Chewy is a chihuahua-dachshund mix who is frightened by loud noises. Her owners’ vet recommends they give her children’s Benadryl for a few days every July.
SALT LAKE CITY – You may think loud popping noises and sparklers are great fun, but your pet may feel differently. Dr. Jeffery Simmons of Mountain West Veterinary Specialists says it’s important to keep your dogs inside, in a safe place, during the 4th of July.
This is especially true if you don’t know how they’ll react to loud noises or you’ve seen them get very nervous when thunderstorms roll through. Dr. Simmons says if you’re pets are still extremely anxious, even indoors, when neighbors are shooting off fireworks, your veterinarian can prescribe a medication to calm them down.
And Dr. Simmons says it’s important to remember more pets are lost during the 4th and 24th of July holidays than at any other time of the year. Dogs which are outside and get frightened will do almost anything to get away from the loud noises. That’s why these July holidays are when more dogs are lost than at any other time of the year.
And for those people who can’t bring their pets indoors, Dr. Simmons says it’s important to make sure they have access to plenty of fresh water and shade.
