Fourth festivities can frighten pets

HOLIDAY AND ANIMALS

It's a holiday weekend, you have a day off work and you want to spend it with your loved ones, right?

And that includes man's best friend.

But before you take Fido to the Independence Day picnic and fireworks show, know that veterinarians caution that pets often become frightened by the noise and commotion of the holiday.

"I have firsthand experience calming and trying to reunite lost pets and their guardians during the Fourth of July holiday," says Kay Hyman, director of outreach and communications for the Charleston Animal Society. "The shelter receives many frantic calls from pet owners the week before the Fourth of July holiday and on July 5, desperately looking for their beloved pets who were spooked by the 'rockets red glare' of the holiday.

"I have heard horror stories of pets darting into traffic and bursting through doors and windows. These tragedies could be avoided if pet owners would just take a few moments to make sure their pets are safe," Hyman says.

The problem isn't unique to the Lowcountry. It happens across the nation. The days after the Fourth of July weekend are the busiest ones of the year for most shelters. Frightened dogs and cats run away, often seeking a hiding place or looking for security from owners who might have left them home alone.

"Shelters across the country are extremely busy during the summer months and especially the week of the Fourth of July," Hyman says. "And many of the animals that are found are exhausted and disoriented."

Desperate to get away from the unfamiliar and loud noise, they sometimes engage in uncharacteristic behavior. They might chew through a leash, dig under a fence, jump over a wall or run into traffic.

Once gone, you're at the mercy of animal control officers or good Samaritans, who might take them to the safety of the local shelter.

But there are things you can do before the holiday to try to alleviate your pet's anxiety if you know he doesn't like loud noises.

Remember that neighborhood celebrations could start several days before Friday and last several days after that.

Let your pet stay in an interior room or a room with the shades drawn. Turn on a television, fan or radio to muffle outdoor sounds.

"Some pets need help from their veterinarian to get through the holiday," Hyman says.

"If you know your pet is afraid of fireworks, then talk to your veterinarian. He may have some suggestions on how to keep him calm."

There are several doggy tranquilizers and calming sprays on the market that could help keep your pup's anxiety under wraps. Some are even made of herbs or other natural ingredients.

To protect your pet on the Fourth of July, the Humane Society of the United States suggests that pet owners take these precautions:

--Resist the urge to take your pet to a fireworks display.

--Do not leave your pet in the car. With only hot air to breathe inside a car, your pet can suffer serious health effects, even death, in a few short minutes. Partially opened windows do not provide sufficient air, but they do provide an opportunity for your pet to be stolen.

--Keep your pets indoors at home in a sheltered, quiet area. Some animals can become destructive when frightened, so be sure that you've removed any items that your pet could destroy or that would be harmful to your pet if chewed. Leave a television or radio playing at normal volume to keep him company while you're out attending Fourth of July picnics, parades and other celebrations.

--If you know that your pet is seriously distressed by loud noises such as thunder, consult with your veterinarian before July Fourth for ways to help alleviate the fear and anxiety he or she will experience during fireworks displays.

--Never leave pets outside unattended, even in a fenced yard or on a chain. In their fear, pets who normally wouldn't leave the yard may escape and become lost, or become entangled in their chain, risking injury or death.

--Make sure your pets are wearing identification tags so that if they do become lost, they can be returned promptly. Animals found running at large should be taken to the animal shelter, where they will have the best chance of being reunited with their owners.

Despite your efforts, if your dog gets away, "remember to immediately call and go to the shelter in your area," Hyman says. "Make sure you have a current photo of the pet and its microchip info."

Ask people if they have seen your pet. Any sightings can help you define a search area.

Finally, be persistent.

"Please be your pet's best friend and keep him safe this holiday weekend," Hyman says.

Brenda Rindge can be reached at 937-5713 or at brindge@postand courier.com.

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