The Fourth of July can be a stressful time for pets due to the loud and unexpected noise of fireworks, and it’s not uncommon to spend a lot of time trying to soothe a panicked dog or coax a fearful cat out of hiding. Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to help ensure comfort for your furry family members.
Before the fireworks
Update identification: Ensure your pets have updated ID tags and are microchipped with current contact information. In case your pet somehow bolts from the house due to stress or fear, you want to make reuniting as easy as possible. Pro tip: save your pet’s microchip number in your phone so you have it ready in case they get lost.- Create a safe space: Set up a quiet, secure area in your home where your pet can feel safe. This could be a crate, a specific room, or a cozy corner.
- Desensitization training: In the weeks leading up to the Fourth, you can play recordings of fireworks at a low volume and gradually increase it to help your pet get accustomed to the noise.
- Exercise earlier in the day: Give your pets plenty of exercise earlier in the day to help them expend energy and be more relaxed in the evening.
- Plan for medications: If your pet has severe anxiety, consult your veterinarian about possible medications or calming supplements.
Update identification: Ensure your pets have updated ID tags and are microchipped with current contact information. In case your pet somehow bolts from the house due to stress or fear, you want to make reuniting as easy as possible. Pro tip: save your pet’s microchip number in your phone so you have it ready in case they get lost.During the fireworks
Keep pets indoors: During fireworks, keep pets indoors to prevent them from running away or getting injured. Even if they’re used to being outside, bring them in to keep them contained and safe.- Close windows and curtains: Close windows, doors, and curtains to help muffle the sound and reduce the visual stimulation of fireworks.
- Provide background noise: Turn on the TV, radio, or play calming music to help drown out the noise of fireworks.
- Stay calm: Pets can pick up on their owner’s anxiety. Try to remain calm and act normally to help reassure your pet.
- Offer distractions: Give your pet a special treat, toy, or engaging activity to keep them occupied and distracted from the noise.
Keep pets indoors: During fireworks, keep pets indoors to prevent them from running away or getting injured. Even if they’re used to being outside, bring them in to keep them contained and safe.After the Fireworks
- Check your yard: Ensure your yard is free of debris from fireworks before letting your pets outside.
- Inspect for injuries: Check your pet for any signs of injury or distress and contact your veterinarian if needed.
- Maintain routine: Get back to your regular routine to help your pet return to normalcy quickly.
What about ThunderShirts?
ThunderShirts, also known as anxiety wraps, are specially designed garments that apply gentle, constant pressure to a pet’s torso. This pressure can have a calming effect, similar to swaddling a baby. Using a ThunderShirt can be an effective way to help your pet manage the stress and anxiety caused by fireworks during the Fourth of July.
So…your pet got out anyway. Now what?
Don’t panic. Losing a pet can be scary, but we have resources to help! Learn more on our I lost a pet page and you’ll make great headway on being reunited.
Did you find a pet that seems to have gotten loose? Before you bring them in to the Buncombe County Animal Shelter, ask around in about a mile radius to see if someone is looking for their pet.
We anticipate an influx of animals immediately after the holiday so wait times will be longer than usual; the time that it takes to drive to the shelter and wait to be seen is time that could be spent getting a pet back to your neighbor. You can also post to our Lost and Found Facebook page to help the process along!
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