the holiday weekend can cause your pets anxiety and stress because of the loud noises from the fireworks.
Fireworks can also be dangerous to the physical well being of your furry friend.
Ruth Thompson says, "Last year we had a dog literally jump out of a window, right through the glass."
Although appealing to the eye, fireworks can be tough on the ears, especially for dogs.
Thompson
says, "It's just the noise, the commotion, the excitement, the kind of
stuff sends some of those dogs... It's like sensory overload. So we will
see more dogs coming in over the weekend from the fireworks."
Thompson says to keep your dog inside if you choose to set off your own fireworks.
She says the hot embers can be dangerous to the pad on their paws.
Erie resident Jim Carver says his dog, Ida, does not like loud noises that come with this time of the year.
Carver
says, "She hears fireworks, or even like thunder, she'll leave from the
living room where we're all sitting and go into the middle bedroom and
then lay down on the floor kind of hiding."
The ANNA Shelter says there are tools to help keep your animal calm during loud noises like fireworks.
Thompson
says, "There are things like thunder shirts, there's ace bandage wraps,
things that keep the dog cozy and feeling safe. If that doesn't work, a
crate or a kennel. If you can be home with them, that's usually the
best thing to relieve anxiety. But if you want to go out and enjoy the
fireworks, definitely a crate and the quietest place in your house is
probably the best bet."
Carver says, "I'll go in there and pet her
a few times but we heard about that blanket or that wrap around now, so
we're thinking about maybe going and checking to see if it works or
not."
Thompson says even though noise is the most common problem
with pets on the Fourth of July, she says it's important also to
remember to throw away any remains of fireworks for your pet when they
go outside.
Thompson says, "Kind of the way I look at it is if it's not good for your child, it's probably not good for your pet as well."
Thompson says cats aren't usually as bothered by the noises or find better hiding places that are more quiet.