How To Keep Anxious Pets Safe When Fireworks Start

It's that time of year when we are going to hear a lot of popping. Popping as in fireworks noise. Now, if it was just on the 4th, then we could at least prepare. But there are, of course, celebrations and events that start on the 3rd of July, and also on the 5th of July. Plus, if you have neighbors like mine, sometimes it seems to go for a couple of weeks, randomly.

There are so many pets who are afraid of fhe noise that fireworks make. This is the same behavior that happens when a thunderstorm happens. Some people have pets that will run and hide under the bed, or in some other small "safe" space. So, what can you do about this?

I have been lucky enough to not have had that issue with either one of my dogs. But they are small dogs and this seems to happen more so with a larger breed of pet. Which seems unusual, but here we are.

WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH A PET WHO IS FRIGHTENED BY THE NOISE

There are some tips from the American Kennel Club.

The first thing they suggest is to make sure your pet is not outside. Keep them inside as much as possible.

Make sure to create a "safe space" for them. This could be a pet bed, or sometimes even their crate. Pets do find those to be their sanctuary.

Try some distraction. Make sure there is some other noise on such as a radio or the TV.

Try and take your pet for a walk before the fireworks start so they are tired and maybe not quite so alert when they start.

If your pet does get scared, make sure you are right there to comfort them immediately.

If you know that your pet is scared either of storms or of fireworks, try to be proactive. Work with a trainer to try and desensitize them and get some anti-anxiety solutions.

ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS YOU SHOULD DO FOR YOUR PET

And finally, some pets will get very frantic and want to run away. If they do happen to get out, make sure that they have been microchipped and that they also have a collar on with their name and a phone number attached. That way, if found, they have a better chance of being returned to their owners.

Welcome to thunderstorm and fireworks season.

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