Fireworks not so festive for pets
PET BULLETIN
‘Mews and Yips’ from the Central Aroostook Humane Society
By Gloria Towle
During the 4th of July weekend, many of us enjoyed a spectacular show of fireworks. My friend Nancy told me that her Golden Retriever “Buster” was shaking and so scared from some neighborhood fireworks. She finally was able to calm him down, but he wouldn’t leave her side and needed continual petting and reassurance.
It is also very disturbing to me, especially during the Potato Blossom Festival, to see people come to town for the fireworks and actually have their dogs with them. I shake my head and think “Where is their common sense?” Fireworks can be a source of great fear and danger for animals. If you truly love your animals, leave them home!
Remember, dogs’ and cats’ hearing is much more sensitive than ours so those loud booms can be extremely uncomfortable. Frightened dogs may have different reactions: some tremble at their owners’ feet, others retreat to a hiding place, some try to run off (traveling for miles), and others display bizarre behavior. There are also times where ordinarily well-behaved pets may become aggressive, destructive and/or unpredictable.
Scolding or coddling a dog will not help. Scolding will scare and confuse the animal, and coddling serves to reinforce fearful behaviors. Instead, try to distract the dog from the disturbing noises with physical activity such as playing ball. Taking your dog on a very long walk is another way to expend your dog’s excess energy before the fireworks display, and can help put him/her in a calm state.
Indoor-only animals can often become so frightened during fireworks displays that they take desperate measures to escape the noise, such as breaking through window or door screens. For this reason, you must also make certain your pet is wearing a collar and identification tag with current contact information so you can be reunited quickly if your pet does happen to escape.
There are many family and group activities that are perfect for pets, but a public fireworks display or any other type of gathering where fireworks will be set off usually isn’t one of them. It’s best to make sure and keep all pets safely confined indoors when people may be inclined to set off fireworks. Having a radio or TV at a normal volume indoors may help to dampen jarring noises. If you are unable to leave your pet at home, then bring a travel kennel for the animal to feel safe in.
While exposure to lit fireworks can potentially result in severe burns and/or trauma to the face and paws of curious pets, even unused fireworks can pose a danger. Many types contain potentially toxic substances, including arsenic, which can be fatal to animals if ingested. Be sure to keep them out of the animals reach.
Of course, we can’t forget other small animals. If your pets live outside, partly covering cages, pens and aviaries with blankets can help to sound-proof the area. It is important to make sure that your pet is still able to look out though.
Taking the necessary safety precautions can ensure that your animals are safe and comfortable during these summer celebrations.
The Central Aroostook Humane Society is located at 26 Cross St., Presque Isle. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10-4, closing for lunch from 12-12:30. You can also find us on petfinders.com and Facebook.
Gloria Towle is a member of the Central Aroostook Humane Society board of directors.
