraction and close the curtains. Provide a pet bed or crate in a quiet place to create a small den-like place and a sense of security.
Encourage your pet to “go” before fireworks begin by taking your pet for a walk. If your pet becomes frightened, this can help prevent toileting accidents.
If your pet often becomes stressed during periods of loud noise like thunderstorms, check with your veterinarian to see if a tranquilizer is appropriate for your pet.
If you are near a fireworks display or if your neighbors are lighting fireworks, don’t leave your pets unattended outside, not even in a fenced yard or on a chain. Frightened pets may try to escape a fenced yard or become tangled in their chains.
Make sure your pets have proper identification tags with current information in the event they run away.
If you must be outside with your pet, keep the pet on a leash or in a carrier at all times.
Keep pets away from fireworks, open fires and matches.
Do not take your pet to fireworks displays.
Do not leave your pet in a vehicle while you watch a fireworks display. In only a matter of minutes, the heat in a car can cause serious health problems or death, even at night. A stressed animal can also cause major damage to the interior of your vehicle.
