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Fireworks Safety and Loud Noise Phobias
As many pet owners know, fireworks and thunder
storms can cause a great deal of stress for some animals. Commonly
seen signs include:
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Shaking, trembling
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Excessive drooling
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Barking, howling
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Trying to hide or get into / out of the house,
fence, or other enclosure
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Refusing to eat food
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Some animals may loose bladder or bowel control
or experience temporary diarrhoea from prolonged stress
Note: The signs mentioned above are general signs
and could be indicative of many different diseases or conditions.
Please consult with your veterinarian if these signs persist after
fireworks or thunder has subsided, or if you suspect that your pet
may have been poisoned or is otherwise ill.
Practice Safety
Keep pets indoors. It is advisable to close the
curtains and turn on the TV or radio to provide some distraction. 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 a carrier at all times.
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 your 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
s/he gets away. This will help the local authorities (who are quite
busy at this time of year handling frightened runaways).
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.
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! Talk to your
vet about medical options that are suitable for your dog or cat. A
patient-doctor relationship is needed before dispensing medications
to examine the animal and ensure that there aren't any underlying
heart or other problems. Also, medications are based on current
weight.
If you're not fond of drugs for your pets, there are
some herbal concoctions that have a calming effect. Rescue Remedy,
available at health food stores, is recommended for both physical
and emotional shock. It is a mixture of several Bach Flower
Remedies: impatiens, star of Bethlehem, cherry plum, rock rose, and
clematis. Many veterinarians routinely prescribe it.
To help your pet become accustomed to thunder and
other loud noises, you can try some behaviour modification. This
technique involves playing a recording of thunder at very low
levels. Use the time to reassure your pet that everything is fine.
Gradually increase the volume slowly over time, as your pet is able
to handle the sounds without getting stressed. This technique does
require time and patience for it to be effective. Start slow and do
short sessions only at first. Praising the pet for remaining calm is
important. Be careful not to overdo praising as you want the pet to
feel that this is "situation normal" as much as possible. |
