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W e d n e s d ay, J u ly 1, 2026
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This Fourth of July, plan ahead for anxious pets For many of us, the Fourth of July means backyard barbecues, family gatherings and fireworks lighting up the sky. For many pets, however, it is one of the most stressful days of the year. While we may enjoy the show that Traci comes with IndeHowerton pendence Day celANIMAL ebrations, our pets RESCUE often have a very different take on it. What sounds festive to us can sound terrifying to them. In fact, animal shelters consistently report an increase in lost pets around the Fourth of July. The days surrounding the holiday are among the busiest of the year for lost animals, as frightened pets bolt from yards, slip out doors or escape from homes to flee the noise. If you’ve ever spent the evening comforting a trembling pet, you know exactly how overwhelming fireworks can be for some animals.
Why are fireworks so frightening?
STAFF FILE PHOTO BY SOPHIA GERMER
People watch fireworks at Crescent Park during Go 4th on the River in New Orleans in 2023.
AMERICA AT 250 New Orleans area prepares to celebrate Independence Day, marking America’s 250th anniversary
This year’s Fourth of July marks the United States of America’s
gathered on the Mississippi River for Sail250, to name a few.
250th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. Organizations have been marking the occasion with a multitude of America 250 celebrations — throwing America
And while the semiquincentennial celebration of the country’s independence has had several events to mark its significance, there are still
250 socks at the Bacchus parade,
a few more in the days leading up to
picking up 250 pieces for Love the
the holiday. Here is a look at events in
Boot Week, and admiring tall ships
the New Orleans area.
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Create a safe retreat
JULY 2
ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST PARISH INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION: The annual celebration will be held 6-9 p.m. on July 2 at St. Peter Catholic Church, 1550 La. 44 in Reserve and St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 2349 La 18 in Edgard. The evening will conclude with a 9 p.m. fireworks show.
JULY 3
UNCLE SAM JAM: Jefferson Parish and Jefferson Convention & Visitors Bureau will host the 31st free concert and festival, starting at 3 p.m. on July 3 at the Al Copeland Concert & Meadow Stage in Lafreniere Park, 3000 Downs Blvd. in Metairie. Music acts include
ä See 250TH, page 2G
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Dogs hear the world very differently from us. Their hearing is significantly more sensitive, allowing them to detect sounds at frequencies humans can’t hear. To us, fireworks may be loud. To dogs, they’re often deafening. Unlike thunderstorms, which usually build gradually and provide some warning, fireworks are unpredictable. The explosions can happen suddenly, from multiple directions and for hours at a time. Add in the bright flashes and unusual smells from fireworks, and it’s easy to understand why some pets become overwhelmed. Signs of anxiety can include: n Panting or drooling n Pacing or restlessness n Trembling or shaking n Barking or whining n Hiding under furniture or in closets n Refusing food or treats n Potty accidents indoors n Dilated pupils or wide eyes n Attempts to escape through doors, windows or fences In severe cases, pets can injure themselves while trying to escape the noise. I’ve owned dogs on both ends of the spectrum. Some were completely unfazed by fireworks, while others treated every boom like the end of the world. I certainly remember those anxious holidays with my previous pets.
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One of the best things owners can do is provide a quiet, secure place for pets to ride out the festivities. This may be a bedroom, closet, covered crate, or another area where the pet already feels comfortable. Many dogs naturally seek out small, enclosed spaces when frightened. If hosting guests, make sure everyone knows to keep doors and gates closed. A distracted visitor opening a door for even a few seconds can give a frightened pet the
ä See PETS, page 2G
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