Pet owners attending Fourth of July fireworks should plan to take precautions to prevent panic-stricken animals from fleeing in fear ofthe loud noises.
“Fourth of July is the number one time of the year for lost animals,” said Frank Branchini, executive director of the Baltimore County Humane Society. “We think everybody?s animal should be indoors.”
To prevent a dog or cat from running away during the holiday, pet owners are advised to keep animals at home and away from fireworks displays. Animals that are normally not inclined to stray may run away from the bangs and flashes of the fireworks, Branchini said. “Animals get spooked by loud noises.”
If a pet owner does decide to go out and enjoy the fireworks, leave the animal at home and turn on a radio or television to buffer sounds, said Clarissa Barnes, director of volunteers and education at the Maryland Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
“Any animal that responds to thunderstorms will have a bad reaction to fireworks,” she said. A pet owner leaving the house should close the windows and turn on the air conditioning or a fan so that the animal will not hear the sounds, Barnes said.
On the other hand, the Baltimore County Department of Health advises pet owners not to leave their animals home alone during fireworks. If the dog or cat begins to whimper or whine, owners should take the pet to an area in the house where they are less likely to feel vibrations or hear loud noises. Playing with the animal while they are afraid is a good distraction, the department said.
Barnes said she doesn?t think pet owners need to stay at home if they were planning to go out.
“I think the majority of animals are fine as long as they have something to do,” she said. She advised leaving the animal with toys or other distractions.
