Four Tips to Follow If Your Pet is Scared of Fireworks

The Fourth of July is a fun-filled summer holiday filled with barbecues, camping and of course, fireworks. While it may seem like a fun idea to take your pooch along to these festivities, dogs are more sensitive to noise than we are and don’t associate the noise and flashes of fireworks with celebrations.  Dogs can be nervous of fireworks and may even panic at the loud bangs they produce.

If your pet is scared of fireworks, there are several things you can do:

1.  Keep your pet at home.  More pets go missing on the Fourth of July than any other day of the year.  This is usually caused when pets panic from the noise of fireworks and dart to get away from the noise, winding up lost, injured or worse.  Also, make sure your pet is microchipped.  A microchip is a permanent form of identification for your pet.  It increases the chance of a missing pet being reunited with his family dramatically.

Adaptil is a synthetic pheromone that mimics what a mother emits to her pups to help them feel comfort.

2.  Make a safe, quiet space for your pet.  Put their bed and a favorite toy in a quite corner or bedroom in your house.  If their crate is a safe spot, drape a blanket over the top to protect them from any bright lights of the fireworks.  Give them a special treat or bone when they are in their safe spot to help positively reinforce their safe spot.

3.  Increase your dog’s sense of security by using the product Adaptil.  Adaptil is a pheromone that mimics the natural pheromone released by a mother dog to reassure her puppies.  This product can help reduce your pet’s stress level and help them feel more at ease. Adaptil comes in a collar, diffuser, or spray.

4.  Set up an appointment with your Veterinarian.  There are additional treatment options available if needed, to help your pet feel at ease during firework season.

We hope you all have a safe and fun holiday, and encourage you to take these 4 easy steps to help comfort your pets!