Your pets may not pay much attention to the rocket’s red glare this Fourth of July, but they will definitely notice the bombs bursting in air.
In separate KVOE Morning Show interviews Wednesday, Humane Society of the Flint Hills Director Caitlin Flood and East Emporia Veterinary Clinic President and veterinarian Stan Perry urged residents to be mindful of their pets with all the fireworks going off this week. Flood says pets, especially dogs, started trying to get away from fireworks almost as soon as the city’s sale and discharge period started June 27.
Flood says animals that come to the shelter are anxious and scared under normal conditions, and fireworks will raise that anxiety for pets.
Both Flood and Perry say it’s best to keep pets inside as much as possible during the Fourth of July time period or put them on a leash if they go outside. Perry also says there are some basic steps to take for inside pets.
Perry says this could be a good time to give dogs a new toy if they are inside or take them for a ride if they enjoy that activity.
Flood also told residents to be sure to clean up their fireworks afterward because pets can eat what’s left and get extremely sick or die because of the chemicals inside, and she urged pet owners to make sure tags are up to date.
