Dogs and Fireworks–don’t mix

Dogs usually do not like fireworks.  They have highly sensitive hearing and can detect sounds high above human capabilities. Their ears are mobile due to 18 muscles that turn, lift, and tilt them to pinpoint where the sound is coming from. Because of their acute sense of hearing, dogs can hear sounds from four times the distance a human can.

Did you know that the shelters have the most number of dogs lost right after July 4th and New Years because of the fireworks?  The SD County Animal Shelter offers these tips to keep your pets safe during Independence Day Celebrations:

• Resist the urge to take your pet to fireworks displays.
• Do not leave your pet in the car. With only hot air to breathe inside a car, your pet can suffer serious health effects, even death, in a few minutes.
• Keep your pets indoors in a sheltered, quiet area. Some dogs may become destructive when frightened, so be sure to remove dangerous objects your pet may chew. Leave a television or radio playing at normal volume to keep your pet company while you’re away.
• Never leave pets outside unattended, even in a fenced yard. In their fear, pets that normally wouldn’t leave the yard may escape and get lost.
• If you know that your pet is seriously distressed by loud noises like thunder, consult with your veterinarian before July 4th to see if medication that relieves anxiety is appropriate or you can get a thunder jacket.
• Ensure your pets are easily identifiable and call the Department at (619) 236-4250 if you have found a lost pet. The department’s shelters are located in Carlsbad, Bonita and Gaines Street in San Diego. Although the shelters will be closed July 4 and July 5, Animal Control officers will be on duty. Lost pets found with internal microchip identification and/or external ID tags or licenses are more readily reunited with their owners. If you have lost your pet, visit the shelter closest to you on Tuesday, July 6, or check the Department’s web site: www.sddac.com.

A few years ago, I was dog sitting and we all hiked Cowles Mountain to watch the fireworks, Jack is not bothered by them so I was not even thinking as the other dog was deathly afraid!  He got loose on our hike when the fireworks began and ran the entire way down the mountain to the car–not good!  When I was a kid, we  had a dog that grabbed the firecracker in his mouth—not good!  Just keep your dog AWAY from all fireworks and other explosives.  Dogs and fireworks are just NOT a good combination!