BOSSIER CITY, Louisiana (KSLA) – Your four-legged family members may have to contend with fireworks on the Fourth of July.
In fact, according to Dr. Sabine Squires, July 5 is the day when most pets are reported missing, as many of them escape or run away out of fear.
KSLA News 12’s Andrew Wellmann spoke with the veterinarian and pet owners to learn how they are helping their pets get through the holidays.
Like many pet owners, Erica Murray said the Fourth of July can be a very difficult time for her Moses and Frida.
“This is the worst holiday of the year for them. Every year on the Fourth of July they are just scared and shaking under my bed,” she said of her dogs.
The main cause of stress on the 4th of July is the setting off of fireworks during the celebrations. The noise and vibrations can cause stress and anxiety in pets.
There are items and things you can do to help your pets cope with the stress, Dr. Squires said.
“Thundershirts can be very helpful because they create a wrapping effect. That can be very helpful. Other things that can help are pheromone collars or sprays to help them feel more calm.”
The vet also said that playing music can be very helpful when trying to calm your pets.
Both Murray and pet owner Tom Andrews said music is a useful tool to calm their animals in stressful situations. “Sometimes we play calming music for him when it gets too much,” Andrews said.
Dr. Squires also said if you know your pets have issues with things like fireworks, it’s best to talk about medications to help them. “It’s really helpful to talk to your vet about getting anti-anxiety medications, which can be really helpful in helping them deal with the phobia before it becomes a problem.”
Finally, it is recommended to take pets outside before the fireworks and keep them indoors during loud celebrations.
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