Fireworks, like thunderstorms, can be a true phobia for many pets. With America’s favorite summer holiday less than two days away, I figured it was timely to revisit the topic of fireworks and pets.
Many animals, both wild and domestic, panic when they hear the loud sky-shattering cracks and explosions of fireworks; For all they know it sounds like bombs going off – the opposite of what is really going on for us humans – a celebration of this country’s independence.
This results in escaped pets, wildlife ending up in strange places (garages, under cars, hiding in nooks and crannies in your backyard, etc.). Pure chaos. I know a friend who drives outside of the city limits with his dogs each year because they live close to a fireworks display in town and it is pure terror for his pets year after year. At his wits end, he finally found a good solution.
But if you choose to forego escaping town this year and are in earshot of any fireworks displays, you’ll want to make an effort to minimize the effect fireworks can have on your pets.
First and foremost, try to be empathetic to you animal or any pets that may have gotten out of their confinements. It is also a time to be very careful when coming across lost pets – they can be very fearful and on edge and could bite out of fear, when they normally wouldn’t.
Instead of re-writing what I wrote in year’s past, or reliving that horrid fireworks chapter in my book, I figured I’d point you to these great sources for help:
Finally, if you have hired a pet sitter during times of fireworks or thunderstorms, make sure you inform them if your pet is fearful during these times. Knowledge can prevent havoc and can keep your pet and sitter more calm, and safe.
-Yvonne
Many animals, both wild and domestic, panic when they hear the loud sky-shattering cracks and explosions of fireworks; For all they know it sounds like bombs going off – the opposite of what is really going on for us humans – a celebration of this country’s independence.
This results in escaped pets, wildlife ending up in strange places (garages, under cars, hiding in nooks and crannies in your backyard, etc.). Pure chaos. I know a friend who drives outside of the city limits with his dogs each year because they live close to a fireworks display in town and it is pure terror for his pets year after year. At his wits end, he finally found a good solution.
But if you choose to forego escaping town this year and are in earshot of any fireworks displays, you’ll want to make an effort to minimize the effect fireworks can have on your pets.
First and foremost, try to be empathetic to you animal or any pets that may have gotten out of their confinements. It is also a time to be very careful when coming across lost pets – they can be very fearful and on edge and could bite out of fear, when they normally wouldn’t.
Instead of re-writing what I wrote in year’s past, or reliving that horrid fireworks chapter in my book, I figured I’d point you to these great sources for help:
- Smart solutions from the Best Friends Animal Society
- Tips from the American Veterinary Medical Association
- Google Search for products that help pets during fireworks
- Amazon search for solutions related to pets and fireworks
Finally, if you have hired a pet sitter during times of fireworks or thunderstorms, make sure you inform them if your pet is fearful during these times. Knowledge can prevent havoc and can keep your pet and sitter more calm, and safe.
-Yvonne
Be prepared for fireworks. Your pet will thank you!
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