Fourth of July Fireworks and Pet Safety in Shasta County, California

For most of us who walk on two legs, Fourth of July fireworks represent a celebration of being American. But our four-legged friends are not generally such big fireworks fans. The sights and sounds associated with the Fourth of July can be terrifying to animals and to domesticated birds.

Shasta County has several different fireworks displays on or near the Fourth of July. The cities of Anderson (on July 3rd), Shasta Lake (a city celebration with fireworks on June 24th this year), Redding and Burney (both on July 4th) each have their own displays, and nearby Red Bluff in Tehama County also has a display on the Fourth. And, in Tehama County, individuals can buy fireworks and set them off. Though it is strictly forbidden in Shasta County, you may know some people who cross the county line to buy fireworks and bring them back to set off in Shasta County. However you choose to celebrate the Fourth of July this year, you need to make plans to ensure the safety of your pets.

Shasta County animal control workers will tell you, when there is a community fireworks display, it promises to be a busy Fourth of July. Next time you are seated somewhere watching the fireworks (like in a neighborhood near the Redding Civic Auditorium or the residential streets surrounding the fairgrounds in Anderson) pay attention. It's not unusual to see an occasional dog running down the street, away from the noise and light of the fireworks. Of course, the animal thinks it is fleeing to safety, but the pet's owner may never see it again. Some pets have been known to run for their lives, right into oncoming traffic, especially on a busy night like the Fourth of July.

Don't assume that your well-behaved pets will be fine. No matter how obedient they are, pets are still subject to their animal instincts to pursue safety. Cats may hide, tucking themselves into the smallest places, as only cats can. Dogs may do whatever they think they have to do for self-preservation, whether that is to try to dig a hole to try to crawl into for safety, jump over a fence to get away, or even pop out a window screen to make the great escape. In fact, instinct may lead them to hop in the bathtub in the belief that they are getting into a safety hole. Some animals can become so agitated that they get nauseated and start throwing up, or bite the person that is trying to calm them down.

Tips for Pet Safety on the Fourth of July:

What can you do? First… if you're really interested in their safety, don't take your pet to the fireworks display. That may sound like a no-brainer, but a lot of people who love their dogs take them to Fourth of July fireworks shows, not realizing how stressful and unsafe it is for the pets.

Leaving a dog in your parked car while you go to the fireworks show may be far worse. A car with the windows up can quickly heat up to 45 or 50 degrees hotter than the air outside. So even on a cool 60-degree evening the car is well over 100. Don't make the mistake of thinking that by leaving the windows down, you're providing safety from the heat. Your dog is, after all, wearing a fur coat. Overheating can permanently damage if not kill your dog. At the very least, your pet may vomit all over your car, but the truth is, the damage may be much worse than ruined upholstery.

Suppose You Can Hear the Fourth of July Celebration From Your Home: How Do You Ensure Pet Safety?

If that's the case, here are some safety tips to help your pets get through it:

• The best plan is to have someone stay with the pets during the fireworks, or at least check regularly to ensure they are safe and help them stay calm.
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• If you have neighbors that buy and light fireworks individually (whether or not it is legal in your area) they may start lighting them before it is even dark. So plan ahead and make sure your pet is fed and exercised early on the Fourth of July, and then secured in a quiet room.
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• You may want to turn on some soft music to reassure your pets that they are safe and all is well as the fireworks continue.
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• Also make sure there are no objects in the room that could harm your pet if it gets out of control.
  
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If your pet does choose to wait out the Fourth of July fireworks by hiding in a place where it feels safe, like in its bed or under your bed, or in a closet, let it stay there. It is following its instinct. You might even take him one of his favorite toys or blankets to give him comfort in his hidey-hole.

Don't take the macho approach, insisting that your dog face the sights and sounds of the fireworks so it can "learn to deal with it." Animals don't react like people do, and you may end up causing more damage that way. If you know that your pet reacts badly to fireworks and there is no way to keep him out of earshot, you might ask your veterinarian for a mild pet sedative.

Before the Fourth of July fireworks show, and always, make sure your pet is wearing proper identification... a collar, tags, even consider having your pet micro-chipped. You may not think he or she would run away, but a frightened animal thinks it's fleeing for its life. They can't speak for themselves, so for the best chance of ensuring your animal's safety have them wear ID always.

Finally, don't think it is only dogs and cats that need protection. If you keep rabbits or birds, for safety and compassion, cover them before the fireworks begin so they can feel like they are hiding.