02/07/2025
More Dogs Run Away On 4th of July, than any other day!
Most dogs dislike fireworks to some degree. Be proactive now and if you think your dog would benefit from medication, call your vet today!
More dogs run away on or around 4th of July, than any other time of the year. The 5th of July is the busiest day for animal shelters nationwide. 7.6MIL animals go missing each year and only 26% of dogs are returned to their owners.
Dogs associate the fireworks and the random sounds with the environment they are in and therefor, will take first opportunity to run away. This can be from their house, from their car or yard. A dog suffering from extreme panic during the firework sounds will usually either try to hide and / or go to extremes to run away.
You can help ease their fear by following these simple suggestions:
-MAKE SURE YOUR DOG IS WEARING A PROPERLY FITTING COLLAR WITH TAGS! (don’t just depend on your dog’s microchip, that takes time and effort for a finder to locate you)
-Exercise your dog early in the day before the mystery sounds starts
-Provide a safe place for them. If they are used to being in a crate, place the crate in a room or closet away from windows and play music to help buffer out the sounds. Leave them there and don’t force them out. Some dogs find comfort in hiding under bed etc, leave them there until the “danger has passed”. Forcing them out will only make them want to escape even more.
-Keep all pets indoors – don’t trust them in a back yard. Even if they have never attempted to jump the fence – a panicked dog will!
-If you are hosting a gathering - be EXTREMELY careful around the front door, garage door, yard gate etc. Even a dog who usually don't run out the door - this is the time most dogs do.
Please – have a safe and happy 4th of July!
Anna
http://www.pawswithnoflaws.com/live-consultations.aspx