Tips to keep pets safe this Fourth of July

The Flathead County Animal Shelter wants every pet owner to enjoy the holiday while keeping their pet safe and secure. Here are some easy to follow suggestions to make sure the “rocket’s red glare” don’t upset your dog or cat.

Independence Day is not a time of celebration for our pets. The fireworks that we humans find so thrilling can drive pets, especially dogs, into a state of utter panic. The explosions (even miles away), the high-pitched swoosh of rockets climbing into the sky, the flashes of light - these can all be overwhelming sensory assaults.

If your pet is terrified of fireworks, you probably know the signs: He cowers, trembles in fear or hides and appears disoriented. Some dogs become so frightened they take drastic action. They can crash through a screen door, jump out of a window or leap a fence.

Every year, animal shelters have their hands full dealing with lost dogs that bolted on July 4, cats that have gone missing and anxious owners looking for them. Sadly, some lost pets are never recovered. There are ways to make July 4 safer and less stressful for pets. Keep your pet inside as much as possible on July 4 (and for a few days before and after if your pet is extremely phobic about fireworks). If you find a stray animal, please keep them with you until your local animal shelter is open and ready to receive them.

The Flathead County Animal Shelter urges pet owners to follow the suggestions below to ensure their pets will not run off. 

1)     Make sure all pets, even indoor-only cats, are wearing a collar with an identification tag.  A Flathead County Dog License’s owner information can be accessed 24 hours per day, 365 days per year.   A microchip is also a good idea. Terrified animals will become confused and disoriented. They may end up miles from home or deep under a neighbor’s porch. This simple precaution will save a lot of anguish, time, and energy.

2) Fireworks will be on sale soon -- that means revelers will begin shooting them off early. Walk dogs in the early evening – well before nightfall – to prevent undue stress from noisy fireworks.

3) During neighborhood firework displays, keep all pets safely inside. Dogs, and cats, who are agitated, should be put into a bathroom or other room with no windows, with the door secure. Soft, instrumental music or “white noise” can be calming.  Remember screen doors will not keep in a charging dog. Please do not take a dog to watch a large commercial firework display. This only increases the chances of him becoming lost in an unfamiliar area.

4) In extreme cases, check with your veterinarian about tranquilizers.

If your pet becomes lost during the holiday (or at any time) check the shelter or call the shelter at 752-1310.

— Flathead County Animal Shelter