Prevent Your Dog from Blasting Off Like a Rocket During Fireworks
- Media
- Dec 31
- 2 min read
To most people, fireworks are a brilliant, sparkly and celebratory treat, but for dogs and some other pets, the shrieking, booming and explosive display is terrifying and may cause them to panic and flee.
Unless you are certain that your pet does not react negatively to fireworks, it is not a good idea to bring a dog or other pet to a fireworks show. Panicky pets might run into traffic, get lost, or even be attacked by other animals. Last year, the County Department of Animal Services collected 165 strays, 83 dogs and 82 cats, in the week leading up to the holiday.
People can prevent pets from escaping yards, homes and even their owner’s arms by taking steps to make sure dogs and pets are secured and soothed inside away from the earsplitting noise outside.
Some other steps to keep your pet safe or reunite you quickly with your pet this Independence Day include:
Make sure they are wearing their collars with identifying information on them.
Pets that are microchipped and licensed are reunited with their owners more quickly than those that are not. Microchip your pet and ensure contact information is updated. Currently and through July 7, the County shelters are offering free pet microchipping for residents of unincorporated areas of San Diego County.
Bring your pets inside your home before the fireworks start. Don’t rely on a fenced yard because fear can cause them to dig under, break through or jump over a fence. Please don’t leave them in a car either.
Provide a quiet, calm space inside. White noise machines, sleep machines, music or a television could help provide a distraction.
Optimally, you can reassure your pets by staying with them, but if you can’t then have someone they like and trust stay with them.
If you know your pet becomes seriously distressed by loud noises like thunder, consult your veterinarian to see if anxiety-relieving medication is appropriate.
If you find a lost pet in the unincorporated area of the County after the fireworks, try to secure the animal and check for a tag to notify the owner. Check social media sites and lost and found websites to see if someone is looking for their pet.
If you are unable to reach the owner, call County Animal Services’ 24-hour emergency dispatch number at (619) 236-2341 so the animal can be cared for at the shelter.
If you lost your cat or dog, you can check with neighbors, local veterinarians and pet hospitals, social media and lost and found websites such as Pawboost.com.
You can also check County Animal Services’ lost and found page online. And if you see your dog or cat is at County Animal Services, you can pick up your pet at the South Shelter at 5821 Sweetwater Road in Bonita.
Adapted from an article written by Yvette Urrea Moe | July 4, 2024 | County of San Diego Communications Office
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