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How to Calm Your Pets During Fireworks

How to Calm Your Pets During Fireworks

Pets might not see the colorful bursts of light that fill the sky during a firework display, but they sure can hear all the bangs, crackles, and booms! Fireworks can be a major source of anxiety for many pets, whose excellent hearing capabilities and limited understanding work against them during festive times. 

 

Intense, sudden explosions can cause cats and dogs to pant or salivate dramatically, run to hide, or tremble sadly. Some pets may even show their stress by barking or meowing excessively or going to the bathroom where they normally wouldn't. They don't like demonstrating these signs of anxiety any more than you do.

 

Here are some tips to calm your pets during fireworks:

 

Have Preventative Play

If you know that fireworks are likely in the evening, give your pets some extra exercise earlier in the day. Dogs will enjoy games of fetch or keep away, while cats may respond to chasing a laser light or gently whipping a feathering ribbon. Not only will this help to tire them out, but exercise increases a hormone called serotonin. This hormone naturally helps pets calm down.

 

Build a Fort

If your animal has a safe place to hide, he'll feel less stressed out when the fireworks begin. Find an interior room, basement, bathroom, or closet that blocks some of the noise. You can even add a noise machine or a fan to further reduce the scary sounds. Drape some blankets and add some pillows to make the space comfortable. Some pets may prefer an even smaller space, so make their crate available. Include a toy or a treat inside to help them remember you care.

 

Try Compression Therapy

A small, dark space may not be enough to comfort your pet during fireworks. They may appreciate the natural, gentle feeling of a snug wrap, which maintains minimal pressure on their torso. This has been proven effective both in pets and humans as a way to calm nerves, much like a loving hug would do. Be sure to read the instructions so your dog or cat can wear the bandage-type garment comfortably. It's a good idea to put it on before the noise begins.

 

Consider Sedation

Dogs and cats who show especially extreme signs of anxiety may benefit from medicine to keep them calm. Talk to your veterinarian about sedative prescriptions or consider over-the-counter, natural alternatives like homeopathic herbal tinctures applied to your pet's paw. Medication should only be used during extreme times, so that your pets can learn to relax without dependence on a prescription.  

 

Finally, if your dog or cat is destructive or in other ways extreme in their anxiety, talk to your vet. It's possible that there may be a medical problem that is adding to their discomfort. Make sure they are healthy before you help them handle their stress.

 

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