1 of 1
Story summary
- Shelters report 30% of dogs and cats bolt during Fourth of July fireworks, with only 14% recovered.
- Dr. Wasi Ashraf advises owners to keep pets in a calm, secure indoor space and use soothing music, toys or treats.
- Veterinarians recommend pre-holiday exercise and prescription calming meds such as gabapentin or trazodone, warning against human anxiety drugs.
- Rescue officials urge microchipping, leashes, ID tags, and informing fireworks-using neighbors.
