PITTSBURGH — The busiest day for animal shelters is fast approaching, according to the Western Pennsylvania Humane Society.
July 5 marks the busiest day of the year for animal shelters nationwide. According to the Humane Society, the loud noise of fireworks can cause dogs to become anxious and behave in ways that are uncharacteristic.
In an effort to curtail dogs’ anxiety on the 4th of July, the Western Pennsylvania Humane Society offered a few suggestions to keep dogs calm and safe during fireworks celebrations.
• Leave your dog at home• Plan ahead (Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise earlier in the day so the dog is more likely to sleep through the festivities.)• Set up for dog for success (Close the blinds and curtains. Turn on a fan, TV or radio to help drown out the noise.)• Tag or microchip your dog• Call WPAHS if you lose your dog.
On the day of the fireworks, staffers and volunteers will spray bandanas with calming lavender essential oils for the dogs to wear, as well as spraying the essential oils in the kennel.
Dogs who are especially nervous will wear ThunderShirts which have been proven to calm dog anxiety, the Humane Society said.
All dogs will receive Frozen Kong toys to occupy and relax them for the night while calming music is played.
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