Salwan: Pets and fireworks don’t always mix
By Raj Salwan, The Argus
Posted: 07/02/2009 12:00:00 AM PDT

INDEPENDENCE DAY is a special time to celebrate the history of our country. We are blessed to live in the United States and are fortunate to enjoy the benefits that it provides.

Our country is experiencing historic changes and a new vision is being created for its future. There is no time greater to celebrate our love for the United States than the Fourth of July.

The love of animals has been a part of the United States, starting from our forefathers. Ranging from the time of George Washington to that of Barack Obama, many pets have stayed in the White House.

In fact, George Washington owned 36 hounds, many horses, and a parrot named Polly. John Quincy Adams had a pet alligator. Yikes!!

The love of animals is as American as Independence Day itself.

Americans love Fourth of July festivities and the related fireworks. However, our pets may not have the same appreciation of these patriotic activities.

Dogs, cats, horses, and even livestock, can react to fireworks in ways that could cause injury or even death. The fear of noises and sounds like fireworks and thunderstorms are known as “noise phobias.”

I strongly recommend the following safeguards to protect your pet:

1. During the upcoming celebrations, keep small pets indoors. A good idea is to keep the pet in an interior room without windows. Create a sanctuary for your pet. Turn on the TV or radio to provide some
distraction.

2. Never leave pets alone outdoors, even if tethered or in a fenced yard. It is not uncommon for dogs to escape or injure themselves in a frenzied attempt to escape the noise. Many animal shelters report increases of “stray” animals after the holiday because of the number of pets running away to avoid the noise and excitement.

3. If you are planning on attending a fireworks celebration, leave your pet at home. If you must be outside with your pet, be sure to have the pet constrained on a lead or kept in a carrier.

4. Protect your pets from children who may not realize the consequences of waving sparklers or setting off home fireworks. Some pets may become “fearfully aggressive” due to the loud noises.

5. Be sure that your pet has microchip or a current ID tag so that you and your pet can be easily reunited in the case he or she runs off.

6. If your pet is afraid of loud noises like thunder, fireworks will be a big problem. Consult your veterinarian ahead of time and pick up some tranquilizers to lower your pet’s anxiety level.

Hopefully, everyone will be safe and comfortable and may our pets be spared any harm.

Happy Fourth of July to everyone!

Raj Salwan, a second-generation veterinarian, has been around veterinary medicine for more than 21 years. He can be reached at www.americananimalcare.com.

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