With fireworks expected this weekend for the Fourth of July, I’m here with some helpful tips on keeping your pet safe during all the holiday fun.
Whether you have a scaredy guy like my Malcolm or an animal that sleeps through fireworks, here’s what you need to know:
Prepare Your Pet
Shelters see an increase in lost and stray animals around the Fourth of July due to fireworks. The loud sounds can scare animals and cause them to run away.
“Animals — dogs and cats — can hear and feel the fireworks four times further than a human can," Dr. Michael Bailey, president of the American Veterinary Medical Association, told NPR.
What does that mean for you?
- Put a collar with an ID tag on your pets ahead of fireworks and make sure they are microchipped.
- Take them outside for a bathroom break before nightfall.
- Always use a leash when outside.
- Make sure your pet gets exercise during the day so they’ll be sleepy during fireworks.
- Set up a cozy spot for your animal away from windows.
- Austin Pets Alive! recommends turning on the TV or some music to help reduce stress.
The Fourth Is a Great Time To Help
Austin Animal Center is looking for fosters to take dogs for the Fourth of July. Getting dogs out of the shelter gives them a break from a shelter environment, which only gets louder with the stress of fireworks. Fostering at this time also frees up space in the shelter for the increase in intake that comes with the holiday. The center needs fosters to be able to take dogs for at least two weeks.
Austin Pets Alive! is also looking for fosters and adopters as their shelter is near where the city’s fireworks celebration is. The shelter is offering $25 adoption fees through Friday.
What To Do if You Find a Lost Animal
If you find an animal this weekend, don’t panic! Austin Pets Alive! recommends walking around your neighborhood to see if you can run into the animal’s owner — it’s possible they just got out during fireworks.
Your next step if that doesn’t yield results is to take the animal to a vet, local fire station, or pet supply store and check to see if they have a microchip. You can also file a found pet report with Austin 311.
Make use of Nextdoor or found pet groups on Facebook, too, by posting photos of the lost animal.
