Effects of Fireworks On Dogs

ZANESVILLE, Ohio- The United States celebrated its independence two days ago with barbecue, beer, and fireworks. But along with the red, white, and boom pets became startled.

Experts said the July 4th holiday is the highest holiday for lost pets. Loud fireworks and our four-legged family members do not mix. Pets may get scared by the loud noises caused by the fireworks and tend to run away. The animal shelter society has recently seen an increase in lost dogs. Executive Director Jody Murray said the shelter took in nine dogs on Tuesday alone.

“Dogs get scared and they take off and before they realize it they’re away from home and lost,” Murray said. ” They hear fireworks maybe once or twice a year and they don’t understand that it’s not a danger to them. So they are trying to run. They view it as a danger. So they are going to run until they feel safe.”

If you’re missing a pet, Murrays said feel free to check in with the animal shelter and the dog pound to see if your pet is there.

“I would encourage people to come contact all the adjoining counties also well. A lot of times people are traveling [and] can find a dog right on the county line, don’t know where the dog is from and they could take it to one of the adjoining counties. The other thing is don’t just call. Come in walk through the shelter walk through the pound. What you call and describe over the phone, I may have a completely different interpretation of it,” Murray said.

Murray said if you’re looking for a lost pet to come in to the shelter every 2-3 days to make sure your pet isn’t there. They’re open Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.