Fireworks safety for furry friends

Fourth of July can be a time of great fun and celebration, but it can also be a distressing time for furry friends.

With fireworks shooting off and the hustle and bustle of celebration, it can be easy to miss a dog bolting out the door or fence.

“July Fourth or New Year’s, any firework-laden holiday that people tend to celebrate with that, it does produce that anxiety in the dogs and they run scared; they get overstimulated,” Blount County Animal Center Director Ron Crow said.

Crow said last year, the center had 22 dogs admitted just over the span of July 3-5. They were only able to reunite about 30% of those dogs with their owners.

That’s why microchips are so important, said BCAC Kennel Operations Manager Jim Naelitz.

Microchips allow the missing dog to be scanned anywhere, even out of state. As long as the owners registered the chip with current information, whoever is scanning the dog will be able to contact them.

“They are going to run; dogs are going to jump fences. They’re going to bolt outdoors when kids are in and out wanting to watch fireworks. Dogs escape and we get that,” Crow said.

Some preventative measures owners can take include visiting the vet to get sedatives for dogs who tend to get anxious during the Fourth of July, desensitizing by playing fireworks sounds leading up to the holiday and making sure dogs are either microchipped or have a tag on their collar with current information.

Naelitz said even if the owner can’t get a tag for their dog, just taping some masking tape to the dog’s collar with the owner’s name and number can make a difference.

Crow said the most effective way for owners to protect their pets on the Fourth of July is to keep them indoors and be aware that a dog may slip out the door.

He also suggested playing calming music or utilizing a Thundershirt. Even just a t-shirt that gently compresses the dog’s chest may help to relax them a bit, Crow suggested.

Naelitz said that if an owner doesn’t want their dog in the house, securing the dog in a garage or a shed would be better than leaving a dog in the yard during peak fireworks hours.

If the dog is in the yard, Naelitz said making sure the dog had a good, secure collar, is important as dogs that are stressed or afraid could slip out. Choker or chain collars, however, should not be used as they could hurt the dog’s neck if they pull too much, he said.

If someone comes across a lost dog during the holiday, Crow said to call BCAC immediately to report the dog lost, but if possible, try to keep the dog until the owner is found, as the shelter will likely be at capacity. Crow said social media posts can be incredibly useful tools in locating owners.

Crow also advised caution when approaching loose dogs, as dogs that bolt are likely to be fearful or overexcited. Crow said to look for body language, such as whale eyes and ears pinned back.

If owners take proper steps, the Fourth of July can be a stress-free time for humans and dogs.

“The one thing I really drive home is the microchipping; even if you don’t do it before the Fourth of July, get it done,” said Naelitz.