BRAINERD — The Pyrotechnics Guild International is bringing their fireworks expo to the Brainerd lakes area — but what about those furry friends? Donna Sutton, executive director of the Babinski Foundation animal shelter in Pequot Lakes, shared some tips for keeping dogs and other pets safe and comfortable during a fireworks display. First and foremost: Keep your pets inside. On the Fourth of July, fireworks are shot off all over the country, and more pets get lost on that day than any other day of the year, according to Lakeland Veterinary Hospital.
Sutton said it’s helpful to microchip pets or give them a GPS collar so, if they do get lost, they can be safely and swiftly returned. Owners should also walk their dogs beforehand if they know when fireworks displays are taking place, so they don’t need to go out during all the noise, Sutton said. “Try to place them in an area that would be more secure to them, so that they do feel secure,” Sutton said.
“Even playing soothing music or white noise for them is helpful.” ADVERTISEMENT Sutton said the Babinski Foundation sometimes uses anti-anxiety shirts for pets to help them weather situations that could scare them. These shirts can be helpful for fireworks and are available at most pet stores.
If a dog already has anxiety, Sutton recommended booking an appointment with a veterinarian well in advance of a fireworks display to talk about medication options. Some dogs respond well to over-the-counter CBD pet products, but she said owners should still check in with their veterinarian. While cats are more likely to hide somewhere in their house than run away, Sutton said most of her tips still applied to them and other pets.
The most important thing, she repeated, was doing what you can to make your pet feel safe. The Pyrotechnic Guild International will be at BIR Aug. 3-9 and the event is expected to draw thousands with three nights of public display events on Aug.
4, Aug. 7 and Aug. 9.
“It's a full week of entertainment and education, with nightly fireworks shooting and beautiful displays,” the Guild reported in a news release on the event. Caroline Julstrom, intern, may be reached at 218-855-5851 or [email protected].
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