Fireworks, Thunderstorms, and your Pets

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 are likely to 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, if they’re trying to get inside the house, consider installing a pet door. 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 that spot with other good things that happen there. 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 a lot of 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 and longer each time you do it. If you can’t keep their attention and they begin acting fearfully, stop the process. 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 person who is qualified and licensed 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 the same way 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 pet, soothe, or give treats while they’re behaving fearfully, it may be interpreted as a reward for fearful behavior. Instead, try to behave 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, making them stay close to a group of children who are 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. Merely trying to prevent them from escaping or being destructive won’t work either. If your dog is still afraid, they’ll continue to show that fear in various ways—digging, jumping, climbing, chewing, barking, or meowing. Finally, know that formal training won’t necessarily make your dog less afraid of thunder or other noises.

Protect your pet from heatstroke during summer festivities. Another reason to keep your pets away from the often noisy celebrations of summer is heat. High temperatures put your pet at risk of heatstroke, which can be deadly. So keep an eye on 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 116 degrees in less than an hour.

Also, remember that hot pavement can be dangerous to unprotected paws; if it’s too hot for you to hold your hand to the ground for five seconds, it’s not safe for your pet to walk on.

Safeguard your pet with a collar and ID tag or microchip. All pets, even those kept indoors full-time, should always wear collars with ID tags. This is because indoor-only pets can become so frightened during fireworks displays that they may take desperate measures to escape the noise, including breaking through windows or door screens. You should also ensure that your pet is microchipped and that 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, either take them to the address on their tag or bring them to a local animal shelter so they can be reunited with their family.