Independence Day can be canine nightmare

With the July Fourth fireworks show set for Wednesday night at Mills Park, Carson City dog owners should consider what the sound will do to their pets.

"Fireworks, gunshots and thunder can cause some dogs to go just ballistic," said Margie Quirk, vet technician with Lone Mountain Veterinary Hospital. "I get really nervous this time of year. I love the fireworks, but I think of these poor dogs and worry that the owners don't think about what effect the fireworks have on them."

Quirk suggests if you know your dog panics from loud noises, you can get a sedative from your vet. She also suggested leaving your dogs at home with a television or radio on, instead of taking them with you to the fireworks show.

Animal shelters nationwide report an increased number of lost animals following fireworks shows.

Many of these animals panic and jump over fences or break chains, and others even jump through plate-glass windows to get away from the terrifying sounds.

Many dogs and other animals are taken to animal shelters with bloody paws from running, torn skin from breaking through wooden fences, or other injuries from dashing into the road and being hit by a car, according to People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.

The following is a list of precautions pet owners can take:

• Keep cats and dogs inside during fireworks displays, and if possible, stay with them.

• Leave animals at home during the celebrations; never take them with you.

• Never leave animals tethered or chained outside - they can hang themselves if they leap over a fence while trying to run from the noise.

• Close your windows and curtains. Turn on a radio that's tuned to a classical music station, or turn on the TV to help drown out the sound of the fireworks.

• Make sure that your animals are wearing a collar or harness with an up-to-date identification tag - just in case.