4th Of July Fireworks: Dogs Don’t Dig Them; 5 Things To Do

The family dog is so much a part of the tribe that it’s tempting to drag the pooch along to Fourth of July festivities, but no matter how much Max and Bella may appear to want to tag along, they’ll be happier staying behind. Taking them along to experience the sights, sounds and a crowd of hundreds is a colossally bad idea, animal welfare groups say.

Dogs have a heightened sense of hearing and the boom-boom-boom of fireworks is so traumatic for them they’re likely to bolt, and July 5 is typically the busiest day of the year at local animal shelters.

Here’s a tip: If Max and Bella run and cower under the bed at the sound of the first clap of thunder, the cacophony of fireworks will be “utterly terrifying,” according to the American Humane Society. Even dogs that are secured with a leash or chain can break loose and jump a high fence when frightened.

Many pets that run away on the Fourth of July are never reunited with their owners. The National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy estimates that fewer than 2 percent of cats and 20 percent of dogs entering shelters are reunited with families.

Here are five things to do to keep Max and Bella safe:

• Take Max and Bella on extra-long walks and extra play time to tire them out before the festivities begin.
• Leave the dogs at home when you and the family go out to watch fireworks displays. It’s best to sequester them inside and make a place for them inside where they’re shielded from loud noises. Run a fan or soft classical music.
• If you already know the dogs are frightened by loud noises, don’t leave them alone while you’re out celebrating. Make sure someone can stay behind with them.
• If dogs become highly agitated in noisy situations, consult your veterinarian in advance to determine if tranquilizers are an option. There are some non-prescription alternatives, like ThunderShirt anti-anxiety jackets (they make them for cats, too) that apply gentle, constant pressure similar to swaddling an infant, the makers say.
• Make sure the dogs are microchipped and that the license is current, and tht ID tags with contact information are properly affixed to the pooch’s collar, which should fit securely enough the dog can’t slip out of it. This information is vital if your pet does run away.

Photo: Margo Sullivan / Patch: File