Fireworks and pets: What can you do to protect your furry friends this holiday weekend?

MIAMI VALLEY — With Ohio’s new fireworks law, there may be more lights and loud sounds in local communities.

Combined with the larger community shows, fireworks may be too much for many pets.

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The Montgomery County Animal Resource Center sees an increase in the number of dogs that are brought in around the time that fireworks typically go off.

This is similar to many other shelters across the area and the country.

“Because of the pandemic the fireworks displays had been curtailed but now they’re going to start them up again this year,” said Bob Sexton, animal care and control officer supervisor. ”Anybody that’s got a pet needs to be aware of that. I know some neighborhoods you already hear the fireworks going off.”

Sexton says last year they saw about 30 more dogs brought to the shelter around the 4th of July, and their calls for lost or stray dogs went up by about 30 or 40 right after the holiday.

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“Do not want to see a dog coming into a shelter, whether it’s this one or any shelter, because it’s stressful for the dog, it’s not their home environment,” Sexton said.

Sexton’s advice is to keep your dog inside around the time that fireworks might be going off, and if they are outside be sure that they have a collar with the proper ID on them. You’ll also want to check your yard.

“They can get through smaller holes than what a lot of people think. They also might jump or climb the fence even though they don’t normally do that. They get scared and they want to get away from the noise,” Sexton said.

There’s other steps you can take as well to try and help calm your pet during a stressful time.

“If you know that your pet is stressed out by loud noises consult your veterinarian. They may prescribe something to calm them down,” Sexton said.

If you do lose your dog because of the Fourth of July fireworks, you can call the Montgomery County Animal Resource Center or stop by to see if your dog ended up at the shelter.

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