With the 4th of July just a week away, you might already be thinking about cookouts, hot dogs fireworks. July 4th and roman candles or sparklers just seem to go hand in hand but man's best friend might not agree.
Vets say fireworks scare a lot of dogs and cats. Their hearing is much more sensitive than ours so taking your furry friend to the fireworks show isn't a good idea. If you decide to stay home, the loud pops and bangs of fireworks still might scare them. If that's the case, here's some advice from the St. Joseph County Humane Society:
"We suggest that if you have a dog that's really traumatized or a cat, put it in an inside bathroom," says Executive Director of the St. Joseph County Humane Society Carol Ecker. "Someplace where you can put a radio, where the dog can't hear the really loud firecrackers and see the sparks and light and all the type of thing, sometimes that's all you need to do."
Vets say you should not put your pet in a fenced-in yard. They'll still be scared by the noise and might try to escape.
If all else fails, it might be a good idea to call your vet. They can suggest other options, like the 'Thundershirt' which is supposed to limits their anxiety. Your vet might also suggest tranquilizers.
