Does your pet get anxious around loud noises? Fireworks cause anxiety for many pets and can cause harm to their physical and mental health. As the fourth of July approaches, our team at Homey Gnome Veterinary Clinic wants to ensure your pets remain happy and safe this fireworks season.
Here is what you need to know about firework fears and how to keep your pet safe.
Understanding Your Pet’s Firework Fears
Sudden loud noises, such as fireworks, are a common cause of fear and anxiety in pets. This is also known as noise phobia and can be caused by various factors. Repeated exposure to loud noises can be stressful. Additionally, traumatic experiences can cause individuals to become more fearful.
The symptoms and severity of noise phobias can vary. However, some of the most common symptoms include excessive panting, shaking, and drooling during a noise event. Some pets may exhibit destructive behavior and have bathroom accidents in the house. You may also notice your pet try to hide from the noise and even attempt to escape.
The panic and anxiety associated with firework fear can affect your pet’s mental health. Unfortunately, when your pet is in a panicked state, they are also at increased risk of injury and physical harm.
Because of this, it’s essential to take precautions to reduce firework anxiety and monitor your pet closely for any signs of fear. Identifying the problem early and taking action to keep your pet calm are critical for keeping your pet healthy and happy during a noise event.
Keeping Your Pet Safe
While fireworks can be stressful for your furry friend, there are a few things you can do to reduce their fear and keep your pet safe. Here are our top firework safety tips:
Reduce Your Pet’s Exposure
Limiting your pet’s exposure to fireworks can help reduce firework anxiety and prevent injury. Avoid taking your pet to events with fireworks. Instead, try to keep your pet inside and ensure all windows and doors are closed before the fireworks begin. This will not only reduce your pet’s exposure to the noise, but it can also reduce the risk of accidental escapes.
Create a Safe Space
In addition to keeping your pet indoors, consider setting up a safe space to help them get away from the noise. Interior bathrooms are an excellent option for protecting your pet from exterior windows and doors where firework booms may be louder. Consider setting up your pet’s bed and bring some of their favorite toys to make the space more comfortable. Music can also help create a calming environment and drown out the noise.
Ask for Help
In some cases, your pet may need additional help to fight their firework fears. Calming agents and medications are available to help ease firework anxiety. If you think your pet would benefit from a calming agent, please give us a call. Our team is happy to make recommendations based on your pet’s unique needs and discuss different options to help keep your pet safe.
Final Thoughts
At Homey Gnome Veterinary Clinic, we understand that fireworks can be stressful for your pet. We hope this information has given you a better understanding of your pet’s firework fears and how you can help keep them safe. If you have additional questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please give us a call at 651-202-3388.
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