By Dr. Jess Trimble

Fireworks Are Scary For Pets

Pets can be very sensitive to loud noises, so it’s no surprise that fireworks can trigger stress, anxiety, and discomfort for your pet. If fireworks trigger stress for your pet, watch for the following behaviors:

• Nervous stomach: vomiting, diarrhea
• Pacing, destructive behaviors, running around the house trying to hide
• Biting ⁠⁠— biting you, other humans, or pets.
• Running away ⁠— even the most obedient pets can get so spooked that they may take off if they get loose and risk getting hit by a car.

Luckily, there’s a lot you can do to ease their stress and keep them safe. Fuzzy veterinarians have recommended some precautionary measures that they use to keep their own pets safe ⁠— take a minute to review and start to think about where your pets will be when fireworks start this 4th of July.

Create A Safe Space

It’s important to create a space where your pet can feel safe and sheltered from the noise. Crates with blankets over the top work well for dogs. For cats, any boxes or beds with fluffy bedding should work. We recommend setting your pet up in the quietest part of your home.

If you can be home with your pet during fireworks, that will help keep them comfortable. If you aren’t able to be with them, at least they’re in a safe space.

Products That Can Help

If you know your pet struggles with stress, there are some products you can purchase that can help:

• Thundershirts wrap around your dog and apply pressure to their torso. For your pet, it’s kind of like wearing a hug and that can be very comforting.
• Pheromones are available as sprays, diffusers, or collars and are proven to help relieve stress and anxiety for your pets: 
• For dogs, we recommend Adaptil.
• For cats, we recommend Feliway.

• VetriScience Composure Chews are chewable calming supplement that can be given as treats to cats or dogs.
• Zylkene Capsules are another behavioral/calming supplement that can be sprinkled directly on to your pet’s food.

If you have any questions about the above products, your pets, or their stress symptoms ⁠— we are here for you! Consult a vet.

Prescription Medications

Some pets will need pharmaceutical help when it comes to loud fireworks. If you suspect this is the case for your dog or cat, talk to your veterinarian now – don’t wait until July 3rd!