Mesilla Valley Animal Services Center, warns of 4th of July impact on pets

LAS CRUCES, New Mexico -- As celebrations are near kick off this 4th of July weekend animal services warn of how fireworks may affect your pets.

The Mesilla Valley Animal Services Center says they're already over capacity with 500 animals in their care, they're expecting an additional 70- 80 this weekend.

"We keep our dogs inside they're afraid of the fireworks everybody loves them but the dogs don't think it's a joke," says Debbie Scott pet owner.

Loud unexpected noises and flashy lights of fireworks can startle even the largest pets.

"They will jump your wall they will scale the wall anything to get away from the noise," says Scott.

"The conditions and things that animals are going to be experiencing specifically the dogs causes them to have that run flight or fight instinct," says Clint Thacker Mesilla Valley Animal Service Director. "If your animal isn't in your control in a home specifically then they will run."

Debbie Scott owns and fosters dogs, she says scared animals running from fireworks is a matter of life and death. "They can get hit by a car, they can get attacked by other animals they can be lost and they can be stolen," says Scott.

She recommends buying a thunder shirt or seeking over-the-counter animal medicines for anxious pets. She also suggests pet owners minimize the noise of the fireworks the best they can.

"By having music on, maybe the tv on a little louder than you normally do anything to calm your pet," said Scott.

The most important thing Scott says is, "Chip your animal because if it does get out you have a better chance of getting your animal back."