SIOUX FALLS S.D. (KELO) — The Fourth of July can be a fun-filled holiday especially if you enjoy fireworks. But your pets may not feel the same way. Loud noises and the irregular bangs from fireworks can cause anxiety and fear in animals.
Before you start your Fourth of July celebrations make sure you have everything set up for your furry companion.
“The best way to keep your pets safe during the Fourth of July fireworks season is to keep them inside in a nice, quiet room with their favorite toys and treats. Keep them away from company and make sure that your doors stay shut,” Community Outreach Director Dana Konzem said.
Preparation is key when taking care of your pets. Animal Behavioral Specialist Jennifer Nemee points out the most important things.
“The biggest thing is checking your microchips. Make sure you have all your medications. Talk to a vet if you think you might need some behavioral medicine. Sedation for them, you know, walk them and exercise them earlier in the day before the fireworks start and always make sure you have their I.D. on them,” Animal Behavioral Specialist Jennifer Nemee said.
If you recently got a pet and do not know how they are going to act, plan for the unknown.
“It’s always better to be safe than sorry. So, keep them inside, keep their identification on, and create back home environment for them,” Konzem said.
Making sure that your pet is on a leash, or indoors is very important.
“More pets go missing on the Fourth of July than any other day. Pets who are missing, they they’re really good at getting themselves into trouble that they can’t get out of. They get hit by cars. They find themselves trapped in random places and, you know, sewer drains, stuff like that,” Nemee said.
So before you light that firework make sure your pets are safe, happy, and inside.
If your pet is not microchipped, you can bring them to the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society, and they will do it for $20.
