Animal experts warn that pets go missing around the Fourth of July more than any other weekend.
Dogs share many of the same emotions as people, including feeling anxious, the American Kennel Club says, and fireworks can make that much worse.
“If you’ve ever had a case of nerves, you’ll understand that dog anxiety is extremely difficult for your pet,” the AKC says. “It can overwhelm them, shut them down, and make it impossible for them to learn or respond to cues.”
Although it’s never too late to help your dog, the longer they have experienced anxiety, the more challenging it can be to treat, the AKC said.
“You want to step in as soon as you can rather than letting your dog suffer. It’s also important to intervene quickly in the moment. Don’t let your dog’s emotions ramp up past the point of no return.
“Learn to read dog body language so you can spot the first signs of stress, such as lip licking or pulled back ears. Then, whether it’s walking in another direction or distracting your dog, you can act quickly to change the situation and relieve your dog’s discomfort,” the AKC noted.
The American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals says noise phobias are not as common in cats, but they can happen.
“Fortunately, cats tend to hide when frightened. Checking in on your cats, having some quiet music on and keeping them indoors during the height of the fireworks is always a good idea,” the SPCA said.
9 ways to help soothe your pets this Fourth of July
Here’s a plan to help your animals stay safe and anxiety-free this holiday weekend.
Other safety concerns to consider this Fourth of July
The ASPCA says even if your animal isn’t anxious, there are other safety concerns.
Jalen Williams is an trending reporter at the Detroit Free Press. Contact him at jawilliams1@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Fireworks can be traumatic for pets. How to keep them safe, calm on Fourth of July
Reporting by Jalen Williams, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
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