Advocates say hundreds of pets will get lost during the firework celebrations, and many will die in the streets.
SAN ANTONIO — Animal rescuers say that New Year’s Day, along with the day after the 4th of July, are a rescuers worst nightmare.
They say hundreds of dogs will run away, and many will die on the streets, and it’s all due to fireworks, so they want you to plan ahead of the festivities.
“Hopefully this way we can prevent the animals from getting loose, and getting hurt,” said Jenna Loos, Independent Rescuer.
Many in San Antonio will ring in the New Year with fireworks, and while they can be fun for the family, our furry family members might get spooked.
“Their fight or flight kind of shuts off, and all they do is flight. Their instincts shut down, and all they think is they need to run, so they’re not watching for cars. They’re not paying attention to dangers,” said Loos.
Loos says the day after firework celebrations is a bad day for rescuers.
“Typically you see a lot of lost dogs, lost cats. On the sadder side, you see a lot of dead animals from panicking from the fireworks and running,” said Loos.
Loos says there are a lot of things you can do to prevent them from getting scared, and running away, including staying home with your pet.
“The biggest thing is keeping your dogs inside during the fireworks.”
If you can’t keep them inside, Loos says put your animals in a garage, shed, kennel, or on a leash. If your pet does have anxiety, there are some other methods to keep them calm.
“Including anxiety medication you can get from your vet, some kind of calming treats you can get from Walmart, Target, or H-E-B, even as well as thunder jackets, also playing a TV to kind of drown out that sound,” said Loos.
In the event your pet does run away, Loos says making sure your pet is microchipped or wearing dog tags, will help get them back home.
Also putting out a blanket or shirt that smells like the house, may get them to circle back, but if not she says post your lost pets on social media sites.
“Utilizing the next door app, and honestly, paper fliers is going to be a big thing. People that are driving our eyes actually go to those fliers, because we don’t see them as often.”
Loos also says the loose pets running around in the streets, can be dangerous for drivers on the roadways, so it’s a dangerous time for everyone.