First and most important….

Try To Be Home With Your Pet

Or have someone with them during the fireworks.

Many pets become fearful at the sound of fireworks and go stray during the Fourth of July.  The results can be many lost pets at the shelter, or big vet bills as they risk injury trying to cross traffic.

Once you’ve determined how your pet will react to the loud booms, make plans around them.  This will ensure a stress free holiday for both you and your pet.  There are many ways to plan ahead.

Secure Gates

Make sure all gates and doors are secure, fixing loose or broken locks ahead of time.

Microchip

Microchip or update tags and microchip information for both dogs and cats.

It’s always best to keep cats indoors.

Prepare a Safe Zone

Make sure dogs have a safe place that makes them feel secure…. A kennel, or safe corner with a bed.

Go a step further if you’re crafty, and sound proof the kennel or crate.  Just be cautious when it comes to temperature as well as ventilation.

Sound Proof Central goes into great detail on how to create a sound proof space for your pet.

Leave a Sense of Security

Very fearful dogs may hide in a bathroom or under the bed.  Provide a blanket, toy or something of yours that might give them a sense of security.

Anxiety Vests

Some say products like Thunder Shirts provide comfort to dogs.  A Thunder Shirt is a vest that applies pressure to the torso to help relieve the stress and anxiety.

Provide a Distraction

Turn the tv or Music up during fireworks to distract them.

While this may not get rid of the fear altogether, this may provide a little comfort or distraction.

Training Methods

Try training methods, this could help get rid of the fear altogether.  This may work with dogs at a younger age.

Sound Therapy- Scary Noises is available for purchase online.  Created to help ease the fear of noises like thunder or fireworks. Give treats or playtime while the sound effects are being played.

Try other Training Methods  using loud noises at home.

But please remember to be safe with loud noises around your pets.  They can hear the slightest noise, so very loud noises can cause Hearing Loss.

Do understand that some dogs may never lose the fear, that sometimes we just have to accept that and find other ways to ease the stress.

*Never Have Them Close To Fireworks.

If there are a lot of fireworks being used nearby, providing Mutt Muffs is an option to reduce the sound.

*It’s never a good idea to have a pet attend an event with fireworks.

Sedatives

Of course when all else fails, sometimes sedatives are the only way to calm your pet from real fear.

Never wait until the last minute if needing sedatives from your veterinarian, as this requires an exam and they can book up quickly.

If your dog has never had sedatives, you want to have time to test the effects it may have on your pet too.

Having them too drowsy and unable to move around is unsafe.

Always discuss the safety of medications with a veterinarian as each pet reacts differently.

Have a safe and happy Fourth of July!