Keeping pets safe on Independence Day

For many people, the annual Independence Day fireworks show is the highlight of the national holiday, but for pets, July 4th can be nothing short of a nightmare.

The thundering explosions and earth-shaking “booms,” features that make fireworks exciting for humans, are often terrifying for dogs. Family pets may shiver, howl, cower in a corner, look for any hideaway in the house or, in a worst-case scenario, bolt from yards and pens and become lost.

According to local veterinarian Dr. Don Hemstreet of Morganton Animal Clinic, there are things pet owners can do to ease the anxiety pets may feel on Independence Day.

“Many dogs have phobias,” Hemstreet said. “They may be afraid of storms as well as fireworks.”

According to the doctor, pet parents can provide a safe, comforting place for their fur babies during the scary events.

“They need someone they trust to be with them,” Hemstreet said, “someone to just hold them and comfort them.”

Hemstreet suggested a trip to the vet well before July 4 for owners who need help managing their pets’ anxiety.

“There are medicines a vet can give to help calm dogs,” he said, “but I would definitely advise people to get the medicine a few days before they need it so they can do a trial run to see how it works on their dog.”

He also suggested owners prepare a “safe place” for their pets, complete with a television for distracting noise during fireworks shows.

Most important, he said, is thinking ahead and preparing for the event that may be detrimental to your dog’s well-being.

“The Fourth of July can be a very long night for dogs and their owners,” Hemstreet added.

Shana Adcock, of Burke Animal Services, offered advice for pet owners who want to keep their animals safe. She said the animal shelter sees an influx of dogs who ran away during fireworks shows in the days following Independence Day.

Adcock reminds pet owners to be sure dogs are microchipped or, at the very least, to ensure animals have collars with identification information attached.