We may like fireworks, but animals don't!

Wishes for a happy, healthy holiday weekend to all, and of course that goes for animals too!  But because fireworks are part of Independence Day celebrations, and they've been going on all over the country lately besides, the following message is especially important.

A special message from the Animal Protection League of New Jersey   

We all love holidays.  But when those holidays include fireworks, animals can have a difficult time.  If you don't like fireworks either, you're not alone.

Both nonhuman and human animals can exhibit stress and anxiety when the fireworks go off, especially the ones causing the most noise and sudden flashes of light.  Some animals also experience pain.  Most animals have a heightened sense of hearing and sight - human hearing is only a third of the capacity of dogs.  This level of acuity is one of the reasons firecrackers can produce fear, anxiety, and stress in dogs.  Click below to read more about how fireworks impact many different species in the wild as well.

https://www.animal-ethics.org/how-fireworks-harm-nonhuman-animals/#:~:text=There%20is%20also%20a%20risk,residue%20of%20fireworks%20and%20firecrackers.&text=The%20proximity%20of%20the%20animals,respiratory%20diseases%20such%20as%20asthma.

                                                          Animal Sheltering Magazine 'Scoop'

There are posts all over social media about "silent fireworks," but this is misleading.  The fireworks are not fully silent.  They are less noisy than typical fireworks and while APLNJ opposes the use of fireworks, whether less noisy, using lasers, or otherwise, we welcome this move in the right direction.

 In the meantime, we must do all we can to minimize the effect of fireworks on animals in our care:

 ·        Walk your dogs during the daylight hours to avoid the time fireworks are typically set off.

·        Never take dogs to fireworks.

·        Close windows, curtains, and shades to help muffle the sounds.

·        Create a quiet space or hiding spots to ease stress.

·        Use music or TV to help mask the sounds.

·        For animals who live outside, do what you can to help those animals cope with the sounds and stress.  Modify enclosures to minimize sound and make sure the enclosures are secure.

·        Use a comforting and soothing voice.

·        Use play or toys as a distraction. It can often take several days for animals to recover, so giving them extra love and attention during this time can help to minimize PTSD symptoms. Let's work to find ways to celebrate in ways that are fun, entertaining, and joyful without harming anyone.

 

And here’s a link to a long but useful article on recovering lost dogs.

http://clocktimelesspets.fisites.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2017/07/ASPCA-Fireworks-and-Lost-Dogs.pdf

                                                                                 Animal Sheltering Magazine 'Mouthpiece'

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