Community Corner

Animal Services: Keep Dogs Locked Up During Fourth of July Fireworks

An Animal Services official says July 5 is one of their busiest days of the year for dead and stray dog calls.

By Patch Field Editor Renee Schiavone

As you go out to enjoy fireworks this Fourth of July, animal control officials want you to lock your canine friends inside-- even if they're normally outdoors pets.

The day after Independence Day tends to be one of the busiest days of the year for animal shelters throughout the region, according to Riverside County Department of Animal Services Spokesman John Welsh.

"The Fourth of July is an exciting time with hotdogs, apple pie and fireworks in the sky," Welsh said.  "But while fireworks can be great fun for people they can be a traumatic experience for your family pets.  In fact it is not unusual for dogs to run away from home after being frightened by fireworks."

In that county alone, there has been more than a 700 percent spike since 2010 in the number of dead and stray animals picked up on July 5, Welsh said.

Welsh offered up these guidelines for keeping your pets safe and comfortable during fireworks: 

  • Resist taking your pet to fireworks shows, most animals don’t enjoy the holiday’s noisy spectacles.
  • Keep your companion animal in a safe place indoors. Some animals can become destructive when frightened, so be sure that you’ve removed any items that your pet could damage, destroy or be harmful if chewed on.  Leave a radio or television on at normal volume to provide them with some companionship while you’re attending picnics and parades.
  • If you know that your pet is seriously distressed by loud noises like thunder, consult with your veterinarian before the July 4 holidays for ways to help alleviate anxiety that your  pet may experience from fireworks.
  • Never leave pets outside and unattended, even in a fenced yard or on a chain. Animals may panic, escape, get lost or injured if they become entangled in their chain.
  • Make sure your pets are wearing identification tags or if micro chipped, be sure their home address is current if they escape and become lost.  Animals found running at large should be taken to a local animal shelter where they will have the best chance of being reunited with their owners.


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