NOISE & PETS: On the Fourth of July, fireworks are often the considered the highlight of Independence Day celebrations — at least for human participants.
As Phantom Fireworks reminds us, pets usually find the displays a little more traumatic. The lights and the noise are enough to frighten anyone who doesn’t understand the activity.
For your pets sake, take the time to cushion the blow.
Phantom Fireworks suggests:
• Keep your pets indoors during firework displays.
• Turn on the TV or radio and air conditioning and close the drapes to help mask the noise of the fireworks. Keep pets in a soothing, dark room.
• Be home or have someone at home indoors with the pet to offer encouragement and support for the pet.
• Close all windows and doors and block pet doors to prevent escape.
• Distract the pet as soon as the fireworks begin by involving the pet in something enjoyable like “fetch.”
• Prepare a safe area where the pet care “burrow in” to feel safe. Maybe some blankets under a bed or a blanket draped over a small table.
• Do not take your animal to a fireworks show or let the pet outdoors while fireworks are being used.
Phantom also suggests contacting a veterinarian for behavior modification techniques — or even to talk about sedation.
Phantom Fireworks collected suggestions from Press-Enterprise in Riverside, Calif.; Blue Cross for Pets (UK); Pet MD; Humane Society of U.S.; and The Telegraph (UK).
PRESIDENTS:July 4 is also an important date in the lives (and deaths) of several presidents.
According to the Associated Press, on July 4:
• In 1826, 50 years to the day after the Declaration of Independence was adopted, former presidents John Adams and Thomas Jefferson both died.
• In 1831, the fifth president of the United States, James Monroe, died in New York City at age 73.
• In 1872, the 30th president of the United States, Calvin Coolidge, was born in Plymouth, Vermont.
