Dogs and fireworks shows aren’t a good combo. A 4th of July safety checklist

Animal shelters may be closed on July 4, but July 5 is their busiest day of the year.

That’s because during fireworks shows, the flashing lights and booming noises trigger the fight or flight response in dogs and many run away. Pets that would not usually run away, will start to panic or experience extreme anxiety that could cause them to bolt.

We asked Darci VanderSlik, from SPCA of Wake County, for tips on keeping our pets safe and calm during a July 4th celebrations. For even more information, visit spcawake.org.

How can I prevent my dog from running away during fireworks?

Here are some things to keep in mind, from VanderSlik and Wake SPCA:

• Be aware fireworks may go off in the days and evenings leading up to July 4th.

• Pets don’t appreciate colorful fireworks displays as we do. Let your pet skip the fireworks show and leave them indoors at home to enjoy the air conditioning.

• Ensure your pet is wearing an ID tag, and check that your pet’s microchip is up-to-date with your correct address and phone number so you can be reunited quickly should they get loose.

• If your pet suffers from anxiety, consult your veterinarian about medications to minimize stress during the holiday festivities.

• Turn on the radio, television, or music to block out some firework noise.

• Give your pet a tasty treat, like a frozen Kong stuffed with peanut butter, to keep their mind occupied and distracted from the sounds.

• If you are having guests over, keep your pets in a secure location, and make sure guests know to keep doors closed to prevent escape.

How can I calm down a dog during a fireworks show?

Although it is not recommended to bring your dog to a fireworks show, if you choose to, there are a few things you can do to calm them down if they start to panic.

• If your pet suffers from anxiety, consult your veterinarian about medications to minimize stress.

• Give your pet a tasty treat, like a frozen Kong stuffed with peanut butter.

• Invest in a shirt/wrap made specifically for pets, such as a Thundershirt, that have been shown to reduce fear and anxiety.

What should I do if my dog runs away?

It’s a good idea to get your pet microchipped so that you can find them faster if they run away. Also, make sure your dog has an updated dog tag with updated information for their collar.

If they do run away, follow this advice:

▪ Within the first hour, alert your neighbors through any neighborhood communication apps, like Nextdoor, a neighborhood email list, a Facebook group or Ring Neighborhood.

▪ Within the next few hours, upload your dog’s picture into the Petco Love Lost database. Petco Love Lost and SPCA of Wake Partner provide free facial recognition to find your pet. Their photo will be scanned against other photos of animals found at local shelters and in the community.

Within the first 24 hours:

• Call your county’s animal shelter.

• Hang lost pet posters.

• Post your pet on social media.

• Fill out an SPCA of Wake Lost Pet help forms.