The busiest day of the year for intake of animals to shelters is usually July 5. This is because many pets get frightened of the sound of fireworks and run away.

Fireworks can also cause injuries to pets including hearing loss, cuts, abrasions, contusions, and even poisonings if ingested. Although you can’t call 9-1-1 for your pets, Mountain View Fire and Rescue wants to ensure their safety during the holiday.

Most places in King County either ban fireworks altogether or only allow people to discharge them on July 4. Many people start using them as soon as they can buy them and well after the holiday, so fireworks can be a concern for your pets for days, weeks, or even months to come.

The most common incident that happens with pets is that they run away because of the loud noises caused by fireworks. These may be from public displays, illegal fireworks, or even small firecrackers.  Be sure your pet is identifiable in case they become lost.

Pet licensing tags, microchips, and name tags with contact information are only helpful if the information is up to date.

Contact agencies with which your pet is registered to be sure they have the correct information.  Many veterinarians, shelters, and animal control organizations can help you with identification for your pet.

Fireworks can cause injury to your pet in a few ways. First, a pet may run into traffic and get hit by a car if they get scared from the noise or display. Second, they may have some hearing loss due to the loud noise of the fireworks.

Third, they may try to chase or bite a firework which may explode in their face or near them. It is a good idea to ask your vet about emergency animal hospitals that may be open when your normal veterinarian is closed.

Many of these facilities are open 24 hours and will even allow you to pre-register your pet so they have medical information on file.

On the toxic potential of fireworks, Donna Mensching, Veterinary Medical Director of the Washington Poison Center (WAPC), said, “Thankfully, most ingestions are limited to mild gastrointestinal upset, but large ingestions of certain ingredients such as chlorates and color-producing metals can be life-threatening.  Always contact your veterinarian or WAPC for more details if your pet ingests fireworks.”  The WAPC (1-800-222-1222)  is open 24 hours a day at  to help you or your pet.

Other good ideas to keep your pet safe and comfortable this Fourth of July include the following:

• Keep them at home, inside in a safe, secure, and familiar place.  Positive distractions such as a TV or radio may help to drown out the sound of fireworks.
• If you have to take them outside, keep them on a secure leash attached to a harness or snug collar.  Fenced pets may attempt to flee the yard by jumping over or digging under a fence if they are scared.
• Talk to your veterinarian in advance about having fast-acting, anti-anxiety medication available if needed.

I want to give a special thanks to Washington Poison Center, Seattle Animal Shelter, and Animal Critical Care & Emergency Services (ACCESS) for their help with this release.

For more information please contact Tim Perciful at tperciful@kcfd44.org or 253-508-7273.