Pets and Fireworks do NOT go well together.
Many pets find fireworks scary. Owners, especially new pet parents, may often see their pets squirming, hiding, running, bolting, howling, and more. Unless you’ve planned for it beforehand, it’s hard to know how to react or what to do.
Rule #1 Always Applies → Keep pets indoors where it’s safe!
Before Fireworks Season Begins
Planning ahead can help dogs and cats cope with the fireworks season. Before the fireworks season starts, provide your pet with a a safe haven. This should be a quiet area, so choose one of the quietest rooms in your home – a place where they feel in control. Don’t interfere with your pets when they’re in that area.
When The Fireworks Start
- Walk your dog during daylight hours to avoid times when fireworks are likely to be set off.
- Move your dog to the safe haven each evening before the fireworks begin. Provide toys and other things that they enjoy in the safe haven.
- Try a Calming Vest.
- Pheromone diffusers disperse calming chemicals into the room and may be a good option for your pet. In some cases, your vet may even prescribe medication.
- Make sure your dog isn’t left alone.
- Close windows and curtains to muffle the sound of fireworks. Blackout your doggy safe haven, so they can’t see any flashes outside.
- Put on some music or TV to mask the firework sounds. Classical music can be relaxing.
- Ignore the firework noises yourself. Play with a toy to see if your dog wants to join in, but don’t force them to play.
Treating Fireworks Phobia
Firework phobia is a treatable condition and animals don’t have to suffer every year. Seek advice from your vet. Never punish your pets when they’re scared, as this will only make things worse in the long run.
Treating PTSD in DOGS
The symptoms of PTSD in dogs are similar to those in humans and include chronic anxiety; hypervigilance; avoidance of certain people, places, or situations; sleep disturbances; fear of being alone; decreased interest in a favorite activity; or aggression. More HERE
photo: Richmond SPCA
How o Help CATS Who Are Afraid of Fireworks
- Provide hiding places in your home, under furniture, in a crate, or a quiet room, or corner
- Leave them until they’re ready to leave their safe place.
- Keeping cats indoors is a simple solution to avoid them becoming stressed.
Have a Happy and Safe 4th of July with your pets!
Animals are a window to your soul and a doorway to your spiritual destiny. If you let them into your life and allow them to teach you, you will be better for it. ― Kim Shotola
Cats Are Like Potato Chips — You Can't Have Just One!
"Owning a dog is not just a privilege; it’s a responsibility. They depend on us for, at minimum, food and shelter, and deserve much more. When you take a dog into your life, you need to understand the commitment that dog ownership entails." ~ AKC
Adopted Pets are the best pets you can have. Most adoptable pets come from loving homes that simply cannot care for them anymore. Or they are strays who’ve been on their own without the loving care they deserve. ― Josh Duhamel
In the beginning, God created man, but seeing him so feeble, He gave him the cat. – Warren Eckstein
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