FIREWORKS SAFETY AND
LOUD NOISE PHOBIAS

LET’S KEEP OUR PETS SAFE!



It happens every Fourth of July and New Year’s Eve. Pets, primarily dogs, are
often frightened by fireworks and the resulting percussive noises. The
numbers of ‘lost’ and ‘found’ signs that go up on street corners, the
significant increase in strays at shelters and pounds, and for some, even death.

As many pet owners know, fireworks and thunder storms can cause a great
deal of stress for some animals. Commonly seen signs include:
•
Shaking, trembling
•
Excessive drooling
•
Barking, howling
•
Trying to hide or get into / out of the house, fence, or other enclosure
•
Refusing to eat food
•
Some animals may lose bladder or bowel control or experience
temporary diarrhea from prolonged stress
•
For these animals, it is best to provide a safe place, such as a carrier, to
be in while the fireworks last. This alone may be enough of a comfort to
soothe some pets. If the carrier is not enough to calm the animal,
medication (in the form of a tranquilizer) may be warranted.
Tranquilizers are not for every pet. Some pet owners have found that
herbal remedies, such as Rescue Remedy* help calm their pets. Talk to
your vet about medical options that are suitable for your dog or cat. A
patient‐doctor relationship is needed before dispensing medications, so
if your pet hasn't seen the vet yet, an appointment will need to be made
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to examine the animal to ensure that there aren't any underlying heart
or other problems, and base any medications on current weight.
Practice Safety
•
Always keep dogs & cats indoors when fireworks are being let off. It is
advisable to close the curtains and turn on the TV or radio LOUD to
provide some distraction. Also remember to close any doggie doors. A
quiet place, such as a carrier, may provide your pet with a sense of
security and comfort.
•
Use a leash or carrier. If you must be outside with your pet, keep the
pet on a leash or in carrier at all times.
•
NEVER tie up your dog outdoors when fireworks are being let off.
Even if it’s just for a little while, they very likely will be frightened of the
noise and booms, and can injure themselves in trying to escape the
discomfort.
•
NEVER take your dog to a firework display. Even if your dog does not
bark or whimper, it doesn’t mean he’s happy. Behavior such as panting
and yawning can indicate that your dog is stressed.
•
Practice fire safety. Keep pet away from matches, open fires, and
fireworks ‐ especially ones that are lighted on the ground. Pets may try
to sniff (or eat) fireworks, and pet hair can easily catch fire if too close to
the fireworks.
•
Take pet for a walk first. If possible, make sure that you pet has time to
"use the restroom" before the fireworks start. Some pets are too
frightened to void once the fireworks begin, and this may lead to an
"accident" later on.
•
Make sure pet ID is current. Make sure that your pet has proper
identification tags, with current information, in case he / she gets away.
This will help the local authorities (who are quite busy this time of year
handling frightened runaways).
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What can I do if my pet is frightened of fireworks and thunder?
Some animals do fine and don't seem to notice the fireworks. Some do well
with just having their owner near, talking in a soothing voice and petting or
holding the pet. And then there are some pets that cannot be calmed by
petting or talking to them ‐ they are simply too upset. Animals that are
frightened / stressed can hurt themselves and possibly escape if left alone,
and the results can be fatal. Frightened animals running loose are in great
danger of being hit by a car.
• If your pet does panic and hide in a corner, leave him alone and do not
try to coax him out. He is just trying to make himself feel safer and
should not be disturbed.
• NEVER shout at your pet if he is frightened, as you will only make him
more stressed.
• Ignore your pet if he paces around or whines and do not reassure him
as he will think there is really something to worry about.
• Stay calm and act normally. Praise your pet when he is calm.
• If you must leave your pet alone while you are gone (remember –
INSIDE, CONFINED, WITH RADIO OR TV ON) and he is destructive while
you are gone, do not punish him as this shows he must have been
terrified. Try not to leave him alone again during this period.