Parties, Fireworks, and ANXIETY!
It’s another Independence Day here in the good ‘ol United States of America, filled with barbecues, baseball games and some wholesome fun for the family, topped off with the age-old tradition of lighting up the night sky with dazzling fireworks. There’s only one problem… many of our beloved pets have no idea what’s going on and become frightened and anxious.
The hysteria caused by the loud noises of fireworks and celebrations can lead animals to destructuve behavior. Birds might begin to pick at themselves, dogs can jump through windows to get in, or out of, the house and away from perceived danger, cats claw furniture, and the list goes on and on. Many pets escape from their homes during this time and this can lead to fatal consequences. To help take the edge off your pets’ fear and keep them safe, we recommend the following:
A light sedative, such as Acepromazine, is highly effective in calming your dog’s nerves. It’s a pill that is given 4 hours prior to the fireworks show, or big party. Dogs may become a little drowsy and mostly want to sleep, but that is much better than them being terrified.
Another idea is to keep your pet in an area where they cannot escape. We sometimes put our cats in a pet carrier about 30 minutes before the fireworks begin. Another good place to put an anxious pet is in a small bathroom or laundry room because usually windows are higher than normal and pets would not be able to jump through in an attempt to escape.
Make sure birds’ cages are locked properly, and place a cover or blanket over the cage so they will feel calmer; maybe put on some soothing music or other sounds to help drown out the sound of the fireworks.
If you’re not into watching fireworks yourself, then it’s always a comfort to your pets to have you there with them at such a scary and confusing time. Make sure to have some treats ready and lots of comforting words, hugs and pats on the head.
We hope these these tips help reduce your pets’ stress during this exciting and loud holiday. Here’s wishing you all a safe and happy Independence Day!
