By Madeline Aragon
Fireworks have been known to be the highlights of celebrations. However, for dogs, it can be a source of distress. It’s important to remember as Independence Day weekend arrivers, as a dog owner you need to look out for your fur baby.
Fireworks are dangerous for dogs due to their heightened sense of hearing and sensitivity to loud noises. The sudden and loud explosives can cause fear, panic, and even physical discomfort, potentially leading to stress, anxiety, or even hearing damage.
It’s also important to make sure you are in a space where your dog doesn’t have the chance to run away. Dogs try to escape or hide during fireworks displays, which could lead to accidents or them running away and getting lost.
Some ways to reassure your dog won’t run off is by locking the doors, if outside at a family gathering, all gates should be closed.
To ensure the safety of our furry friends during fireworks celebrations, it is critical for owners to take proactive steps to create a safe and comfortable environment, like a room to retreat to when the noise becomes too much. For example, my bathroom is the closest I have to a soundproof room which is why I like to set some nice comfortable blankets on my bathroom floor and hang in there with my dog to distract him from the chaotic sounds.
Playing soothing music or calming sounds to help drown out the sound of the fireworks is a great idea. Offer your dog interactive toys, a favorite blanket, food, or treats to distract them from the noise.
You must avoid leaving your dog outside or alone during fireworks displays. Dogs tend to feel safer next to someone they care for.
If your pet runs away, and you can’t find him or her, we are more than willing to help out!
Over the past 12 years, Orange Live has helped so many people reunite with their lost pets. Contact us and we’ll immediately get the word out on our site and Facebook pages where people around town will help look for your fur babies! Feel free to contact us by texting 203-506-1747 with all of your contact information, when your pet went missing and where and what time you last saw them along with a photo of your lost pet. Please make sure to send a text when your pet is found so we can inform the community.
Please take this information seriously, if you have a dog take precautions to ensure their safety. Your pet’s well-being should always come first.