4th of July firework dog safety

SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) — With the 4th of July festivities happening this Thursday and into the weekend, the San Angelo Animal Shelter is urging all pet owners to prepare not only their homes but also their pets.

This is a prime time for pets to run away due to the loud fireworks. Experts say that more runaway and lost pets end up at the animal shelter during this holiday than at any other time of the year.

We talked to Morgan Chegwidden of the San Angelo Animal Shelter to learn tips on how to keep animals safe during Independence Day.

“One thing you can do is to plan ahead for where your pets will be during the fireworks show. Both cats and dogs can get scared, become skittish, and wander off trying to find a safe place.”

We also talked to Felicia Bruno from Love N’ Leash to learn how to keep pets’ anxiety down during this time. She explained that most pets are not scared of the actual noise of the fireworks but of the vibrations they bring. She recommends putting your animals in a safe room with background noise. Also, having some sort of stimulation, like a lick mat or a Kong with your pet’s favorite treat, can help reduce their stress.

When you take your pet outside, make sure they are on a leash that they can’t easily slip out of. Also, remember to be vigilant over your furry friends throughout the week, as fireworks might also be going off past the 4th.

Another way you can keep your pets safe is by going to the animal shelter and getting your pets microchipped, just in case something happens and they need to find the rightful owner. The shelter is closed on July 4 and July 5, so make sure you take all the preparations you need to help keep your pets safe and sound during the celebrations.

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