Atlanta, GA – While the Fourth of July is a day of celebration, it’s no fun for pets who are often terrified by the sound of fireworks. Some animals will flee in fear and become lost. To keep pets safe this Fourth, LifeLine Animal Project suggests you take the following precautions:

• Don’t take pets to fireworks displays. No matter how social dogs are, a loud, crowded fireworks display will scare and confuse them. Please leave pets at home.
• Keep pets inside the house. Since dogs’ hearing is much more sensitive than ours, bringing them indoors to a safe space will help them feel protected. If your pets are crate-trained, the crate is an ideal safe space. Otherwise, confine them to one room, close doors and windows and leave some soft music on in the background to comfort them.
• Never leave pets outside and unattended. Fireworks may stress dogs so much that they will try to jump the fence or dig under it to get away from the perceived threat. Cats may also run away out of fear.
• Consider a thundershirt or medication. If your dogs get anxious during thunderstorms, fireworks will really scare them! Thundershirts work well for some dogs while others do better on sedatives. Ask your vet for medication to calm them or for one that helps with canine noise aversion.
• Provide a Distraction. If you’re home during fireworks, break out your dogs’ favorite treats or provide extra cuddle time. If you’re going out, leave a long-lasting, safe treat that will distract them for a while such as a frozen Kong filled with peanut butter.
• Be prepared. Make sure your pets are wearing identification and are microchipped so that you’ll have a better chance of finding them if they do get lost. If your pets aren’t yet microchipped, the LifeLine Community Animal Center offers microchipping for $25.

If, despite your best efforts, your pets get out and become lost, please visit LifeLineAnimal.org/lost-pets for things you should do right away to find your pets. Alternatively, If you find a pet, please visit LifeLineAnimal.org/found-pets for specific steps to take that will help you find the animal’s family. With a little preparation, your can keep your pet safe and happy on the Fourth of July.

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