SHREVEPORT, La. — Every Fourth of July, shelters see a familiar pattern: frightened pets running away from home after being spooked by fireworks.
At the Humane Society of Northwest Louisiana, staff say the days following Independence Day often bring a noticeable spike in stray animal intakes. Many of these cats and dogs likely escaped from backyards or homes during the celebrations.
Humane Society of NW Louisiana.
“Keep your dog inside, if at all possible,” says Kady McClure, who heads up the HSNWLA. “Make sure they have their collar or their tag—because yes, we will get a lot of them. Then you’ll see the posts on Facebook saying, ‘Hey, my dog got out. I don’t know what happened.’ We need to take a little more ownership and responsibility for our dogs because they are supposed to be part of our family.”
The influx of stray pets after the holiday places additional stress on already crowded shelters, where many animals are still waiting for adoption.
Fireworks can stress animals.
To help keep your pet safe this July 4th, McClure and other experts recommend the following steps:
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Secure identification: Make sure your pet is wearing a secure collar with an ID tag. Even better, microchip your pet or attach a GPS tracker like an AirTag to their collar.
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Create a safe space indoors: Keep your pet inside, ideally in an interior room with the windows covered. Playing music or leaving the TV on can help mask the sound of fireworks.
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Check your yard: If your pet must be outside, inspect the fence for loose boards or weak spots and make sure gates are secured. Remind everyone in your home to be extra cautious when going in and out of doors or gates.
- Consider anti-anxiety medications: If you have the ability, consider providing your pet with a medication to help ease their stress during the nighttime hours.
With a little preparation, pet owners can help ensure their furry family members stay safe and calm during the holiday festivities.
Originally published on ktbs.com, part of the BLOX Digital Content Exchange.
