Menu
It’s that time of year, with a number of holidays, festivals, and outdoor sports events to celebrate summer. Along with these big parties, there is also the chance of thunderstorms that make for an incredible display of lightning and thunder. Unfortunately, your pet may not appreciate all the excitement, both manmade and natural.
Many pets suffer with noise anxiety and stress that is triggered by loud events. This can cause a range of behaviors, including the risk of a missing pet emergency. Helping your pet cope with fireworks and other noise is the team at True Care Veterinary Hospital’s aim. Here are some recommendations and tips to help ease your pet’s stress this time of year.
Noise Anxiety in Pets
Noise anxiety is an extreme fear of loud noises. During this fear, your pet may try and get away from the source, which can include fireworks, thunderstorms, parties, sirens, etc. Pets with anxiety will display certain symptoms in varying degrees of severity:
- Urinating/accidents
- Digging
- Chewing/biting
- Panting
- Pacing
- Visibly shaking/trembling
- Trying to escape
If your pet has a noticeable change in their behavior during loud events, please call us for a consultation. Some pet’s anxiety can turn into phobias and other health problems.
Helping Your Pet Cope with Fireworks and Loud Events
There is no way to keep your pet protected from all noise, but there are some changes you can make at home to help. First, identifying the noises that cause the greatest distress for your fur friend is integral to coming up with ways to reduce the impact of these triggers.
There are many things you can do to prepare your pet and reduce the problems associated with noise anxiety.
- Be prepared. Make sure your pet is up to date on vaccines and has current microchip and ID tags information, should they get away from the home.
- Create a cozy spot. If you know there will be loud noises, either from a storm, fireworks, or party, move your pet to a secure part of the home. Choose a place that is more “cushioned” from noise.
- Entertain them with distractions. Provide plenty of toys, treats, blankets, and other favorite things to make your pet less anxious.
- Supervise and reassure. During the hub-bub, either you or a trusted loved one, should stay near your pet. Provide soothing pets and verbal reassurance.
- Make noise. Sounds counterintuitive, right? But some noises are more relaxing and can act to mask the sounds that scare your pet. Use a white noise machine, or a TV or radio played at low volume.
Make sure that all doors and windows are latched. Fourth of July is one of the worst holidays when it comes to lost and missing pets. If you have a party, you may also consider having your pet stay with a pet sitter or at a boarding kennel for the night.
Keeping Your Pet Safe and Happy Is Our Goal
If you would like more information about helping your pet cope with fireworks and other loud noises, please contact us! We want to make the summer months and holidays fear-free for our sweet pets.