Tips on keeping your pets safe and content during fireworks season

Like clockwork, the day the fireworks stands open in Butte, you can bet that the booms and explosions will be going until the wee hours of early morning.  For those of us whose jobs start as the sun rises (or sometimes before), fireworks are a yearly nusiance but nothing that a loud fan or a pair of headphones will not remedy.  But what about our furry companions who become scared by the numerous explosions that echo in the night?  More pets go missing in Butte around the 4th of July than any other time of year, at least by judging our "lost pet" reports.  What can a pet owner do to make sure their furry little buddy stays safe?

The best thing you can do is keep your cats inside altogether and accompany your dogs outside when nature calls.  You may even consider keeping dogs leashed if they are extra-jittery.  Make sure all of your gates are closed and never leave them unattended once the fireworks start. Above all, though, make sure your pet is collared with current and accurate information.  If you haven't already, now is a good time to consider having your pets microchipped.

When inside, dogs sometimes react positively to a few special treats hidden in and around their beds or den areas ( I have had very good experiences with pig ears for my dogs).  Many local veterinary clinics and cannabis dispensaries have CBD treats that can sometimes keep animals calm.

Hopefully some of these tips will help you and your pets have a safe and relatively stress-free Independence Day weekend.