As Norwood prepares to celebrate the Fourth of July with backyard barbecues and local celebrations, the night sky is bound to light up with fireworks. But while humans look forward to the spectacular displays, many of our neighborhood pets view the holiday as a night of pure terror.
For dogs and cats, the booming sounds and flashes of light are unpredictable threats. The sudden noise triggers their fight-or-flight response, causing an immense amount of stress. As a community of pet lovers, it is up to us to recognize the signs of fear and take steps to protect our four-legged family members.
Fear looks different in every animal. While some dogs might bark loudly, other pets might internalize their panic. Keep a close eye on your pets this holiday for any of these common symptoms of high anxiety:
- Violent shaking or trembling
- Excessive drooling
- Frequent barking or howling
- Refusing to eat their food
- Trying to hide or desperately attempting to escape the house, fence, or enclosure
- Loss of bladder/bowel control or temporary diarrhea brought on by prolonged stress
If an animal becomes too frightened, they can easily injure themselves or escape. Tragically, frightened animals running loose are at a massive risk of getting permanently lost or hit by cars.
Before the first boom echoes across town, take these two crucial preventative steps:
- Update Their ID: Make sure your pet’s identification tags are securely on their collar and that the information is current. Double-check that your microchip registry has your correct phone number. If the worst happens and they do escape, this is their ticket home.
- Take an Early Walk: Take your dogs out for a long walk before the sun goes down and the fireworks begin. Once the popping starts, many pets will be too terrified to go outside, which often leads to accidents indoors later in the night.
When the neighborhood displays begin, the best thing you can do is be there to support your pet. Follow these six expert safety tips to create a sanctuary for them inside your home:
1.Bring them inside:
Never leave a pet outside during fireworks, even in a fenced-yard. Bring them indoors where they are safe from the noise and the urge to flee.
2.Create a sensory buffer:
Close all curtains, windows, and blinds to block out the flashes of light. Turn on the TV, static white noise, or a radio to help drown out the sharp cracks of the explosions.
3.Provide a mental distraction:
Give your pet a high-value treat toy, such as a KONG filled with peanut butter or their favorite wet food. Keeping their minds busy can successfully distract them from the chaos outside.
4.Offer a safe zone:
Set up a quiet, dark space for them. A covered crate, a small bathroom, or a closet can act as a secure “den” that offers comfort and security.
5.Use a leash for emergency bathroom breaks:
If you absolutely must take your pet outside while fireworks are active, use a secure leash or carrier. A sudden boom can cause even the most well-trained dog to bolt in blind panic.
6.Practice strict fire safety:
Keep all pets far away from matches, open fire pits, and unlit fireworks. Curious pets may try to sniff or eat fireworks, and their fur can easily catch fire if they get too close to sparks. -RD
Editor’s note: Please look out for one another this week. If you are setting off legal sparklers or fireworks, consider giving your immediate neighbors a quick heads-up so they can get their pets safely inside. Let’s make sure everyone in Norwood—two-legged and four-legged alike—has a safe holiday!
