Warm summer evenings in Minneapolis can bring plenty of excitement—outdoor celebrations, fireworks displays, and the rumble of passing thunderstorms. While these seasonal events add sparkle and drama to our lives, they often bring distress to our furry companions. Dogs shaking in closets, cats hiding under beds, and anxious panting are all too familiar for many pet owners during this time of year.
If your pet becomes stressed or frightened during loud noises, you’re not alone, and more importantly, there are ways to help.
Why Thunderstorms and Fireworks Set Pets on Edge
Loud noises are a big trigger for pets, especially dogs and cats. Fireworks and thunderstorms bring sudden, unpredictable sounds and bright flashes of light. For animals, this sensory overload can be terrifying. Thunderstorms also bring shifts in barometric pressure and static electricity, which sensitive pets can detect even before the storm hits.
Pets don’t understand that the sounds won’t harm them. Instead, they associate these events with danger and may react with instinctual behaviors like hiding, fleeing, or vocalizing. These reactions aren’t just “bad behavior”—they’re signs of genuine distress.
Exotic pets, such as rabbits or birds, can also be affected. Their stress may not be as obvious, but subtle changes in eating, grooming, or behavior can indicate that they’re struggling with anxiety, too.
Signs Your Pet May Be Anxious
Pet anxiety doesn’t always look the same. Here are common signs to watch for:
- Dogs may whine, bark, tremble, pace, hide, or cling to you.
- Cats might run for cover, refuse to eat, or groom excessively.
- Exotic pets could stop eating, act lethargic, or become more reclusive than usual.
You might also notice destructive behaviors, like chewing furniture or scratching doors—especially if your pet is trying to escape what they perceive as a threat. Some pets even have accidents indoors despite being fully housetrained. These behaviors are often misunderstood as disobedience, but they’re really cries for help.
How to Help at Home: Creating a Sense of Safety
You know your pet best, and that insight is valuable when trying to make them feel safe. During storms or fireworks, here are a few vet-recommended strategies you can try at home:
- Create a calming space: Choose a quiet room or area away from windows. Use blackout curtains, soft bedding, and play soothing music or white noise to help drown out sounds.
- Try calming wraps: Products like Thundershirts provide gentle, constant pressure—similar to swaddling a baby—which can reduce anxiety.
- Offer distractions: Use high-value treats, puzzle toys, or snuffle mats to redirect your pet’s attention during loud events.
- Use desensitization techniques: During non-stressful times, gradually introduce the sound of fireworks or thunder at a low volume, paired with treats and praise. Over time, this may reduce sensitivity.
Routines also help. Feeding, walking, and cuddling at the same times each day can give anxious pets a sense of predictability and control.
Vet-Recommended Solutions for Calming Anxious Pets
When natural methods aren’t enough—or if your pet’s anxiety is severe—it’s time to consider options that your veterinarian can recommend. There are many safe, effective tools available, and it all starts with a conversation about your pet’s specific needs.
South Hyland Pet Hospital offers guidance on calming supplements, prescription medications, and behavioral strategies tailored to your pet. Products might include:
- Calming supplements with ingredients like L-theanine, chamomile, or melatonin.
- Pheromone sprays or diffusers that mimic comforting natural scents.
- CBD-based products, when appropriate and under veterinary guidance.
- Prescription anti-anxiety medications for pets with severe stress.
Many of these solutions are available through our online pharmacy, making it easy to stock up on calming products your pet may need as stormy evenings or summer celebrations approach.
When It’s Time to Talk to Your Vet
Not all anxiety is created equal. Some pets bounce back quickly, while others suffer for hours—or even days—after a stressful event. If your pet:
- Shows signs of anxiety regularly
- Doesn’t improve with at-home efforts
- Becomes destructive or physically ill during storms or fireworks
…it’s time to bring them in for an evaluation.
At South Hyland Pet Hospital in Minneapolis, MN, we take anxiety seriously because we know how deeply it affects both pets and their families. Whether it’s behavior modification, medication, or a customized plan that fits your lifestyle, our team is here to support you and your pet through every season.
Calmer Days Ahead
Fireworks and thunderstorms are unavoidable, but pet anxiety doesn’t have to be. By understanding your pet’s triggers and working with your vet to find solutions, you can transform stressful nights into manageable moments.
Our team at South Hyland Pet Hospital is here to help guide you every step of the way. If your pet struggles with noise anxiety, don’t wait until the next thunderstorm rolls in. Call us today at (952) 884-1868 to schedule a consultation and create a care plan that helps your pet feel secure—no matter what sounds fill the skies.
