The Fourth of July is a time for celebration, but not for everyone.
Animals, particularly dogs and cats, are often scared by the sudden loud sounds of fireworks going off. Many pet owners have lost their four-legged friends after they have run off in an attempt to escape the frightening sounds.
A big part of the problem is that dogs have far better hearing than humans do.
“They can hear things far off that we can’t, so the sound of fireworks is much louder to a dog’s ears than our ears,” said Dr. Brent Barton of the Oregon Trail Veterinary Clinic in Hermiston.
And, he added, dogs don’t understand nor expect fireworks just because the calendar says it’s July 4.
“It’s just like if someone pops off some fireworks behind us and we’re not expecting it,” Barton said. “We’re going to react to that.”
Barton said the Hermiston area seldom sees summer thunderstorms that can help animals get accustomed to unexpected loud noises. Barton offered some tips to owners of anxious animals. First and foremost, keep you pets inside when possible and use some background noise.
“Turn on a fan or the TV, something that will dampen the sound of the fireworks,” he said.
Pay attention to a frightened pet and reassure it that everything is alright. And remain calm yourself.
“Dogs take their cues from us,” Barton said. “If we get nervous and startled, our dogs will get startled.”
If you have a dog or cat that is particularly anxious, medications are available to help calm them down.
“They don’t knock them out, but they can help keep them calm,” Barton said. Pet medications do require a prescription.
Try not to leave your frightened pet alone during fireworks.
“We’ve had dogs that have broken out windows trying to get away from the noise,” he said.
Some pet owners resort to putting their frightened dogs in the car and going for a drive away from the fireworks with the radio on. Barton said one option to enjoy fireworks with your pet is to drive to an elevated spot away from the fireworks. That way, you can enjoy the show without the booming sounds that go with it.
And it’s not just the night of the Fourth of July that trigger fireworks anxiety among pets.
“Unfortunately, fireworks tend to get set off in the days leading up to the Fourth and for several days after, so it can be a tough time for pets,” Barton said.
