SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Did you know that July 5 is the busiest day of the year for animal shelters?! While enjoying fireworks may be fun for you, the sounds can often terrify a pet and lead them to escape.
RedRover, a national animal welfare 501(c)(3) nonprofit, based in Sacramento, California, has a few tips to help ease the anxiety of your furry and feathered friends:
Bring pets indoors, if possible
If your pets are startled by loud noises, they will feel more secure and comfortable in closer proximity to you.
Keep Pets in a Quiet Room
To help reduce their anxiety, keep your pets in a quiet room along with their favorite toys, water, and a litter box (if applicable). Be sure to check on them periodically.
Turn on the TV or Radio
Playing soothing music or turning on the TV can help to muffle scary noises and help to calm your pet down.
Keep Collars and Tags On
Ensure your pets are wearing their collars and tags, in case they are frightened from the noises and try to escape your house or backyard.
Make Sure Pets are Microchipped
As noted above, if your pet escapes, it will be much easier to be reunited if they are microchipped. Make sure your contact information is current as well.
Secure Outdoor Animals
If you cannot bring your animals indoors, make sure they are secure in animal crates or in stables, away from all fireworks.
Wrap Your Pet
There are products such as a Thundershirt that you can use to reduce your dog’s stress level. The shirt applies gentle pressure to a dog’s torso, similar to swaddling an infant, which can keep your pet calm when anxiety levels rise.
We hope these options help to reduce your pet’s stress this fireworks season so you can enjoy a safe and happy holiday together.