CLEVELAND — The 4th of July is the one day of the year pets are most likely to bolt out of the home.
Many sent into a panic due to the loud noise of fireworks constantly being set in communities leading up to the holiday.
So how can you help your furry friends be at ease and make this time of the year more comfortable for them?
Plan ahead:
- DO NOT take pets to firework displays
- Make sure your pet's tags and contact information are up to date
- Make a safe space for them to hide from the noise
- Keep windows closed and AC on if possible
- Try exercising them earlier in the day so they're tired
- Give them toys and/or treats to keep them busy
- Keep them indoors before fireworks begin
- Turn on music or the TV for ambient noise
Now that Ohio changed the law and allows consumers to set off 1.4G fireworks, such as bottle rockets and roman candles, make sure your community did not opt out of the law and still considers them illegal.
If you can use them, use common sense:
- Never give a firework to a small child, including sparklers which can burn between 1,800 and 3,000 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Never point or throw a firework at any object
- Be observant of your surroundings, stay in an open space away from homes or anything that can catch fire and follow package instructions
- Keep a water source nearby and use eye protection
- Light one firework at a time and never attempt to relight a dud
- Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from pets and children
Be mindful that not everyone enjoys fireworks. The noise can be triggering for those who've suffered trauma or for Veterans.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission reported 10,200 people were treated in the ER for fireworks injuries in 2022. Eleven people died from their injuries. Firecrackers caused 1,300 injuries and sparklers caused 600 burns.