For us humans, the 4th of July is an anticipated fun celebration. However, it will be different in some cases for your four-legged family! It can be stressful for them and can even cause anxiety.
Fireworks can induce stress and fear for your dog or cat. This guide will help keep your pets calm and safe during your 4th of July celebrations.
1. Take Your Dog for a Longer Walk in the Morning
A longer walk or play session before the 4th of July celebrations may help to reduce anxiety and help keep your dog calm during the fireworks.
2. Keep Pets Indoors
Pets left outside during a fireworks show can become really scared. Their fight and flight response will cause them to try to find a safe place to hide, leading to worst-case scenarios like running away and perhaps worse, getting lost.
According to PetAmberAlert, the 4th of July is when Animal Control Officers see a 30 to 60 percent increase in lost pets nationwide. To stop your pet from getting lost, keep them indoors and provide a quiet, comfortable place for them to stay away from the noise and commotion of the fireworks.
In case you’re still worried that they may wander, you can microchip your pets so you can track them. Ensure their chips are registered in a database with your current contact information.
3. Close the Blinds and Curtains in Your House
This suggestion helps to muffle the noise of fireworks from outdoors and dim the intense flashes of light that scare animals. Additionally, limit the movement from guests and other family members where you are stationed inside. Your pet will be especially disturbed by anyone that comes and goes or that moves quickly.
4. Create a Safe Area for Them
Create a safe place for your pet to hide. This could be the kennel with their favorite bed and blankets. It could also be a space in your closet with a comforting blanket or a cave bed for your cat. Please never shut or lock a pet in a closet or basement without an entrusted family member or friend. Pitching a tent indoors temporarily can provide a fun and safe space for you and your pet—like an indoor picnic!
5. Turn on Calming Music
Another great suggestion is to turn on calming music in a quiet, safe space to help your pet feel better. Peaceful music, white noise, or relaxing pet videos on YouTube, for example, will help distract your pet. It can also mask the sound of fireworks and help you both feel relaxed and comfortable.
6. CBD Oil May Help Your Pet
The discovery of the many uses of CBD is still rather new, but many veterinarians and pet experts do support its use to help reduce anxiety (as well as other ailments like pain from arthritis and cancer treatments.). CBD oils can help calm your pet during celebrations, especially those with fireworks like the 4th of July, but planning ahead will make it work best.
If you can, start planning at least 2 weeks before the stressful event. The American Kennel Club suggests you begin with a low CBD oil dose several days (up to 2 weeks is best) BEFORE the fireworks show or stressful event, this is called “micro-dosing,” then give them the total recommended dose for their size/weight 2-3 days prior to the stress. You will learn what works best with some practice. It’s not an instant remedy and all pets react differently. Ask a staff member at your local Wags to Wiskers Pet Supplies for additional ideas and helpful hints.
7. Massage Your Pet
Gently rubbing your pet can have the same therapeutic effects as it does for humans! Massaging your pet’s shoulders and other muscles may help reduce stress during the 4th of July celebrations. However, not all pets will enjoy this, so if their body language says stop, listen and don’t force it on them.
Conclusion
In conclusion, keeping you and your pets comfortable is key to helping everyone stay calm. Treats and essential oils can also be helpful to your pets during these stressful moments too. But, please do a little extra research before using a diffuser because some oils are harmful to animals.
If you’re looking for the best place to shop for pet supplies and supplements in Ann Arbor, Chelsea, and Ludington, MI, check out Wags to Wiskers. In addition to our pet products, we offer services to help improve your pet's hygiene and well-being like dental, eye and ear care, and first aid.