Fireworks and Pets Don't Mix
Most calls to Animal Care & Control over the Fourth of July holiday involve indirect issues related to fireworks -- spooked pets getting loose or lost, injuries from pets fleeing fireworks, fear bites, etc.
“As the fireworks pop and bang and sparkle, many pets get stressed out, and fear can cause them to break through screens, jump fences, and flee. They just don’t think or behave as they normally do,” said Diane Webber, Program Manager for Cedar Rapids Animal Care & Control.
So when attending a Fourth of July pyrotechnics display, leave the dog and cat at home - preferably inside, in a dark, cool, comfortable, and familiar environment -- such as a kennel. Play calm, soothing music, and be sure to pull the shades and draw the curtains, so the flashes won't alarm them. If you know that your pet stresses excessively during the booms and bangs of fireworks, please consult with your veterinarian for advice on more calming solutions.
And while you are trying to protect your animals from the noise and dangers, do not cuddle, coo and comfort them with affectionate assurances that everything will be okay. It’s not okay, and while you think you are assuring them that everything will be all right, the dog thinks that you are confirming that his panicked reaction is the right one. Instead, act like the noise and flashes are normal -- in other words, don’t react one way or another. Dogs will watch your behavior and learn from it.
Other pet-worthy tips:
- The loud booms can damage the sensitive hearing of dogs and cats. It’s best to keep them inside away from the noise.
- If a pet suffers a burn or injury, take it to a veterinarian immediately. The vet can determine the extent of the injury and administer anti-inflammatory medication to reduce the pain.
- If your pet accidentally eats fireworks or their remnants, call your vet. Depending on what the animal ate, it may be necessary to induce vomiting.
- And most importantly of all - if your pet goes missing this Fourth of July, don’t hesitate. Call Animal Care & Control immediately at 319-286-5993 and report your lost pet. Hopefully, we can get you and your pet reunited quickly.
About Cedar Rapids Animal Care & Control
Cedar Rapids Animal Care & Control is located on the Kirkwood College Campus at 900 76th Avenue Drive SW.
You can view a list of the many wonderful pets we have available for adoption by visiting our PetFinder website at http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/IA125.html.
