Whether you’re celebrating the 4th of July or getting together with friends and family, fireworks can be a fun addition to your special day. Unfortunately, fireworks often cause fear and anxiety in our furry friends, and it’s essential to take precautions to keep them safe. This summer, our team at South Hyland Pet Hospital is here to share our firework safety tips.
Here are a few ways to reduce firework danger and keep your pets happy and safe this season.
Understand Your Pet’s Firework Fears
Many pets experience fear and anxiety due to sudden loud booms. This is also known as noise phobia and is commonly seen with fireworks and thunderstorms. Some of the most common signs of noise phobia include:
- Hiding
- Shaking
- Excessive Panting
- Drooling
- Attempts to Escape
- House Soiling
The severity of noise phobias can vary. However, recognizing the signs early can help you address the problem and prevent your pet’s condition from worsening.
Keep Your Pet at a Safe Distance
Whether or not your pet suffers from firework anxiety, it’s essential to keep your pet at a safe distance from any firework displays. Not only can this help reduce their fear, but it is also critical in preventing accidental injury or harm.
Keep your pet inside when setting off fireworks or playing with sparklers. It’s also best to avoid taking your pet to events where fireworks may be used.
Create a Safe and Secure Space
Pets with firework fears will often run and hide to get away from the noise. Unfortunately, this increases the risk of pets getting lost and escaping during a firework event. To keep your pet safe, take them to a secure space before the fireworks start. Remember to check all windows and doors to ensure they are properly closed. You may also want to double-check your gates if you have a fenced-in yard.
Additionally, consider setting up a special space in your home where your pet can go to get away from the noise. Bathrooms are an excellent option for getting away from the noise and can help drown out sudden booms. You can set up your pet’s crate or bed in the space to make them feel more comfortable. Turning on some music can also provide a distraction from the firework noise and create a more calming environment for your furry friend.
Give Us a Call
In cases of extreme fear or anxiety, additional help may be necessary to keep your pet safe and calm during a firework event. Calming medications are available and can be highly effective for reducing firework anxiety.
While some calming agents are available over the counter, others require a prescription and should only be given under the direction of a veterinarian. If you think your pet would benefit from additional help, please give us a call. We would be happy to discuss your pet’s options and make recommendations based on their unique needs.
Final Thoughts
At South Hyland Pet Hospital, we understand that fireworks can be stressful for both you and your pet. We hope these tips will help keep your pets safe and calm during your upcoming celebrations. For additional information about firework safety and addressing noise phobias, please give us a call at 952-884-1868. We look forward to hearing from you and helping your pet fight their firework fears!
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