Festive for You, Fireworks Can Be Terrifying for Animals

Whether it’s the Fourth of July, New Year’s Eve, or any other raucous celebration, for animals, fireworks are terrifying—and could be fatal. Many dogs and cats flee in fear from their deafening blasts. Animals become confused and panicked, and shelters see a spike in the number of admissions after fireworks displays.

Simply keeping animals indoors may not be enough.

Frightened animals may flee their homes trying to escape the startling and confusing blasts. It’s not uncommon for dogs to break through windows and screen doors or dig under fences in a panic. Prepare your home and animal companions before the event:

• Distract your cats and dogs by giving them lots of love and attention.
• Play some soothing background music or turn on the TV.
• Close the curtains or blinds.
• Make sure that all your animals are wearing collars with current identification tags and that they’re microchipped.

The most important thing for scared animals is to have their guardians close by.

The problem with fireworks caught the attention of actors Edward James Olmos and Bellamy Young, and they want the public to know about the dangers of such displays and how to help keep companion animals calm.

Olmos, star of Battlestar Galactica, teamed up with PETA to ask people to keep animal companions safe this Fourth of July. His four-legged friend Moe joined him while he explained that for animals, fireworks are things of nightmares, not celebrations.

Young is the epitome of serenity and grace holding her beloved dog Bean while talking about fireworks displays, and she’s quick to point out that while festive and celebratory for some, the booming, explosive sounds of fireworks can be quite traumatic for others—companion animals in particular. Watch her public service announcement on the issue, and see what she had to say about fireworks and “man’s best friend.”

Make a Difference Instead of Making Harmful Noise

Get loud for animals by skipping the fireworks and buying bags of dog food for your local animal shelter. Check out PETA’s list of vegan dog kibble for tips!

Tell your friends! Tell your neighbors! Tell everyone!