HONOLULU (KHON2) — Fourth of July celebrations can be stressful for pets. In preparation for the fireworks, the Hawaiian Humane Society advised pet owners to arrange safety measures in advance.
Animals who flee their homes can become lost, injured or killed. The Hawaiian Humane Society recommended the following tips to keep pets safe:
Create a safe space
Designate a quiet room for your pet and make sure it’s away from high-traffic areas and exits. The Hawaiian Humane Society suggested putting familiar bedding and toys in the room.
Close windows and curtains to reduce noise and flashes. If you leave your home, keep a radio or television on to provide familiar sounds.
If you can’t keep your pet indoors, consider an enclosed garage. Do not leave your pet unattended outdoors.
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Stay calm
According to the Hawaiian Humane Society, signs of anxiety in pets can present as trembling, pacing, hiding, excessive whining, backing or meowing, panting, drooling and attempting to escape. Loud noise, such as fireworks, may even result in pet injury as they attempt to flee the stressful environment.
Pet owners can learn to identify these signs of anxiety and be mindful of their pet’s stress levels.
Provide comfort to your pet by staying calm. You can also offer a favorite treat and engage in a soothing activity to help distract and reassure them.
Identification
Dogs and cats are required by Hawaii state law to be microchipped.
The City and County of Honolulu requires pet dogs three months and older and cats four months and older to have microchip identification. Cats six months or older are required by law to wear a collar with an identification tag when outdoors.
Proper identification for a pet can include both a collar with an ID tag and a registered microchip. In the event they manage to escape, a registered microchip will increase the chances of reuniting pet with owner.
Schedule an appointment with the Hawaiian Humane Society to microchip your pet here.
Consult a veterinarian
If a pet has extreme anxiety during fireworks, consult a veterinarian ahead of time. They might recommend calming aids or therapies to ease the pet’s stress.
Do not give your pet tranquilizers or sedatives without first consulting a veterinarian.
Avoid firework displays
The Hawaiian Humane Society said loud noises and large crowds can be overwhelming for pets. It’s best to keep them at home in a safe environment during firework events.
If you find a lost pet, take them to the Hawaiian Humane Society Mōʻiliʻili Campus or Kosasa
Family Campus at Hoʻopili Pet Kōkua Resource Center.
If your pet is lost, call the Hawaiian Humane Society at (808) 356-2250 and file a Lost Pet Report. You can also fill out a report online here.