An increase of neighborhood firework celebrations can be dangerous to pets
This 4th of July weekend, many fireworks celebrations have been canceled due to COVID-19; which may result in an increase of smaller neighborhood gatherings, bringing thunderous noise closer to home. In order to keep pets safe in their homes, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals of Wake County (SPCA Wake) is helping pet owners learn of the potential danger that backyard fireworks pose to pets.
Ssays Darci VanderSlik, Director of Communications for SPCA Wake: “Shelters typically see an increase in lost and stray animals over the Independence Day holiday because the fireworks frighten pets so much they end up panicking and running off in an effort to escape the noise. One of the most important things to remember on the Fourth of July is to keep your pets indoors so they don’t have an opportunity to run away, get hit by a car, or end up in an animal shelter.”
Because of the increase of smaller neighborhood gatherings, there is also an increase in people setting off loud fireworks closer to homes. To help, SPCA Wake has listed out a simple five-step plan to keep families and pets together during and after the celebrations.
The SPCA of Wake County recommends pet owners follow this five-step plan:
- Use social networking sites (like Facebook and Nextdoor) to connect with neighbors about any plans for personal fireworks celebrations. Try to coordinate so displays are limited to a particular day/time (as opposed to families setting them off at various times throughout the weekend).
- Make sure that your pet is wearing an ID tag so that they can be returned home quickly should they get loose and become lost.
- If your pet has severe anxiety from fireworks, talk to your veterinarian about medication in advance.
- Bring pets inside this weekend. Even if you have a fence, the noise from fireworks may scare pets and cause them to run away. For potty breaks, go outside with your dog and keep your him/her on a leash.
- When you think there will be fireworks, turn on a radio, television, or white noise machine to mask the noise of fireworks as best you can. Give your pet a delicious treat like a Kong filled with treats to keep them busy and distracted from the noise.
If precautions and pet safety are taken into consideration, Independence Day celebrations can be fun and safe for the whole family!
SPCA Wake’s Pet Adoption Center is closed to the public due to COVID-19, but adoption appointments are still being scheduled over the phone. For more information, visit spcawake.org/appointments.
Source: Beth Schulman, SPCA of Wake County
