This weekend is the 4th of July and everyone across the country is celebrating with backyard barbecues, picnics, family gatherings, and of course, fireworks! Although this is a time for pet owners to have fun and relax, it can be the most stressful time of year for pets. According to the Humane Society of America, most shelters retrieve a huge amount of strays the day after July 4th because of the number of animals who run off in fear of the noisy celebration. Some animals don't seem to be bothered by the noise, however, others become very frightened and act in strange, unpredictable ways. Animals have an acute sense of hearing and the unexpected explosion of fireworks can trigger anxiety and cause alarm.
As part of APPA's Pets Add Life (PAL) campaign promoting responsible pet ownership, we urge all pet owners to keep their pets indoors in a sheltered quiet area to avoid nervous or frightened behavior- your pet can join the fun after the fireworks show is over!
I wish you all a happy and pet-safe 4th of July!
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