Fireworks and your furry friend

Fireworks, while a fun part of the July 4th holiday celebration for people, can be downright scary and dangerous for cats and dogs. The blasting and blazing fireworks so entertaining for people can be disturbing, unexpected and unpredictable to our furry friends. They have no idea what is happening or why. Fireworks can drive them to cower in a corner or to run desperately into harm's way or get lost. But there are some things pet owners can do to make life easier on their friends, according to the Humane Society of the United States and PetMD. • Even if your cat or dog is usually outside, bring them inside your home or garage by early afternoon on days you expect fireworks. Keep a radio, TV or fan running to soften jarring noises. Close curtains and blinds to block flashes of light. If you are unable to leave your pet unattended at home, keep it leashed and under your direct control at all times. • For dogs, provide a quiet, enclosed space, like a crate or a corner of a room, where the dog feels secure. Include familiar blankets, toys, and a piece of your clothing to create a sense of security. For cats, hiding is a natural behavior. Being able to get away and hide from something scary reduces the fear and stress fireworks can cause. Creating a hiding spot can be as simple as placing a cat bed inside a plain cardboard box on its side, or draping a cat blanket over a laundry basket so your cat can burrow in. While it's good for cats to have plenty of hiding spaces to choose from, make sure they can't access any places that aren't safe, such as under the roof or inside a crawlspace. If you know your house has these types of hazards, close off those areas for the duration of the fireworks display. • Your veterinarian may be able to recommend medications and techniques that might ease your pet's fear. • Do not try to force your cat or dog to experience or be close to the sound that frightens them. Making pets stay close to a group of people who are lighting firecrackers will only make them more afraid. Providing your pet with the choice to leave a situation is one of the best ways to help them cope with their fear. • Safeguard your pet with a collar and ID tag. All pets, even those kept indoors full-time, should always wear collars with ID tags. Indoor-only pets can become so frightened during fireworks displays that they may take desperate measures to escape the noise, including breaking through windows or door screens. You should also ensure that your pet is microchipped and that the chip is properly registered with your current contact information. • Tire out your dog with a good walk before the fireworks begin.