Your pet’s favorite hiding place is probably where they will go when scared.
There is nothing more symbolic of summer than fireworks. Watching the sky light up with beautiful colors can be a great time for us humans. Our pets, not so much.
If your pet gets anxious, nervous, frightened or tries to run and hide when they hear a loud noise in the area, you are well aware of the challenges of calming your pet during summer fireworks.
Fear of loud noises can cause your pet to salivate and tremble. Your pet may also hide or in extreme cases, run away from home and find a safe space, if they get outside.
Understanding that your pet struggles with this is the first step. Putting a plan in place to make your pet feel safe is the second.
Our experts at Veterinary Urgent Care Center (VUCC) offered a few tips you can use to make sure your pet is less frightened while everyone else is celebrating.
- Create a safe space for your pet. You may already have a place like this in your home. If you are home and know that fireworks will be going off, take your pet to that location and maybe put a TV or music on to add a layer of distraction. If you are not at home and have your pet, work to create that space and do your best to distract your pet the best way possible.
- Be there for comfort. Your pet needs you more than ever when they are scared. If you react negatively or anxiously, it’s going to drive up the level of anxiety in your pet. Be there as a sense of security, like they do for us when we don’t feel great.
- Utilize a weighted blanket or a ThunderShirt. There are a number of products on the market that give a calming effect to your pet when worn. The security of these blankets or harnesses may help your pet. It may take a few times of using this method for your pet to see results.
- Speak to your veterinarian early about prescription medication. There are a number of prescription medicines that may help lower your pet’s level of anxiety for a short time. So if you know that you are going to be somewhere for the 4th of July or have a summer trip scheduled, and you have addressed these other essential steps before with no improvement in the noise phobia, speak to your veterinarian early to get a prescription filled and get your pet on the right track.
Please note that Veterinary Urgent Care Center will be closed on Monday, July 4 at all of our locations. We encourage you to visit your local 24/7 emergency care center if your pet needs care. To see our hours for the holiday weekend, please visit: https://www.clockwisemd.com/groups/538