CULLMAN, Ala. – Independence Day celebrations can be fun for families, but they can be frightening and dangerous for pets.
The Cullman County Animal Shelter (CCAS) is urging pet owners to prepare before fireworks begin, noting that animal shelters across the country often see an increase in lost pets during Independence Day celebrations.
“During Independence Day celebrations, animal shelters nationwide experience a surge in lost pets,” the shelter shared. “To ensure your fur baby’s well-being and minimize anxiety, consider implementing the following preventative measures.”
For many pets, fireworks can trigger panic. Dogs and cats may tremble, hide, bark, meow, pace, refuse food, act destructively or attempt to escape. Even pets that normally stay close to home may run when startled by loud fireworks, crowds or unfamiliar activity.
The shelter encouraged owners whose pets take anxiety medication to check their supply before the holiday.
“For pets with anxiety that are currently under medication, it is essential to confirm that an adequate supply of medication is available, as most veterinary clinics will be closed,” CCAS shared.
Pet owners should not give animals new medication or human medication unless directed by a veterinarian. Anyone with a pet that has severe anxiety should contact their veterinarian before the holiday to discuss safe options.
CCAS also reminded residents to make sure microchip information is current.
“Verify that your pet’s microchip registration is current, including your address and phone number,” it stated.
A microchip is only useful if the contact information attached to it is correct. Owners should also make sure pets are wearing collars with legible identification tags or clearly written contact information.
“Ensure pets wear collars with legibly written contact information to facilitate safe return in the event of escape,” CCAS said.
Pet safety should begin before fireworks start. Owners can exercise dogs earlier in the day, then bring pets inside before evening celebrations begin. A quiet room, crate, blanket, familiar toys and background noise from a television, radio or fan may help reduce stress.
Pets should not be taken to fireworks shows. If a pet must go outside during the evening, it should be secured with a properly fitted leash, collar or harness. Owners should also check gates, doors and fences before guests arrive, since frightened animals may bolt through an open door.
Holiday food can also create problems for pets.
CCAS specifically warned owners to keep hazardous food items, including chicken bones, out of reach to prevent accidental ingestion.
Cooked bones can splinter and cause serious injury. Other common holiday risks include skewers, corn cobs, alcohol, chocolate, grapes, onions and food scraps left where pets can reach them.
Fireworks themselves can also be hazardous. Pets should be kept away from lit fireworks, unused fireworks and debris. After any fireworks are used at home, the area should be cleaned up before pets are allowed outside again.
Pet owners should watch for signs of fireworks stress, including:
- Trembling or shaking
- Hiding or seeking shelter
- Excessive barking or meowing
- Pacing or restlessness
- Loss of appetite
- Destructive behavior
- Attempts to escape or run away
To help keep pets safe, CCAS and animal safety groups recommend the following:
- Check anxiety medication supplies before the holiday if your pet already has a prescription
- Contact your veterinarian before giving any medication or calming product
- Update your pet’s microchip registration
- Make sure collars and ID tags include current contact information
- Bring pets indoors before fireworks begin
- Create a quiet, comfortable safe space inside
- Use a television, radio, fan or soft music to help mask outside noise
- Exercise dogs earlier in the day before celebrations begin
- Secure pets with a properly fitted leash, collar or harness if they must go outside
- Keep chicken bones, table scraps and other hazardous foods away from pets
- Clean up fireworks debris before allowing pets back outside
- Do not bring pets to fireworks shows
If a pet goes missing, owners should act quickly. Check nearby hiding places, contact local animal control or the animal shelter, post a clear photo and contact information to local lost-and-found pet pages and notify the pet’s microchip company.
A calm pet is a safer pet, and a little preparation before the fireworks begin can help prevent a frightening night from turning into a missing-pet emergency.
