Keep Your Pet Calm During Fireworks
July 4th can be anxiety inducing for pets, especially due to fireworks and firecrackers! Anxiety in pets can be an inconvenience as well as a hazard for their safety. Our Vero Beach veterinarian has some simple tips for helping to calm your pet's anxiety so that you can both enjoy the holiday weekend. Ease your pet's fears by taking action to reduce their July 4th anxiety.
Anticipate Loud Noises
Every weekend in the summer involves barbeques, and with barbeques come fireworks. Especially on July 4th, your cat or dog will likely experience loud noises like fireworks or firecrackers. While you won't be able to prevent these noises from occurring, you can prepare your pet and anticipate their reactions. Loud noises may cause your pet to run around, hide, cry, or try to escape. Make sure all windows and doors are closed, and put identification tags on your pets just in case they manage to escape. This will ensure that your pet can be returned to you if they become lost. You should also make sure their microchip information is accurate and up to date. If you have questions about how to update your pet's microchip information, contact our Vero Beach veterinarian.
Create a Safe Space
Providing your pet a safe space to hide during the commotion can help to make the experience a bit easier. Find a room in your home to set up pillows, blankets, and your pet's crate. Keep windows and doors closed and set up some of your pet's favorite toys. Playing soothing music or white noise may also help to relax them and distract them from noises outside. If you don't mind missing the fireworks, staying with your pet for the duration of the fireworks can help to keep them calm. Maintain a calm, soothing tone and talk your pet through the noise. Being physically present and calm will encourage your pet to do the same.
Exercise Your Pet in Advance
Extra energy may make your pet have more extreme reactions. If you know your pet will be experiencing loud noises in the evening, make an effort to exercise them during the day. If your pet is tired, they will be less chaotic during the fireworks later on. Take them for a walk, play with them outside, and try to get them as much exercise as they want. A tired pet may be more inclined to hide out in their crate rather than run out the door when they are scared. However, be careful not to overheat your pet or cause them to become dehydrated. A pet that is excessively panting or lethargic may be overheated, which can be dangerous for their health. If possible, try to exercise them early in the morning or after the sun starts to set. This will help to avoid the hottest hours of the day and still allow your pet to get enough exercise in a more comfortable way.
Board Your Pet Overnight
The fact of the matter is that pets can have dramatic reactions to loud noises. Events like fireworks or firecrackers can put their health and safety at risk. It could also lead to them being quite destructive to your home. Sometimes it can be difficult to find a sitter on holidays, and you want to make sure your pet is in the best possible hands. Boarding your pet can be a good alternative because you'll know your pet is well taken care of. Pet boarding is a great service for times like these because your pet will be watched and cared for by veterinary professionals, and they will be far away from the neighborhood fireworks. Call our Vero Beach veterinarian for more information about pet boarding.
Ask Our Team About Medication
Some medication may be beneficial for pets who suffer from extreme fear or anxiety. If your pet's anxiety may endanger their safety, some mild sedatives could help to keep them calm for a few hours. Benadryl is often recommended to subdue your pet for a period of time. The right dosage depends on your pet's age and weight, as well as their previous medical history. Talk to our Vero Beach veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Other sedatives may be recommended for unique health cases. Make sure your pet is up to date on their annual exams before exploring adding any anxiety medication to their health plan. Our team will need to be fully aware of your pet's medical history and current physical health before being able to prescribe or supply you with any anxiety medication. Anxiety medication may not be right for every pet, so ask our team if it would be appropriate for your furry friend.
Clean After Fireworks
One step that can often get overlooked is checking your yard the morning after fireworks. Pieces of fireworks can land in your yard even if the event took place miles away, so it is always a good idea to do a quick scan. Check out every area where you like to take your pet, even around the neighborhood. Collect any pieces of fireworks and dispose of them properly. Any firework remainders can have burnt material or chemicals that could be harmful if ingested by your pet. Make sure you collect and throw out any debris you find including anything from the barbeque. Food skewers, food scraps, glass bottles, and anything that doesn't belong should be cleaned out of your pet's environment.
Learn more about how to calm your pet's anxiety by scheduling a visit with our Vero Beach veterinarian. Our team can offer you personalized advice based on your pet's unique habits. Pet boarding may be an excellent option to keep your pet safe while you enjoy the summer festivities. Call our office at (772) 299-3665 to book your pet's next stay with us.