Fireworks can feel like Armageddon for our pets, and there’s solid science behind their fear. Pets, like dogs and cats, have way more sensitive hearing than us. Imagine hearing everything on full blast! That’s their world when fireworks go off. The loudness combined with the unpredictability of fireworks makes them especially scary for our animals.
Why Are Dogs and Cats Afraid During Fireworks?
While we might just hear a bang, pets are hearing layers of sounds and often can’t tell where they’re coming from. This can trigger their innate fight-or-flight response. Noise anxiety in pets isn’t just about the noise—it’s also about feeling trapped, unable to escape whatever’s causing the commotion.
Some pets may be particularly wired to be scared of loud noises, thanks partly to their genetic makeup. Plus, a pet’s previous experiences play a role. If they’ve had a bad experience with loud noises, they’re more likely to be anxious when fireworks light up the sky.
Signs Your Pet is Stressed Out Due to Fireworks
But how do you know when your pet’s really freaking out? Look for signs like shaking, panting, drooling, or hiding. Sometimes, they might even try to escape the noise. Knowing these signs early means you’re better equipped to handle your pet’s anxiety and keep them calm when the next big bang comes.
How to Calm Your Pets During Fireworks
Creating a safe, cozy space for your pet can work wonders to ease their nerves. Think of it as their personal chill-out zone. You could use a quiet room or even a cozy corner draped with blankets to muffle the sound and provide comfort.
Music isn’t just for humans. A little background noise, whether it’s classical tunes or specially-designed pet-calming tracks, can help mask the bursts of fireworks outside. It helps in creating a soothing vibe, making them feel less tense.
You can find suitable music for your pets during fireworks on YouTube.
Ever heard of pheromone diffusers? These gadgets release calming scents that can reassure your anxious pet. It’s like giving them a big, invisible hug when everything gets too noisy. You can find these on Amazon.
If you’re up for a bit of training, gradual desensitization works by getting pets slowly used to the sound of fireworks before the actual event. Practicing commands and rewarding calm behavior also works as a practical approach to manage anxiety.
My recommendation for effective, inexpensive dog training is, The Dog Calming Code.
My recommendation for cat training is this step-by-step cat training eBook.
Should I Give My Pet Medication or CBD for Fireworks Anxiety?
Sometimes the fear can be overwhelming for pets, and that’s when medication might come into play. There are two main routes: traditional prescription meds and natural remedies like CBD.
Consult your veterinarian first! Always remember, safety first. No matter what you choose, it’s crucial to check with your veterinarian to find out the correct dosing and any possible side effects. Not everything that works for one pet will work for another, so personalization is key.
Prescription meds can provide relief but should be a topic of conversation with your vet. They’ll advise on what’s safe and effective for your pet’s specific needs.
If you’re considering a more natural route, CBD is getting lots of nods these days. It’s derived from hemp and won’t make your pet high, but it’s been found to calm those jitters. To be clear, I’m not recommending this. Please talk with your vet!
Finally, it helps to hear from others in the same boat. Many pet parents share success stories about how either medications or CBD have made fireworks less of a nightmare for their little buddies.
Dogs and Fireworks: Summer Safety Tips
Watch my video with tips from Professional Dog Trainer, Doggy Dan’s free tutorial about Dog Summer Safety Tips – and check out the full tutorial – it’s free!
Cats and Fireworks – How to Keep Them Calm and Safe!
Watch this video from cat expert, Jackson Galaxy, about keeping your cat calm and safe during fireworks!
More Summer Safety Tips for Pets
Check out more posts for tips on how to keep your pets safe this summer!
Hot Weather Safety Tips for Pets: Avoid Heat Stroke in Pets
How to Help Anxious Pets During Thunderstorms
Fireworks & Pets: An Explosion of Fear for Animals
I Donate to Animal Charities
Thanks so much for reading my post! I hope you and your pets have a happy and safe summer.
You should know I’ll receive a small commission if you make a purchase using links within my posts, at no extra cost to you. I donate 10% of my profits to the animal charities shown here.
Thanks again for visiting, and please share this post with fellow pet lovers and on social media. Thank you! Debra
