Getting your
Trinity Audioplayer ready...Ugh, it’s that time of year again. People are already setting off fireworks ahead of the Fourth of July holiday, even in Marin, where they’re illegal. Don’t get me wrong, fireworks can be visually amazing, but what’s not so amazing is their effect on animals.
The sights — and especially the sounds — of Fourth of July celebrations can be terrifying to animals. Loud noises can scare pets, causing them to panic and even run away from home. In fact, animal shelters across the country report an increased number of lost pets after fireworks displays, and Marin County is no exception.
Wildlife, too, becomes frightened, sometimes with heartbreaking results.
According to the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, “The loud, thunderous sound of fireworks can frighten wildlife, causing them to panic. Birds may fly into the windows. Small mammals may flee in fear, injuring themselves in the process. There’s also a greater risk of animals abandoning their babies. Because of the loud and often disorienting noises, animals fleeing in a panic may not think it’s safe to go back for their babies afterwards.”
While we can’t protect wildlife, there are steps we can take to lessen the stress on our pets and keep them safe.
Always
• Keep your pets indoors during fireworks displays. A quiet, sheltered area is best. Close windows and curtains and turn on the TV or radio to help drown out the noise. Some animals even feel more comfortable in the bathroom, as the small space will buffer the sound better.
• Make sure your pets are microchipped and wearing identification so if they do become lost, you can be reunited with them quickly. All dogs in Marin County are required by law to be licensed. A license not only gets a wayward pup home faster, but it shows they’re up to date on their rabies vaccines. Keep current photos of your pets handy — and make sure the photos show any unique markings.
Never
• Never take your dog to a fireworks display. It’s usually hot, there are large crowds and it’s, of course, very loud for sensitive ears.
• Never leave pets outside unattended, even in a fenced yard or on a tether. Pets that normally wouldn’t try to leave the yard may panic and try to escape. Dogs may become entangled in their tethers or even hang themselves if they try to leap over a fence. To avoid injury, keep your pets indoors.
Other ways to help
• If you know your pet gets seriously stressed by the sounds of fireworks, consult your veterinarian. They may recommend a fast-acting anti-anxiety medication. The key is to give medications before the noise starts; they are less effective if you wait until the dog is already stressed.
• Some dogs respond well to the use of a dog anxiety vest, sometimes known as a ThunderShirt. It applies gentle, constant pressure to calm anxiety, fear and overexcitement and can be particularly useful during fireworks.
• If despite your best efforts, your pet does become lost, check inside garages, yards, storage sheds, basements, closets, under cars and in the shrubbery at your home and throughout the neighborhood. Post on Nextdoor and Facebook and, of course, contact Marin Humane so we can help.
Fortunately, more cities are turning to alternatives to fireworks, like drone and laser shows, which are equally, if not more, fun to watch. This year in the Bay Area, both Redwood City and Napa are offering drone shows in lieu of a fireworks display.
Have a great time this Fourth of July and make sure your pets do too!
Lisa Bloch is the marketing and communications director for Marin Humane, which contributes Tails of Marin articles and welcomes animal-related questions and stories about the people and animals in our community. Go to marinhumane.org, find us on social media @marinhumane, or email lbloch@marinhumane.org.