Fireworks Do Not Always Mix Well With Pets or Neighbors

Growing up in Ash Grove, our neighbor had a dog named Lassie, and she loved fireworks. Specifically, she loved grabbing bottle rockets out of the bottle after they had been lit.

But Lassie is the last dog I have known that felt that way about fireworks. I certainly attest that our current dog Otis feels differently. As soon as fireworks start going off in Republic (anytime now), he will refuse to come outside or go on walks.

I think part of being a good neighbor is abiding by Republic's law on fireworks: shoot them off on July 4 but not other days.

I understand that Independence Day is a day for family get-togethers and fireworks. But the loud bangs are usually not a good fit for family dogs. That is why most experts advise keeping dogs away from the commotion of large crowds and the noise of fireworks.

If you are hosting a party or have fireworks, have a safe, quiet place to keep pets so they will not become frightened and hurt themselves. Fireworks make pets uncomfortable and agitated and hurts their sensitive hearing.

If you know your pet usually becomes scared by loud noises, like thunderstorms, put the pet in the quietest room of the house, with soothing music playing to help alleviate any anxiety.

If you are home with your dog during a fireworks display or thunderstorm, do not try to comfort them. That tells them that they have reason to be frightened. Turn up the radio to help drown out the noise and put lots of lights on so the flashes are less noticeable. Act normally, keeping your voice light and unconcerned.

Never tie dogs outside because it increases their anxiety.

Don't leave your outdoor pets unattended, even in a fenced yard. The chaos may cause them to panic and hurt themselves trying to escape. A scared animal is not careful; many are hit by cars when running wildly away from something they think is dangerous.

It is also a good idea to ensure your pets wear proper identification in case they become lost during an event. Identification tags will help your pet find its way home. Microchips are the most reliable form of identification.

As with other things related to neighbors and neighborhoods, when doing activities beyond your property line, use good judgment and etiquette related to noise and messes. In this example, shoot your fireworks off outside of standard sleeping times, and be sure to clean up all of the trash from your fireworks.

Better yet, turn July 4 into a celebration by inviting neighbors over for a potluck or an ice cream social and do your celebrating together. Just leave the dogs at home.