Experts urge firework safety for pet owners during holiday weekend

JACKSON, Tenn. — The Fourth of July is a time of celebration, but it can also be an overwhelming experience for your pets. They can be terrified by the booming sounds and lights from holiday celebrations.

This can leave many owners unaware of the anxiety animals can go through.

“The anxiety that your pet may feel can cause them to try and escape from it, and a lot of dogs actually get out of a fence or can even break out of their homes,” Northside Animal Clinic veterinarian Dr. Lauren Dabney said.

The Humane Society of the United States says you should keep your pets away from fireworks if possible. If your pet is scared, go to your local veterinarian for help.

Dr. Dabney says this is a common issue she deals with during the holiday.

“A lot of people come in for travel medications for anxiety, for vomiting, so we see a lot of pets during holiday season for a lot of behavioral issues.”

Local pet stores as well as online sites offer anxiety coats for dogs and cats called “Thundershirts.”

Pet training instructor Kevin Long said the Thundershirts simulate a hug. “It wraps around your dog or cat and squeezes them and makes them feel safe and comfortable.”

Also, it is important during holiday celebrations to make sure your pet has a tag on in case it escapes.

Pet owner Ashley Drumright told WBBJ 7 Eyewitness News about her plans for the Fourth of July weekend.

“While the fireworks are going on, we’ll make sure he’s in the house because he is a little bit skittish when there are loud noises,” she said. “He tries to bark and run away and chase whatever he is after.”

If your pet is still afraid of the fireworks, Long said to make sure you “engage your pet in something that they enjoy that will take their mind off of their fear.”

Another good idea is to have your pet microchipped for identification as a backup option.