Picture this: you’re happily gnawing on your bone. Working on that frozen peanut butter-and-pumpkin Kong Dad made you. Snoozing on the couch (even though Mom told you not to get up there). Basically, just living your best life. Then…
BANG!
CRASH!!
BOOM!!!
The ground is shaking, and stars are falling from the sky. You don’t know whether to skedaddle out of there and hide or to stay and bravely protect your humans. But your people seem fine; they’re even happy and excited. So, you go with your first instinct because this is scary and loud: RUN!
To us, it’s a celebration. It’s the Fourth of July! To our pets, it’s like the apocalypse… if they knew what an apocalypse was. They don’t, so it’s probably even more terrifying. We want our pets to have the BEST summer, so how can we help them stay comfortable during fireworks season?
Fireworks aren’t always fun
When should you start thinking about preparing your pets for fireworks? Well… the answer is not ten minutes before they’re about to launch. Start planning as soon as possible.
Create a safe space
Make a safe haven for your pet; choose a quiet spot in your home, and encourage them to treat it as their “den.” This is their space, stocked with their favorite toys and, ideally, curtained or shaded to keep them from seeing flashes outside.
When the ground starts shaking, and the stars start falling from the sky, they will feel more comfortable and safe here. (By the way, this also works for other not-so-fun times, like thunderstorms and noisy gatherings.)
Licenses & IDs are critical
When animals are scared or anxious, they tend to bolt. That fight or flight instinct is no joke, folks – in fact, more pets go missing in early July, around the Fourth of July, than any other time of year. Licensing your pet, and making sure they wear their ID on their collar, is the most important way to protect them and give them the best odds of making it home quickly and safely should they opt to flight rather than fight. Better yet, be sure that ID is a DocuPet tag! Every one of our tags comes equipped with our free HomeSafe™ lost pet service and is etched with a unique 8-digit code that links to your pet’s online profile, which houses important info like care instructions, contacts and medical information. If your pet does run off, rest assured that our passionate dispatch staff is available 24/7 to help them get back home quickly.
Bring your pet inside
You would be surprised at the number of people who take Fido to the fireworks show. Some pets may not be phased by the booming noises and flashing lights, but if your pet is anti-fireworks or you aren’t sure how they will react, keep them inside. Encourage them to go to their safe space and keep them company. The Busy Buddy Bone is a great option to help get your pet’s mind off what’s happening outside and instead on the task at hand – gnawing on this bone like it’s no one’s business!
Consider walking your dog earlier to avoid prime firework time, and turn on the TV, some music, a white noise device, etc., to help mask some of the sounds. A pheromone diffuser may also be useful in calming your furry friend.
Calm & comfort
The best way to put your pet at ease is to stay calm yourself. Do not react to fireworks. Nothing to see here! Start to play with a toy, and see if they will join in. If not, leave it!
If your pet does start showing signs of fear or anxiety, such as excessive panting, shaking, or cowering, try comforting them. We know, we know. Some pet owners worry that soothing them in these moments might reinforce that there is something indeed to be scared of. Just like with a child who has had a nightmare or is terrified of the dark, sometimes our four-legged kids benefit from our calm reassurance. Some pets might prefer to be left alone, and that’s okay, too. Not sure what approach is best for your pet? Speak to a trainer for expert advice tailored to your pet’s unique needs.
Try a weighted or calming coat or wrap
Solutions like the Thundershirt work like weighted blankets that humans use. They apply gentle pressure that helps soothe over-excitement, agitation, and fear. It’s like a big, warm hug in the form of a shirt!
Book a 5-paw resort stay
No, not for you. For your pet! If you want to partake in the festivities and/or you live in an area that is rocked by fireworks displays yearly, it may be a good idea to book your pet into a caring kennel for the day or weekend. Leaving your pup or kitty home alone during this time can result in anxiety or problematic behaviors. Do you want curtains and furniture when you get back from a holiday celebration?
And no: a crate does not count. While this does contain them, it may not help alleviate stress. If you’re not home, maybe they shouldn’t be either. But of course, the first step here is to actually observe and understand how your pet reacts under such circumstances before making such plans. You and your 8-year-old Aussie just moved from the quiet, firework-free countryside to the city with the area’s largest firework display? Make sure you’re together with your pet when they’re about to experience such a spectacle. Maybe they’re completely unbothered? Or maybe they’re traumatized – no one understands your pet better than you do, and observing their reaction will allow you to make the best call for your pet’s well-being.
Talk to your vet
Tried all this? Sometimes pets simply cannot be calmed. Talk to the ultimate expert, your vet. They may recommend strategies you haven’t considered, and in some cases, medication may be necessary to help your pal through the tough times.
Don’t forget about the feline friends
Many conversations around pets and fireworks focus on dogs. And for good reason: up to 52% have a fear of fireworks (and most of them develop this phobia in their first year). But cats can, and some do suffer from a fear of loud noises, unusual vibrations, and startling flashes of light. So, read the tips above with your kitty-kat in mind as well. They may need some extra attention, love, and treats to cope with the holiday extravaganzas, too.
Face the fireworks
Summer is a fantastic time of year to bond with your pet, play, train, and enjoy each other’s company. It can also be a busy, stress-filled season for some pets. Making a plan based on your bud’s personality, likes, dislikes, and triggers helps ensure everyone – people and pets! – has a great season.
