Fireworks Safety for Pets

With the Fourth of July upon us and a summer of fun outdoor activities ahead, it’s time to think about fireworks. Here are some fireworks safety tips to keep your pets safe, calm and at home with you this summer!

Stay Home and Indoors to Stay Safe

The best thing to do during fireworks displays is to keep your pet at home indoors in a quiet, safe room. Pets are happiest where they feel safe and most of the time that is at home. When feeling scared or uncomfortable, most pets have a specific spot they retreat to. For a dog, this could be a crate or a certain bed in the house. For a cat, it could be a special nook in the corner of a room or even under the bed. Some pets even prefer the basement, away from the hustle and bustle.

Thus, when you’re expecting loud noises outside (like fireworks or thunderstorms for that matter), make sure your pet has access to their safe spaces. You may also want to make sure to leave extra blankets and bedding around. That way your pet knows they have plenty of places to go to seek comfort. Some pets want to be with their people when they are frightened, others want to be by themselves. You know your pet best, so you know what they will prefer to find comfort and safety.

Calming Devices Provide Fireworks Safety

If loud noises frighten or stress out your pet, and you know there will be fireworks nearby, plan ahead. Consult your veterinarian for advice on additional calming techniques. This can include things like calming sprays or diffusers, thunder shirts or even medication. While you can’t always prepare for a thunderstorm, you can likely plan for a scheduled firework show or big, noisy holiday celebration.

Avoid Sparklers and Glow Sticks

If you must bring your dog to a firework show, there are a few things you can do to ease their discomfort and maintain their safety. It’s not recommended to leave pets in cars, due to exposure to heat and chemicals, so if you must bring your dog with you to the fireworks, refrain from leaving them in the car. Make sure they are on a well-fitting collar/harness and proper leash. Be sure they stay on leash and they remain near you. Keep our pet away from sparklers or glow sticks. Sparklers can cause a burn, and the chemicals inside of glow sticks are toxic and easily ingestible. Taking a walk away from the loudness and crowd during fireworks or sparkler displays may help keep everyone safe.

Sweep the Ground for Fireworks

Even if you aren’t planning on taking your dog to the fireworks, there are plenty of backyard celebrations taking place! On walks after the Fourth, keep a close eye on where you and your pup are walking. Don’t let them walk over spent firecrackers on the ground or in the grass. If you hosted a firework show or sparkler party, sweep your own property to look for and remove any spent materials or before letting your cat out. In addition to being a burn risk, firecrackers and sparklers contain chemicals that your pet shouldn’t ingest. Fireworks safety isn’t just a Fourth of July thing. Folks set off backyard fireworks all summer, so it is best to be vigilant on all walks all season long.

If Fireworks Cause Your Pet to Bolt….

Despite taking precautions, noise from firework shows and crowds can cause your pet to bolt, out of fear or uncertainty. If your pet gets loose, don’t panic and don’t chase. Contact your local animal control officer (ACO) and animal shelter for assistance. Your local animal shelter is AWS if you’re in York County (except for Sanford residents, who should contact Pope Memorial Cocheco Valley in Dover, NH). Animal control can be reached at your local police/sheriff department’s non-emergency number. You can also find a list of Maine animal control officers here.

After calling your ACO and shelter to report your missing pet, we encourage folks to reach out to the following volunteer organizations via social media (FB):

You may also want to alert your neighbors either in person (through posters) or via social media groups to ask them to be on the lookout. Local neighborhood Facebook groups or Reddit subreddit feeds can be especially helpful for announcing lost and found pets.

Finally, consider putting out a familiar smelling item (your dog’s favorite bed, your cat’s litter box, or a pile of clothing that smells like you) near your front door to lure your pet back home. Most pets who are spooked are nearby, simply hiding out, and will appreciate the familiar scents to help them come home.

For more tips, visit our lost & found pet page.