06/30/2023
Fireworks, Thunderstorms, and Your Pets
Many people enjoy the booming sounds and flashing lights of fireworks, but they can be terrifying and overwhelming for our pets and potentially hazardous.
On the Fourth of July, many pets become so frightened by the noise and commotion of fireworks that they run from otherwise familiar environments and people. Sadly, their flight or fight response kicks in, and they can become aggressive, disoriented, and run to escape the noise.
Help your pets keep their cool and follow four simple steps for keeping them safe during loud, noisy, and unfamiliar festivities.
Keep your pet safely away from fireworks and loud noises.
Pets are more sensitive to loud noises, flashing lights, and strong smells. So on the Fourth of July and other days, people will likely set off fireworks. It’s best to leave your pets safely indoors.
Create a safe place for your pet to go when they hear the noises that frighten them. Notice where they go (or try to go) when afraid. If possible, give them access to that place. For example, consider installing a pet door if they’re trying to get inside the house. If they’re trying to get under your bed, give them access to your bedroom.
You can also create a “hidey-hole” dark, small, and shielded from the frightening sound as much as possible. Please encourage them to go there when you’re home and the thunder or other noise occurs. Consider using a fan or radio near the spot to help muffle the sound. Feed them in that location and help your dog associate those spots with other good things. They must be able to come and go from this location freely. Confining them in the “hidey-hole” when they don’t want to be there will only cause more anxiety.
The “safe place” approach may work with some pets, but not all. For example, some pets are motivated to move and be active when frightened, and “hiding out” won’t help them feel less fearful.
Distract your pet. This method works best when your pet is just beginning to get anxious. Please encourage your pet to engage in any activity that captures their attention and distracts them from behaving fearfully. Start when your pet first alerts you to the noise but is not yet showing much fearful behavior. Immediately try to interest them in doing something they enjoy. For example, play fetch (in an escape-proof area) or use their favorite toys, practice commands and reward them with praise and treats.
As the storm or other noise builds, you may not be able to keep their attention on the activity, but it might delay the start of the fearful behavior for longer each time you do it. Stop the process if you can’t keep their attention, and they begin acting fearfully. If you continue, you may inadvertently reinforce fearful behavior.
You can also consult your veterinarian because a medication may be available to help reduce your pet’s anxiety levels for short periods. Your veterinarian is the only qualified and licensed person to prescribe medication for your pet.
Don’t attempt to give your pet any over-the-counter or prescription medication without consulting your veterinarian. Animals don’t respond to drugs as people do, and a medication that may be safe for humans could be fatal to your pet. In addition, drug therapy alone won’t reduce fears and phobias permanently, but in extreme cases, behavior modification and medication used together might be the best approach.
What not to do to your pet
• Do not attempt to reassure your pet when they are afraid. This may only reinforce fearful behavior. For example, if you try and soothe or give treats while they’re behaving fearfully, it may be interpreted as a reward for fearful behavior. Instead, act normally, as if you don’t notice the fear.
• Do not put your pet in a crate to prevent them from being destructive during a thunderstorm. They’ll still be fearful while in the crate and likely to injure themselves, perhaps even severely, while attempting to get out.
• Do not punish your pet for being afraid. Punishment will only increase their fear.
• Do not try to force your pet to experience or be close to the sound that frightens them. For example, keeping them close to a group of children lighting firecrackers will only make them more afraid and could cause aggression to escape the situation.
These approaches will fail because they won’t decrease your pet’s fear. Trying to prevent them from escaping or being destructive won’t work either. If your dog is still afraid, it’ll continue to show that fear in various ways—digging, jumping, climbing, chewing, barking, or meowing. Finally, formal training won’t make your dog less afraid of thunder or other noises.
Protect your pet from heatstroke during summer festivities. Heat is another reason to keep your pets from the often noisy summer celebrations. High temperatures put your pet at risk of heat stroke, which can quickly become deadly. So, watch your pets and act immediately if you see any signs of heatstroke.
NEVER leave your pet in a parked car, even if the day doesn’t seem that warm. The temperature outside may be a balmy 72 degrees, but the temperature inside a closed vehicle can rocket to a terminal of 116 degrees in less than an hour.
Also, remember that hot pavement can be dangerous to unprotected paws; if it’s too hot to hold your hand to the ground for five seconds, it’s unsafe for your pet to walk on.
Safeguard your pet with a collar and ID tag or microchip. All pets, even those indoors full-time, should always wear collars with ID tags. This is because indoor-only pets can become so frightened during fireworks that they may take desperate measures to escape the noise, including breaking through windows or door screens. You should also ensure your pet is microchipped and the chip is properly registered with your current contact information.
If your pet does become lost, contact your local animal control and surrounding shelters immediately. If you find a lost pet, take them to the address on their tag or bring them to a local animal shelter to reunite with their family.
