Animals often become extremely frightened and even, frantic by the tremendous noise and commotion of our many Independence Day fireworks displays.
Many of these animals cower and hide in deep dark corners, or they frantically rush all about seeking safety; and very sadly, many of them are soon struck down by vehicles.
Last July 4th, I sadly watched a mother goose and her tiny goslings feverishly racing back and forth across a busy highway, desperately seeking some type of refuge from a nearby fireworks show.
I also read about a small town fireworks celebration in which half the town's dogs raced out of town in a complete panic, and many of them were either killed on the roads, lost in the woods, or ended up at the local pound.
Animal shelters across the country are now already preparing to receive ‘July 4th pets’ — animals who run off during fireworks celebrations and are rescued by either animal control officers or Good Samaritans who usher them to safety.
Myself, and many other dedicated animal lovers will be on the lookout for July 4th pet run-aways, this weekend.
But preventing pet problems on Independence Day is possible, by planning ahead and taking some basic precautions.
"With a little bit of planning and forethought, you can enjoy the excitement of the Fourth of July and know that your animal companion is safe, sound, and enjoying a little peace and quiet," says Nancy Peterson, an issues specialist with The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS).
To protect your own pet on the Fourth of July, please take these precautions:
Resist the urge to take your pet with you to fireworks displays.
Don’t leave your pet in your car. With only hot air to breathe inside a car, your pet can suffer serious health effects, even death, in a few short minutes. Partially opened windows do not provide sufficient air, but do provide an opportunity for your pet to be stolen or to escape.
Keep your pets indoors at home in a sheltered, quiet area, perhaps in your basement. Some animals can become destructive when frightened, so be sure that you've removed any items that your pet could destroy or that would be harmful to your pet if chewed or swallowed.
Leave a television or a radio playing at normal volume to keep him or her company while you're attending Fourth of July picnics, parades, and other celebrations.
If you know that your pet is seriously distressed by loud noises like thunder, consult with your veterinarian before July 4th for ways to help alleviate the fear and the anxiety that he or she will experience during fireworks displays.
Never leave pets outside unattended, even in a fenced yard, or on a chain, on the Fourth of July Weekend. In their fear, pets who normally wouldn't leave the yard may escape and become lost, become entangled in their chains, or even worse, be run down and killed by a vehicle.
Make sure your pets are wearing identification tags so that if they do become lost, they can be returned promptly. Animals found running at-large should be taken to your local animal shelter, where they will have the best chance of survival, and of being reunited with their owners.
And if you plan on going away for the holiday weekend, make sure that your pet is adequately cared for in a quiet, safe environment.
If you follow these simple precautions, you and your pet can both have a safe, and a happy, Fourth of July.
not much fun for us, but it helped them...TL
Edvard