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Fireworks and Rockets Red Glare

July 1st, 2010

Micro Fireworks by Pixel Addict on Flickr

If you are in the US, it’s that time of year again, fireworks. Thunder too, depending on your local weather. Fireworks are bright, colorful, loud and fun. I love a good thunderstorm too. It’s all in good fun until you live with a noise phobic dog (or cat). Then you just want the loud ‘fun’ to end. Now!

Signs of noise phobias
Dogs that have noise phobias may show a variety of clinical signs. Here are a few of the common ones, from mild to severe.

• Pacing, trembling
• Panting, drooling
• Whining, barking
• Hiding under beds, desks, in closets
• Refusal to go outside to relieve themselves (be sure to have a restroom break before the fireworks start)
• Diarrhea or loose stools
• Chewing, digging, scratching or bursting their way out of fences, through doors, out of crates and breaking through windows.

Don’t underestimate your dog’s fear
Pets often harm themselves in these attempts, and if successful, they run, run, run and end up being lost or hit by a car. July 5th is one of the biggest days at local shelters for lost pets, some of them injured as a result of their escape.

Dogs that suffer from separation anxiety often have noise phobias as well. If your dog suffers from separation anxiety, be aware of this potential. These reactions to noise are not something they can control. Disciplining them or becoming angry doesn’t help and further complicates the situation and your pet’s fear.

I have particular interest in this condition, because I have lived with several noise-phobic dogs in my life. For a full range of resources and tips of how to help your dog or cat, please see the Fireworks and Thunder resource page.

Fireworks – one thing I haven’t written about, or even thought of
I received a press release from Justine A. Lee DVM DACVEC of Pet Poison Helpline today about pets who eat fireworks. Now, this might seem odd, but you know how much I enjoy reading about icky things pets eat. And… true story… Argos was oddly very interested in a similar item last week.

My son’s class did a rocket unit in school just before let out. He was quite excited about rockets, and my husband was quite happy to oblige. So they have built a few rockets and tracked the height, projectile, etc. The spent “engines” are kind of like fireworks, and my son wanted to save them as souvenirs. Argos, my Greyhound, would not leave them alone! Sniff, sniff, sniff and -whoosh- that was the end of that. I couldn’t risk a toxicity or obstruction.

Here is the information about firework toxicity from Pet Poison Helpline:

How Fireworks Can Harm Your Pet
Most fireworks are toxic to pets. They contain hazardous chemicals such as potassium nitrate, which is an oxidizing agent. They can also contain charcoal or sulfur and coloring agents, which are potentially dangerous heavy metals.

When ingested, pets can develop gastrointestinal issues like vomiting, a painful abdomen, and bloody diarrhea. The severity of pet health issues resulting from ingestion will depend on the type of fireworks and the amount that was ingested.

Pets ingesting large amounts can suffer tremors or seizures, along with acute kidney failure, bone marrow changes, shallow breathing and jaundice, which is yellowing of the skin.

Exposure to lit fireworks can result in burns to the nose, face, lips, or inside of the mouth, as well as eye irritation and conjunctivitis.

Thanks, Pet Poison Helpline! Keeping pets home where it is safe and (relatively) quiet is the safest option. And be sure to dispose of all fireworks left in the yard or driveway, just in case.

Photo: Micro Fireworks by Pixel Addict on Flickr

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