It is officially summer and the fun has begun! The 4th of 
July is fast approaching and people all over are getting ready to celebrate our Nation's Independence. Family gatherings, barbeques, community celebrations and of course fireworks are all popular ways to celebrate the event. This is a really fun holiday for most of the family, spending time together and watching fireworks. However, there are some family members, the four legged kind to be exact, that might not appreciate this particular holiday!
It is important to remember that many dogs and even some cats are very sensitive to loud noises. The 5th of July is one of the busiest days at shelters across the country as owners start calling in looking for their pets that escaped the night before. Normally quiet, well mannered dogs may be spooked by the festivities and jump out of their backyards. Many dogs panic and will do anything to escape the loud noises. We hear the story every year about the dog who has never been an escape artist before but panics when the fireworks go off and jumps over the owners 6ft fence. Because many of the animals are panicked when they escape they run as fast and as far as they can and end up very confused and very lost.
To help prevent any escapes or worse, it is a good idea to keep pets indoors during the festivities. Keep dogs inside a quiet secluded room or even better inside their crate. Give your pooch a couple of chew toys or a stuffed Kong and put some music on for them. This will help block out some of the sound and the chew toys will hopefully keep them distracted.
From the SPCA of Solano County we hope that you have a fun safe holiday. And remember to keep your pets safe.
