Lincoln experts share how to keep pets calm when July Fourth ‘sounds like a battlefield’

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – With all the Fourth of July parades, celebrations and fireworks, it can be easy for pets to get overstimulated.

Experts say when pets get too anxious, they’re much more likely to run away or get lost.

Kelly Bond with the Capitol Animal Clinic said it’s important to keep your dog or cat comfortable inside the house during fireworks.

“Even if your dog is well-trained and comfortable in most situations, you don’t know how they’re going to interact with a storm, with fireworks, with explosions,” she said. “It sounds like a battlefield.”

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Bond said wearing a thunder vest can help, if your pet is used to wearing clothes.

She said another tactic is playing music that’s loud enough to cover up the sounds and vibrations of fireworks outside.

It’s important that you don’t overfeed your pet treats or reward them while they’re stressed out. Instead, play with them, do tricks or find ways to distract them.

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Another way around the noise is by changing up what fireworks you use.

Sheri Eichelberger, who runs a fireworks stand in Lincoln with her family, said fountains, sparklers and smoke bombs are all great alternatives if you want something quieter.

“There are a lot of fireworks that don’t make a noise, and I think that’s the big thing with pets, is the noise,” she said.  “Some friends of ours, they go, like, outside of town to where there’s not gonna be any fireworks for a couple of days ’cause their dogs don’t like it.”

There are some sedatives that you can get over the counter, but it’s important you speak to your vet first for advice.

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If any pets do get out, Animal Control will be on call until early Wednesday morning, just in case.

Manager Steve Beal said there are a few every year that escape, so if you find a lost animal, just be careful around it and call 402-441-7900.

“Certain dogs, certain animals, people will try to confine them because that’s kind of a natural thing,” he said. “If you see somebody’s dog or a cat running around, you might try and hold it, try and find out who the owner is.”

Beal suggested giving your pets a collar with your pet license or getting them microchipped.