(File photo/paNOW Staff)

By Cam Lee

Pets and fireworks

Fireworks safety tips for pet owners

Jul 1, 2020 | 8:00 AM

Canada Day means fireworks in many communities across the country, even with COVID-19 restrictions in place.

But the fun, festive atmosphere fireworks can bring to humans often means the opposite to animals.

North East SPCA has some advice for pet owners who are concerned about the effect fireworks have on their four-legged friends.

“It definitely scares them,” Harry and Eve Vickar shelter manager Kristy Mason told northeastNOW. Mason said pets panic when the fireworks go off, and often begin running without concern of where they’re actually going.

She said it’s important to keep pets secure inside the house.

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“Even when dogs are in a fenced yard they’re Houdinis, they will find a way out,” Mason said.

Pets should also have a safe place to hide inside your home, whether it’s a kennel, a bedroom, or under your bed.

“Whatever makes them feel comfortable and safe,” Mason explained.

Keeping your television or radio on for your pet, or playing music in the background, can help soothe your animal and also mask the noise of the fireworks. Mason said she leaves the radio on for her animals when she’s not home, and she finds the noise passes the time for the pets and takes their mind off any loud noises outside, or anything that might trigger anxiety.

Having your pet’s favourite toy or treat available during the fireworks can also help preoccupy them, according to Mason.

“Sometimes they won’t be super interested in it…when a lot of stuff is going on, it’s hard for them to focus,” Mason said. “Definitely a Kong [toy] filled with peanut butter is something that is hard to pass up.”

Mason added that it’s important to keep your pet’s tags and microchips up-to-date. That way, if your animal escapes, they can be returned home when they are found.

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cam.lee@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @camlee1974