Boom-Free Fourth: Strategies for Keeping Pets Calm During Firework Displays
The Fourth of July holiday season is a fun and festive one, but for many of our four-legged friends, it can be a bit stressful. Noisy gatherings and loud booms can raise pet anxiety and put our July 4th pet safety skills to the test.
Calming Pet Anxiety
Pet anxiety tends to peak in the summer months. Backyard parties, summer travel, thunderstorms, and fireworks can all make the world a little less predictable for our animal friends.
Help your pet to feel a little less anxious by:
- Keeping their routine as predictable as possible
- Not changing their diet
- Giving them a safe, quiet sanctuary to retreat to when they feel overwhelmed
- Using anti-anxiety supplements such as plug-in pheromones or over-the-counter solutions
- Trying an anxiety vest
- Offering enriching activities like a puzzle toy to keep their mind focused
- Engaging in physical activities such as walks with them
Be aware of potential toxins like unattended food and drinks, lighter fluid, insecticides, glow jewelry, and even unattended bags or coats that may contain human medications, vapes, or inhalers can also pose holiday risks to pets.
It is also worthwhile to check your pet escape-proofing measures. Be sure window screens and fence gates are secure in case a scared pooch decides to make a run for it. It is also important to check that your pets are microchipped and their registration accurate.
Comforting Pets During Fireworks
Many pets (mostly dogs, but some cats, too) have noise phobias that are tested tremendously during loud events like fireworks or storms. The good news is that when we know that they are going to happen, we have a better chance to comfort our pets.
For pets who have anxiety about loud noises:
- Move them to an interior room with no windows
- Play soft music or other white noise
- Allow them to spend time in a safe, comfortable place that they are used to
- Try a Thundershirt
- Try to not leave your pet alone during this time (you may need to arrange a pet sitter)
- If you must take them outside, be sure that they are on a secure leash and stay with them
- Contact us for information about anti-anxiety medications
Ideally we will want to try an anti-anxiety medication before a scary day to see how it affects your pet. Don’t give more than the recommended amount or share amongst pets without consulting our team first.
The Fourth of July can be a very fun holiday, but if your pet doesn’t agree, that is okay. They don’t have to love it, they just need to stay safe, and these tips can help you keep them that way.