For many pets, July 4th is the most-miserable holiday of the calendar year.
The loud noise from fireworks can be traumatic for animals. SPCA of Texas spokesperson Maddie Yeaman said, "The sounds are unusual. They're loud, booming. It's an unfamiliar thing, so we see a lot of pets that are fearful of this."
This is also a holiday where many frantic owners end up searching for their four-legged family member. Yeaman said, "It's actually one of the biggest days that we see pets go missing, because they are so scared, they will bolt out of fear just to get away from that crazy noise they are hearing."
Among the advice offered by the SPCA: Ensure your pet can be identified if it gets loose. "Make sure your pet has a collar that fits well, with an ID tag that has their name and your phone number. That way, if they do get out, somebody knows this is a pet and they can get them back home to you instantly," Yeaman said.
Microchipping your pet is another good idea.
The SPCA recommends you do not take your pet to a community fireworks celebration. And if fireworks are a problem in your neighborhood, Yeaman advises you create a safe space for your pet. "Maybe give it a quiet area and try to reduce that noise. Maybe if you usually have the TV on at home, that's something you would turn on because it's a familiar noise," she said.
Pet owners can also consult their veterinarian to see if they can recommend a medication or natural remedy to help reduce the fireworks anxiety.