Keeping Pets Calm: Advocates Share Fireworks Safety Tips

Along with a call for action, animal advocates are offering pet owners advice on how to properly look after their furry friend’s welfare during fireworks displays. Doctor Jane Crawford shared some expert tips from a medical perspective, while Sheila Ford, Director at the Corozal Animal Welfare Advocates, offered simple, practical steps you can take right at home to keep your pets calm and safe.

 

Dr. Jane Crawford, Veterinarian, Animal Medical Center

“I think one of the main things have to do is make sure their animals are properly secured if they are able to secure them. If the animals are not distrained this is not the time to do that because that is only going to make it worst. Animals should have some way to be secured. For indoor pets there are different methods that can be used. You have a thunder jackets, because animals that are afraid of lightning and thunder would have a more severe reaction with these explosive devices. So there are different stuff to keep them calm. The last resort is to give them some kind of sedatives but you have to contact your vet for that. You cant just give them something you have at home.”

 

Sheila Ford, Director, Corozal Animal Welfare Advocates

“There are simple things we can do to keep them safe. I have a dog that thunder, lightning and fireworks he would find the furthest corner in the bathroom and just lay there and shiver. Reassuring your pets, loving your pets, doing what you can to make sure they are safe is simple as that.”