Tips To Protect Pets as Fireworks Pop and Sizzle

While the rest of us are enjoying Fourth of July fireworks, Independence Day can be a nightmare for first-responders called to rescue pets in distress.

Hillsborough County Animal Services is reminding pet owners to be compassionate and proactive in protecting defenseless animals during the festive 4th of July fireworks celebration.

Pets often slip away during holiday gatherings but the Fourth of July is undeniably the worst holiday for animals. Loud pops, booms and unpredictable flashes of light assault the senses of pets and may induce the classic fight-or-flight instinct.  It is not uncommon for otherwise friendly animals to become aggressive when fearful or injured, and pets fleeing in fear are more likely to be hit by cars.

Animal Services offers the following tips to protect pets and people:

• Provide a safe indoor refuge room for pets during festive fireworks. Provide plenty of water and soothing background sounds, such as from a television or radio. The room should be well-ventilated but without open windows for escape. When crating pets indoors, the carrier must be large enough for the animal to comfortably stand up and turn around inside.
• Feed and walk dogs early before fireworks and parties begin.
• Take cats inside whenever possible since they are prone to hiding under wheel wells and engines to escape the noise and flash of fireworks.
• Check with your veterinarian in advance about measures to calm your pet.
• Always keep rabies tags securely fastened -- just in case.  Micro-chips are a great idea, but County pet registration tags are required by law and show good samaritans that your lost pet has been safely vaccinated.
• Do not take pets to fireworks displays -- public or private.
• Never leave pets unattended in vehicles -- not even with the windows cracked or during evening hours.
• Never leave children alone to supervise dogs.
• Avoid leaving dogs tied in the yard during fireworks -- even if caretakers are on site.  Fearful dogs often jump fences with tragic consequences.
• Never punish pets for unusual and involuntary behavior brought on by stress.  Examples include loss of appetite, clinginess, chewing, panting and/or whining.

If pets do go missing, owners should begin searching immediately and in person when Hillsborough County Animal Services, 440 Falkenburg Road, N., reopens on Tuesday, July 5. A limited number of personnel will be on duty for animal emergencies only via the shelter's main number.

For more information, contact Hillsborough County Animal Services at 813-744-5660.