Contributed by Angie Lewis, Alaska Animal Advocates
Watching fireworks can be a very enjoyable experience for many of us, but some people and animals find little joy in this ritual and are very stressed and anxious. The loud noises and bright lights can be quite frightening to these individuals, both animal and human. Dogs in particular have been seen to hide, shake, run and try to jump over fences. It has been reported that the 4th of July holiday is the busiest day for shelters because so many animals run away from home in fear. There are things that you can do to make this less stressful.
First, make sure that your pet’s identification information is current – microchips and collar tags. Check to be sure that your pet’s name, your phone number, and address is accurate.
We typically do not have control over the amount of fireworks that happen, but we do have control over how we help our animal family through this experience. Setting up a safe room in your house is a good strategy, such as a bathroom or bedroom. If your pet is crate trained, she might feel more comfortable in her crate.
There are calming products that help to alleviate fear issues. ThunderShirts, a tight-fitting shirt, will swaddle your pet and provides constant pressure, which theoretically helps soothe your anxious pet. Make sure to use the shirt on a trial basis beforehand, so your dog does not feel shocked at the feel of it on her body.
There are also calming pheromones that can be sprayed or used with a plug-in diffuser which releases calming pheromones into your room. CBD, made from the hemp plant, can offer a variety of products that help calm your pet, without getting them high. These products can typically be found in pet stores. For some dogs, having the television on or playing soft music can offer a welcome distraction to this stressful time.
The best strategy to calm your dog is YOU. Without being overly dramatic or anxious yourself, which will just make matters worse, be there for your dog. Stay close and love her through this ordeal.