As we prepare to celebrate the 245th birthday of our nation, pet parents everywhere are preparing for the absolute panic that grips so many dogs and cats this time of year. While fireworks are a time honored tradition for the 4th, for so many of us with fur kids and those of us caring for fur kids we could easily pass on the rocket’s red glare. Why are fireworks so frightening for so many of our cats and dogs? Most theories on noise sensitivity in dogs point to environmental factors. Lack of desensitization as a puppy or a younger dog to loud noises but also a traumatic event (noise related) as younger dog.

Our behavior can also be a huge factor, how we respond to a dog’s fearful behavior is also a possible explanation. In 2013, The University of Bristol’s School of Veterinary Science launched a study on fearful behavior in dogs and they concluded that fireworks were most likely to trigger a fearful response. 

Dr. Rachel Casey says, “Our results suggest that the characteristics of dogs, their early environments, and exposure to specific loud noises are involved in the development to fear responses to noises.” She further states that less than a third of pet parents sought professional advice about treatment for their pet’s fearful response. Those same researchers noted that hunting breeds such as Labradors, Pointers and Springer Spaniels were not as sensitive while mixed breeds tended to be more sensitive. 

So, what to do if your pet suffers from the anxiety of the season. 

1. Stay indoors and take them to a darker, interior room. Turning on some comforting music can help mask the booms and pops outside. Did you know there’s music specifically produced to elicit a calming response from your pup. While there are also speakers featuring pre-loaded anti-anxiety music. Consider a calming chew and perhaps a ride in the car to a quieter locale.

2. Invest in a pressure vest or wrap. The theory is the same as when a baby is swaddled the pressure envelops the animal and comforts them.

3. Try a favorite treat or puzzle game to keep their minds of the mayhem outside. Now’s the time for a special treat in the kong or a treat ball, whatever you can do to distract them from the noises outside keeping in mind to keep your anxiety to a minimum.  Don’t be afraid to cuddle up, studies show it helps to ease both your and your dog’s anxiety levels.

4. Consult your veterinarian for a mild sedative, pheromones or perhaps melatonin. Remember some of drugs do take a period of time to build up and work properly.

5. Finally, make certain all your ID’s on their collars are up to date and that they’re wearing their collars. Collars are only effective at helping your pet find their way home if they’re wearing them. Check all microchip information and make certain that too, is current. Prescribe to the ounce of prevention model and go so far as to walk your dog into the backyard on their leash during the few days surrounding the festivities. Never leave them unattended in the backyard as no one knows when the neighbor might light off wat sounds to your pup like bomb.

Cats are also extremely sensitive to the loud noises produced by fireworks. They associate these loud noises with danger and cats can become increasingly stresses by loud noise and flashes and cause them to panic and run. Sadly, every year emergency vets see hundreds of cases of pets involved in road traffic incidents after being spooked by fireworks. Cats may display their stress differently than dogs and simply try and hide while others might be a bit more obvious with some hissing and low growling. 

What can be done with a stressed out cat? Many of the same things mentioned above for dogs.

1. Keep those ID’s and microchips up to date. Keep a collar on your kitty and keep them inside.

2. Keep your cat in an interior room where there’s music or the tv on to dampen the noise levels.

3. Try a calming collar or pheromone diffuser for your kitty it helps to reduce stress and anxiety by mimicking the natural pheromones a nursing mother cat which in turn provides comfort.

Or pet’s comfort during this stressful season is top of mind for so many pet parents and pet care providers, so following a few of the above ideas will hopefully provide your pet the safest and most relaxed 4th of July celebration possible.