Managing Your Pet’s Fear of Fireworks on July 4th

As a country we celebrate our nation’s independence in a variety of ways: barbecues, fireworks, and road trips just to name a few. Every year, pet parents ask us what they can do to help their pet with the anxiety caused by fireworks. Luckily when you partner with your veterinarian there are a variety of methods to try to ease the stress caused by fireworks.

Fireworks anxiety and fear:

Fireworks are a beautiful and fun way to celebrate the holiday. However, the loud noise and bright light created by the fireworks can be a source of anxiety for our pets. Every year we hear reports of pets exhibiting anxious behavior (trembling, hiding, shaking, barking, etc.) due to the noise fireworks create. We even hear some pet owners describe how their pets are so startled from the noise, that their pet will run out of the house or try to jump over a fence. This creates the concern for pets getting lost (the 4th of the July is the busiest day for shelters because so many pets run away from home due to fear of fireworks).

How to help your pet with fear of fireworks

So what can you do to help your pet? Planning and preparation is important. If you know your pet has a fear of fireworks, it is a good idea to set up a safe area for your pet while the fireworks are going off. We recommend an enclosed room in the house that your pet is familiar with (like the bedroom or a den). If your pet is crate trained, the crate is a safe place for your pet during this time. If you have a pet that spends most of his time outside, plan on bringing him inside. You should practice bringing him into the house at least 1 day before the holiday and keep him inside until 1 day after the holiday, because some neighborhoods will continue to experience fireworks. Whether you have an indoor-only pet or a pet that has access outside, it is important to that your pet has up to date identification. Be sure their tags have current phone numbers on them and the microchip company has your current contact information.

Calming products for fireworks fear

Consider calming products for your pet. There are a variety of products on the market that may help with anxiety. If you have not tried any of these products before, it is important to do a few trials of the product beforehand to be sure your pet does not have a negative response. A common product we regularly get questions about is the ThunderShirt for dogs and cats. The idea behind the ThunderShirt is it swaddles your pet. It provides constant pressure, to help soothe your pet. If your pet has not worn a ThunderShirt or something similar, try the shirt on several times before the holiday to be sure your pet will leave it on. It is also important to follow the directions on how to size and fit your pet for a ThunderShirt. In order to be effective, the product should be snug yet comfortable.

Another thing to consider is calming pheromones for your pet. If you plan on keeping your pet in one area of the house or in his crate, you can spray or use plug-in diffusers that will release calming pheromones into the room. These products can be found in pet stores.

Perhaps you are a new pet parent or have recently adopted a new pet. If this is your first 4th of July with your pet consider staying home with him to see how he reacts to fireworks.

Handling extreme fireworks fear

In cases of extreme anxiety, you may need to get your veterinarian involved. Some pets become so anxious and fearful that owners are concerned they may physically hurt themselves. In such situations, it’s best to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to discuss what medical options are available for your pet. If fireworks anxiety is something you would like to speak with your veterinarian about, call us today to schedule an appointment.