We’ve talked about keeping children safe and what sort of legal (or illegal) issues we need to be concerned about when it comes to the Fourth of July—but what about the family pets? Who is looking after the family pets and making sure that THEY stay safe during the often tumultuous Independence Day celebrations?
All the loud noise and the sparks and fire are very scary for most family pets—dogs, cats, rabbits, etc. Each year, humane society’s and animal shelters end up filled to bursting with domestic pets that get frightened, disoriented and run away during the Fourth of July celebrations. If you are planning to include fireworks in your Fourth of July festivities, there are some things you can do to keep the family pets safe:
Make sure that the pets are all safe and secure INDOOORS. Close up doors and windows and consider shutting blinds and drapes to further keep the distractions out. It also helps to provide hiding places for particularly frightened animals (closets, under beds, etc.) and make sure there is plenty of food and water (water especially if the weather is particularly warm).
Years ago, I learned that it helps to keep a radio or television on indoors as well to help provide more normalizing distraction from the noise (this works with pets during thunder and lightening storms too).
If you live on or near a farm where animals are kept outdoors, try to find an area as far away from the animals as possible. Don’t set off fireworks near corrals or barns or pens where animals could become spooked and bolt.
Assign a family member or two to be in charge of the animals during the Fourth. My son always seemed to take on this task since he was not too crazy about all the fire and noise himself and looking after the cats gave him someone to commiserate with and focus his anxiety on being caring and helpful.
Finally, make sure that your cats and dogs have tags and identifying information in case they do become frightened and run off during the festivities—this will make it easier for them to be returned.
See Also: Fireworks–Do You Know the Law?
Children Most Likely to Get Hurt With Fireworks
Are You Ready to Celebrate the Fourth of July?