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Community Corner

Keep Your Pets Fireworks-Free This Weekend

Loud noises and bright light can cause panic for many animals.

Along with plans to celebrate our nation's birthday, this holiday weekend can be a terrifying one for our animal companions. Both dogs and cats can become distressed from the added commotion and noise from fireworks and celebrations.

“Animals are more sensitive to sound and they react with a fight or flight response,” said Erika Floyd of Hatboro, owner of Passionate 4 People and Pets.

Floyd said we never know how a dog will react to fireworks. In an otherwise calm animal, the loud noise and flashing lights could cause extreme behavior. A dog that is new to your family, Floyd said, might be even more afraid. She said that while we want to include our pets in this holiday celebration, it is best to leave them home where they feel safe and comfortable.

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“Dogs can panic when in a situation where there are loud noises, excited young kids and in an environment they are unfamiliar with,” Floyd said. A dog's natural instinct when scared is to run, she said and recalled every Independence Day weekend, hearing her neighbors outside frantically calling their dogs who ran off during neighborhood fireworks.

Shelters also report a higher intake of animals after the holiday weekend due to pets escaping yards or slipping out of their collars to get away from the noise. According to the Bucks County SPCA, "pets experiencing panic that is related to fear of loud noises have been known to scale tall fences, bust through window screens and go through doors to escape the loud noises.”

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And if your dog is afraid of thunder, Floyd said fireworks would cause the same reaction, if not worse.

Whether a big fireworks display or a neighborhood one, the loud noises and lights can frighten both cats and dogs.

It's best to keep cats inside as well because they will keep running to escape the noise and not be able to find their way back home, she explained.

Here are some tips to help you keep Fluffy and Fido safe this weekend:

  • Leave your pet at home. And if you know your pet becomes frightened from loud noises, stay with him if you can.

  • Some pets become destructive when scared, so make sure there is nothing your pet might destroy or chew that could harm him.

  • Create a safe place at home – leave your pet in an area of the home where he will be away from the outside noise and lights. His favorite room in the house would be best. The SPCA suggests allowing  your pet access to his favorite space and putting a blanket there for him – either a closet or bathroom, with the door open. Not allowing access could increase panic.

  • Put on a radio or television (with the sound a bit higher than normal) to distract him from the outside noises. Close curtains or blinds to eliminate flashing lights from the fireworks.

  • Give your dog or cat a favorite toy and lots of them – distraction works great.

  • Never leave your dog unattended outside in the yard. He could panic and try to escape causing injury to himself or get lost while trying to seek refuge.

  • Make sure collars fit properly and I.D. Tags are updated in case your pet does get lost.

  • Let your cat hide in his favorite hiding space inside the house. A little catnip to distract him from the noise and commotion works very well.

    • Never give your pet a drug called Acepromazine, a common sedative. This drug causes the body to relax, but not the brain. Some reports indicate it leaves an animal still anxious and unable to control its body. It also is known to heighten a dog's sensitivity to noise. It can also have the opposite effect on cats, causing them to be aggressive.

    • Holistic remedies, such as Rescue Remedy, can help keep your pet calm. It can be purchased at Wegman's or a health food store. Just a few drops can help take the edge off his anxiety without side effects or reactions.

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