The Fourth of July is a celebrate our beautiful country with friends, family, food, and of course, fireworks. However, while you may see this stunning display of lights and sounds as a celebration for our nation, your furry friend may not. At Ponderosa Veterinary Clinic in Colorado Springs, we want to make sure that you are well equipped with the right tools to keep your pet safe this Fourth of July.
Why Are Pets Scared of Fireworks?
When fireworks are shot off near your home whether it be from you, a neighbor, or a town celebration nearby, your pet doesn’t understand what is happening. We associate the loud sounds, bright lights, and burning scents with nostalgia and a moment to feel celebratory. Your pet may view all these things as a danger to them and because of that, they may bark loudly, cower and hide, or try to run away to find refuge.
How to Minimize the Trauma Your Pet May Feel
Keep Them Indoors
If you are celebrating in your backyard, be sure to keep the back door closed and your animal safely inside. The sound will not be as loud inside the house and they won’t be able to run away, but they will be able to hide in the comfort of their own space. It is important to not allow your pet anywhere near the fireworks so leaving them inside the house is already a good idea.
Stay With Them When Possible
Your pet views you with so much love and trust that they want you there in their times of need. Because a firework celebration is loud and scary to them, it is good to show them that everything is okay. A lot of times, your pet may try to find you to make sure both of you are safe, so make sure to sit with them, talk to them, and pet them so they begin to calm down. Sitting with them for just a small amount of time will calm their nerves better than having them endure it alone.
Create a Quiet, Cozy Space
If there is a room in your home that doesn’t have windows, is more soundproof than the rest of the house, then that would be a good place to put your pet during a fireworks show. When you know the fireworks are about to start, put some of your pets’ favorite things, like toys and bedding, in there along with water so they can have a space where the noise is limited, and they are secure.
If You Go Out, Take Precautions
If you decide to go out for the Fourth of July, we advise you to just leave your pet inside the house with all the windows closed. They should have the space to hide and stay if no one else is home. Sometimes it is good to see if family, neighbors, or a pet sitter can stay with your pet. This way, they have someone to be there with them. If not, make sure all the doors and windows are shut and locked, with no way of potential escape. Do not leave your pet alone in the backyard, as it could try to get out and run away.
Microchip Your Pet
We highly recommend that you have your dog or cat microchipped, as this can help if your pet escapes. This is important to think about for the entire month of July, as people continue to celebrate, buy, and shoot off fireworks at any time. If your pet is microchipped, the chances of your pet being found safely increase.
Consider Calming Aids and Products
If your pet experiences high anxiety during fireworks, natural calming aids can help them relax. There are a variety of vet-approved products that may soothe your pet, including:
- Calming chews or treats with chamomile, melatonin, or L-theanine.
- Anxiety vests or wraps that provide gentle, comforting pressure (like a ThunderShirt).
- Pheromone diffusers or sprays that mimic naturally calming scents.
- Soothing music to mask the sound of fireworks
Celebrate Safely: Fourth of July Pet Care with Ponderosa Vet Clinic
At Ponderosa Veterinary Clinic, we know how crazy it can get in Colorado Springs, Monument, Falcon, and surrounding areas when it comes to the Fourth of July. We want to make sure that your pet is safe and sound as much as possible during this time and that you know the steps needed to make that a reality. Contact the best veterinary clinic in Colorado Springs for any and all your pet’s needs, including microchipping. Stay safe this holiday season and enjoy your 4th of July!
