Preparing Your Pet for Fourth of July Fireworks

Introduction

The Fourth of July fireworks show can be an extremely stressful time for pets, who may feel scared or anxious due to the loud noises. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, almost 20% of lost pets go missing after being scared by loud noises like fireworks. In this article, we will discuss why fireworks may scare your pet, how you can prepare them for it, and ways to keep them calm during the displays.

Why Fireworks Scare Your Pet

The loud booms and flashes of light triggered by fireworks can scare pets. Veterinarians say that these booming sounds can activate dogs’ fight-or-flight response. Veterinary Specialists of the Rockies also share that the unpredictable nature of the noises can also scare dogs.

Preparation Before the Holiday

Preparation is key when it comes to helping pets cope with the stress of fireworks. Owners can make sure animals have ID tags or registered microchips with their current contact information, in case they run away. Getting pets used to the noises they may encounter can also be helpful. Veterinarians suggest playing firework noises at low levels for brief periods of time while feeding treats to pets, and gradually increasing the volume of the noise. Owners can also purchase earmuffs made especially for dogs to reduce the noise.

Keeping Your Pet Calm During Firework Displays

On the day of the holiday, veterinarians suggest tiring your pet out before the fireworks displays start. Techniques for keeping pets calm during the displays include:

Keeping your pets inside with curtains and blinds closed
Trying to distract pets with high-value treats or putting them into puzzle toys
Playing calming music or white noise to provide a distraction for your pet
Keeping the door of your pet’s crate open to offer them a safe place to retreat if they become scared
Walking dogs on leashes, even in a fenced-in area, to prevent them from running away due to sudden noises

Signs of Anxiety in Dogs

It is essential to watch out for signs of anxiety in dogs during the Fourth of July. According to experts, some signs to keep an eye out for include:

Pacing or shaking
Hiding
Whining, barking or howling
Panting excessively
Trying to escape from the house or yard

Food Safety

During holidays like the Fourth of July, people around the pets do not know what types of foods they can eat. It’s important to note that pets need to avoid:

Chocolate
Onions
Grapes and raisins
Fatty and fried foods
Macadamia nuts
Avocados
Products containing xylitol, an artificial sweetener
Alcohol
Citrus fruits
Salty food
Yeasted dough
Corn on the cob, as large pieces can cause obstructions.

Conclusion

With the above tips, you can prepare your pet to cope with and enjoy the Fourth of July while reducing stress and anxiety. Remember, if your pet’s stress and anxiety levels are beyond what you can manage, consult your veterinarian for assistance.

Originally Post From https://www.ktsa.com/fireworks-can-scare-dogs-vets-explain-how-to-calm-your-pets-anxiety/

How to Calm Your Pet’s Anxiety During Fireworks, According to Vets