Big concussions from exploding fireworks can have big impacts on household pets, prompting officials Thursday to remind Riverside County residents to ensure their four-legged friends are in a safe place during the Fourth of July.
“Give them a space where they feel comfortable and calm that’s inside and away from all of the excitement,” the ASPCA said in a statement posted at www.aspca.org/.
Many pets feel threatened by thundering pyrotechnics, instinctively trying to escape perceived danger and leading them to run away.
“Animals with anxiety caused by loud noises can be calmed with soothing music, an enrichment activity like a chew toy, an anxiety vest or even a snugly fitting T-shirt,” the ASPCA said.
Pet advocates recommended bringing outdoor domestic animals into the house, closing all windows and doors and making a home as soundproof as possible to keep the pets’ nerves at ease.
County Department of Animal Services spokeswoman Veronica Perez said that if canines bolt onto the streets and end up impounded at one of the county’s four shelters, it would help officials to quickly track down owners by having the dogs microchipped.
“Pet owners can prepare now by getting microchips and ID tags at county shelters, which are free until July 4th,” Perez told City News Service.
While fears and aversions to noise are most common in dogs, cats also react negatively, but they’re less likely to run out of fear, especially when soothed by owners.
When pets run away, they put themselves at risk, potentially leading to travels far from home, getting hit by vehicles or attacked by other dogs or animals, Perez said.
“The overwhelming majority of pets that arrived at our shelter last July 4 were dogs, and just over 20% were returned to an owner,” she said.
To ensure pets’ safety, officials urged residents to take the following precautions:
— Ensure pet ID tags are up-to-date;
— Search yards and homes for any escape routes;
— Use calming aids if needed;
— Plan ahead if traveling;
— Don’t leave pets unattended outside; and
— Keep a recent photo of a pet to distribute via flyers, social media or Petco Love Lost.
More information about pet safety during the Fourth of July and any other time of year is available at www.rcdas.org.