Keeping Pets Safe During Fireworks

By Sara Miller

The fourth of July is coming up quickly, and while this is a fun time for people, our pets may feel a little differently. Fireworks will most likely be popping up in neighborhoods more this year because large fireworks events in cities have been canceled due to COVID-19. Fireworks are often scary to animals because of the loud noises and bright lights, and it's important to keep them safe and secure to avoid any Fourth of July mishaps. Take these precautions to help keep your pet safe during the Fourth of July fireworks this year.

1. Update Your Microchips and Pet Tags

Pets are lost more around the Fourth of July than any other day of the year, so it is important to make sure your tags and microchips are up to date. If your pet manages to sneak out of the house or get loose from the yard, current tags and microchips will increase the likelihood of your pet making it back home. Register your pet's microchip for free here: https://www.foundanimals.org/microchip-registry/owners/

2. Create a Safe Space For Your Pet

Think about where the quietest parts of your home are. Most likely, there are rooms or areas that are more sound-proof than others. Before the fireworks start, set your pet up in this area. Provide items that make them feel secure or that will distract them. Overall the idea is to limit exposure to the loud noises and bright lights and to create a comfortable, safe, and calm space.

Here are a few ideas of what your pet’s safe space might look like:

• Well-padded crate with a special treat
• Favorite bed in a bathroom with a favorite toy
• A crate with extra blankets and white noise

Try to get your pet in their safe space prior to the fireworks starting. If you wait until they start, it may be difficult to find your pet if they are hiding.

3. Use White Noise to Muffle the Fireworks

Consider using some kind of white noise in your pet’s safe space to help muffle the noise of the fireworks. Keep in mind if this is something that typically helps your pet! If they don’t like the sound of the TV, that won’t help. Also, be mindful of the volume level of your white noise. Making it too loud could have the opposite effect and frighten your pet.

Some options for white noise include:

• Cartoons
• Music
• White noise tracks like rain or waves

4. Keep Your Pet at Home

If you’re leaving your home to attend a firework show, don’t bring your pet with you. It may seem tempting to take them with you rather than securing them at home, but taking them with you is much less safe for them. While this may be different due to the current pandemic, the fourth of July events typically include large crowds. This combined with the flashes of light and loud noises is a recipe for disaster. An environment like this can be very stressful for any dog, putting them at risk for being separated from you. So, keep your pets at home and inside where it’s safe and they cannot escape.