Keep your dogs inside; Fourth of July leads to more lost pets

The Fourth of July is the worst time of the year for dogs as they are very sensitive to the noise of fireworks. Pictured is Cocoa Bean, who belongs to Wanda Chapman, of Hamilton. NICK GRAHAM/STAFF

Credit: Nick Graham

Credit: Nick Graham

The Fourth of July is the worst time of the year for dogs as they are very sensitive to the noise of fireworks. Pictured is Cocoa Bean, who belongs to Wanda Chapman, of Hamilton. NICK GRAHAM/STAFF

Some of the stories about a pet’s reaction to the noise of Fourth of July fireworks are troubling.

For some, their pets have busted through windows, and others have escaped a car or a leash to find some respite away from the multiple booms and bangs as the country celebrates its independence.

Also, more pets go missing on the Fourth of July than any other day of the year, according to Liberty Veterinary Hospital. And firework shows are not a great place for pets to be, especially if they are more scared by loud noises than other dogs.

Fireworks are legal to buy in Ohio, but illegal to possess and set off. Pictured is a previous fireworks display at the Broad Street Blast at Smith Park in Middletown. NICK GRAHAM/FILE

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Most pet owners don’t even know how skittish their dogs are until they are in panic mode, Tara Bowser, former executive director of Animal Friends Human Society, said.

“They will bust through fences, they will scale fences like nothing you’ve ever seen,” she said of dogs that scare easily.

Credit: DaytonDailyNews

Pet owners are urged to make sure their furry friends are licensed every year, especially around the 4th of July. There are a large number of dogs found following the holiday without collars, which can severely harm their chances of being kept in a shelter for more than three days. If a dog is found injured but has identification, it will be taken to a veterinary hospital for treatment. If not, they can be euthanized.

Liberty Veterinary Hospital suggests leaving pets at home during firework shows, and taking them on a long walk beforehand to tire them out.

You can also leave a favorite toy to play with and keep them distracted.

Experts also suggest keeping dogs in their crate during firework shows.

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