Protect your pets from fireworks

by Carla Galasso

Photo Credit:  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Summer fireworks can terrify pets, especially dogs and cats. Some towns are banning the noisy celebrations because of their harm to animals or the fire hazard posed by setting them off. Cambria, a town on the central California coast between Los Angeles and San Francisco, banned fireworks due to the risk of wildfires.  But  it has since become a destination for pet owners seeking refuge from July 4 and other celebratory explosive events, according to the New York Times.

Dogs and cats can hear sounds at much higher frequencies than humans, so fireworks are much louder and more overwhelming to them. Since they don’t understand where the noise is coming from, pets often panic and instinctively try to escape, even if they’re usually calm and well-behaved. 

If you can’t get to a fireworks free town, the American Human Society suggests things you can do to keep your pets comfortable. Before the fireworks, taking your dog for a long walk or spending extra time playing with them can help burn off energy and reduce anxiety. Once the fireworks start, it’s best to keep all pets indoors in a quiet room away from windows. Closing the curtains, playing calming music and staying close to your pet can also help them feel more comfortable and block out some of the loud noises outside. 

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has a list of what they call compassionate cities which on July 4th, go fireworks free with animal-friendly entertainment.