Tips to keep your pets safe for Fourth of July

TYLER, Texas ( KETK ) – Fireworks on the Fourth of July are an American tradition, but for our pets it can be a scary night.

“Prevention and precaution are the two key parts to this,” owner of Tyler Animal Emergency Hospital James DeSimone said.

Pets Fur People , a Tyler animal rescue organization, advises pet owners to update their pet’s collars and microchip information.

“For people, it’s a really fun time for animals, but for pets it can really be devastating for them. Dogs and cats’ hearing is three to four more times more sensitive than our ears,” Pets Fur People Executive Director Gayle Helms said.

DeSimone said that some pets get so scared and look for a place to hide at home or even escape and run from home.

“Pets will run into the streets and get hit by a vehicle. Some animals we have treated have run through glass doors or windows and have treated severe lacerations,” DeSimone said.

Helms also recommends taking new photos of your pets in case they do escape. Helms said social media has been a huge help in reuniting pets with their owners.

“We found out that 30% to 60% more animals go into shelters because of all the fireworks,” said Helms.

Experts recommend soothing their pets by petting them or just holding them close.

“Being with them, a lot of the injuries that occur happen from either people either being away from home when that happens or it happens when people take their pets to areas they’re not used to,” DeSimone said.

Just keep in mind that fireworks can be traumatic for pets so, take precautions to keep them safe.

“There are medications you can put them on so they don’t get as scared or they don’t have the same response to the stimulus, you can get those from your vet,” DeSimone said.

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