GOSHEN COUNTY – Bang! Boom! Boom! Pop! Pop! Pop! The cat and dog run for the bedroom, hunting for shelter from the loud noise outside. Under the bed they go, shaking and quivering throughout out the night. 

It is not a war, it must be the Fourth of July or even New Year’s. But the loud noise from the fireworks can put our pets in fear of their lives and hurt their hearing. Blue Cross for Pets reports that hundreds of thousands of pets run away from home from the noise of fireworks. It is so stressful for the animals that medication is given to calm them down.

Animals have sensitive hearing to loud bangs and whistles that can cause them pain. Blue Cross for Pets suggests:

Hutch, cages and enclosures should be put into a quiet room or area, the garage or shed.

Cover aviaries or hutches with a blanket to block out the fireworks and deadened the noise but make sure that it is well ventilated.

Give your pet extra bedding so they can burrow under it where they will feel safe.

If they are kept outside and cannot be brought inside, make it so their dog house is turned to face a wall or fence away from the fireworks and give them a blanket to feel secure.

Firework manufacturers remind costumers to be considerate of everyone’s pets, even those that are not yours. They ask you to keep your pets inside during firework displays. To turn on a television or radio with soft music playing and turn on the air conditioning to help cover the noise from fireworks. Shut curtains or shades to block out the bright flashes.

Walk your pet or exercise before fireworks to tire the pet so they may sleep through the celebration. Secure the home or area so the pet cannot escape and run away, and have someone home to comfort the pet.

For horses and cattle Blue Cross for Pets suggests:

n Do not set fireworks off close to livestock or horses in fields, or close to buildings housing livestock. Warn neighboring farmers in advance if you plan to have a firework display.

n Make sure fireworks are not set off close to fields or stables. 

n Tell fireworks display organizers and neighbors there are horses nearby. They can set fireworks off in the opposite direction and away from them.

n Keep horses in a\familiar environment, in a\normal routine and with any companions to make them feel secure. If your horse is usually stabled, then keep them stabled. If they are\normally out in the field, keep them there as long as it is safe, secure and not near the fireworks display area.

For more information to help your pets get through the July Fourth fireworks you can find great ideas at bluecross.org.uk or from PetMD.com/fireworks; or the local or national Humane Society.