As the patriotic holiday approaches, many rural families are preparing for traditional Fourth of July affairs. Picnics, fishing, camping, rodeos and of course, fireworks. While some animals tolerate the noise and lights well, others can become afraid or hurt.
Animals' ears are more sensitive than humans. Because animals don't understand where the noise is coming from, they can exhibit frantic behavior and run off.
Nationwide, Animal Control reports a 30 percent increase in lost pets from July 4-6. Jeff Darrah with Missoula Animal Control said July is their busiest month of the year with them picking up an average of 10-20 dogs during the Fourth of July week.
Paws Up Safe Home Animal Shelter operator Hazel Tyler said that typically they receive 10-20 calls around July 4 for people looking for their pets. She added the most pets they have had brought to the shelter is five during that time period.
Fireworks can also damage animals' ears. Some dogs and cats may even be playful with certain ground fireworks and may chase them, which could cause fur and mouth burns. Debris from fireworks can cause digestive harm to pets if they eat them or even taste the wrappings because of the caustic materials used.
"Fireworks are scary to pets in general. Keep your pets inside if possible or restrained in a safe manner. Pets that are afraid will run to hide from the noise. Then they become lost. Many times during their running, they dart in front of cars and get hit causing death or severe injury," said Darrah. "You may have to visit your vet and obtain pet sedatives to help your dog relax during what is a stressful time for them."
According to Modern Farmer, in 2013 dairy cows in Maryland stampeded due to a fireworks display in a nearby field. The farmer had to put down some of the cows due to injuries sustained.
Greenough-Potomac Volunteer Fire Department Chief Ryan Hall has never heard of any missing or injured horses in the area but said they may run around a little.
On the wild side, the hayfields are getting tall enough to hide the whitetail deer fawns. If fireworks are lit off with fawns hidden nearby, the does may become separated from their fawns and not return.
Elk calves are small this time of year as well and may be scared off from familiar calving grounds.
Domestic animals can be protected by potential firework scares by tucking them in their barns, pens and houses early in the night with food and water for comfort. Closing all the windows and playing music or the television can drown out the noise. The Paws Up Board said they have also heard of people taking their pets and driving to an area without fireworks or purchasing a Thunder Shirt® to calm pet anxiety and fear.
Birds and smaller animals may draw comfort from heavy blankets placed over their enclosures to lessen noise and flashing lights. Bunnies and chickens can be put in their quiet hutches and coops with extra bedding for security.
"Our suggestion to keep pets safe: Do not include them in your fireworks displays," said Darrah.
Paws Up board members reminded pet owners to put a collar on their pet with its name and contact information so if found it can be returned. Pets should also be leashed when out for a walk so they don't hear fireworks and get spooked and run off. They also ask those that are setting off fireworks to be sensitive to not only animals in the area, but veterans and elderly who may also be adversely affected by the noise.
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