Categories: PETS

How keep pets safe during fireworks season – Sentinel and Enterprise


DEAR PET TALK: The Fourth of July is a great holiday. Until darkness falls. There are fireworks in our neighborhood. This drives our dog bonkers. We don’t feel like going out — because there are fireworks everywhere. How else can we keep our dog safe around July 4th? — No Fireworks Thanks

DEAR NO FIREWORKS THANKS: There is a long history of people training dogs to handle loud, sudden noises — think hunting dogs, such as spaniels and retrievers, and dogs who work with the military who seek unexploded ordnance or individuals. However, the average dog who lives a quiet life with his family is another matter. Most dogs have not been desensitized and thus must be handled with love and care around Independence Day.

Some dog owners have found a Thundershirt helps keep their pet calm. Others sit with their dog in a quiet room. Most noise ordinances go until 10 p.m., so if there is disruption after that time, or excessive unauthorized fireworks do not hesitate to call the police.

Have conversations about noise and keeping pets safe. Post on your social media, chit chat to the person next to you in the grocery line, and remind family members about these hazards to pets. Our friends at Street Cat Angels, a cat rescue in north central Massachusetts, also urge cat owners to keep their cats safe and make sure all windows are closed. Cats that are free-roaming out of doors should be brought inside before dark. We have definitely noticed an uptick in “Lost Cat” social media postings after this holiday, sadly.

Dogs will take their cues from us, and remember there are ear-splitting thunderstorms that boom, crackle, and blast through our region. That noise will make all animals, including wildlife nervous, and wanting to take cover. Keep an eye on the weather if you’re hiking or taking a long walk with your dog if you know they react negatively.

When I lived in Los Angeles, grocery stores included a flyer in the bags the week before the 4th which urged residents not to fire their guns on the holiday! (Yes, different gun laws out West.) I would applaud any local business that distributed flyers raising awareness of the likelihood of dogs and cats running outside and getting lost during firework season.

Sally Cragin is the director of “Be PAWSitive: Therapy Pets and Community Education.” Visit us on Facebook, or call/text 978-320-1335. 



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Doggone Well Staff

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