As we are celebrating the independence of our country today, we should consider safety issues for our pets. Loud noises, such as firecrackers and fireworks may trigger traumatic reactions in your pets. Most common behaviors we may face are destruction and escaping.
Preparation is a must in keeping your pets under control during this time.
1. Make sure that your pets have proper identification in place, such as pet ID tags and microchips with your most current contact information on file.
2. Keep contact information handy and up-to-date such as veterinarian office, emergency clinic and animal control.
3. Keep your pets’ veterinarian records in a place that’s easy to find. Make sure to include good current pictures of your pets.
4. Try using a Thundershirt for pets with a fear of noises or separation anxieties. It’s a specially designed wrap that goes around a pet’s chest and applies a gentle, constant pressure. According to its description it has been shown to have a noticeable calming effect for dogs and cats.
5. Know your pet’s safe place
— where he or she retreats to when frightened. Make sure that this place is easily accessible during loud noises and chaos.
6. Leave a radio or television on. These devises may help drown out the fearful sound.
7. Create a distraction. Try to distract the attention away from the loud noises by engaging in an activity that your pet enjoys, such as playing fetch.
8. Try not to respond to your dog’s or cat’s fear behavior with petting, cuddling or treats. Pets may interpret these rewards as reinforcement for their fearful behavior.
9. Research calming supplements. Consult your veterinarian for pet supplements formulated to have a calming effect on dogs or cats. Please note some supplements take time to be effective, or only last for a certain period of time, so be mindful when preparing to use them. Check with your local pet store for over the counter and holistic calming supplement options. Never give a dog or cat a human calming medication or antidepressant without consulting with your veterinarian.
10. Consider getting advice from a professional trainer for some calming techniques.
11. Never punish your pets for showing fear of loud noises, as this will make them more fearful of the sounds, and possibly of you.
12. Don’t force pets into crates to stop or control fearful behavior. They may harm themselves if they engage in destructive behavior during this fearful period. If the crate is your dog’s or cat’s safe place, you can leave the crate door unlocked during thunder or fireworks.
13. Don’t force pets to be near the sound. This may bring about extreme unwanted behaviors such as biting or scratching. It can also damage pets’ sensitive hearing.
14. Keep calm. Please know that pets will look for cues in our behaviors, especially when they are stressed or confused. Pets are rather sensitive to changes in our behaviors.
Jusak Bernhard and Jeff Manley are owners of TailsSpin Pet Food & Accessories. Send your questions and suggestions to them at firstname.lastname@example.org.