With Fourth of July celebrations just around the corner, now is the time to prepare your pet for fireworks. This is the holiday where shelters are the busiest because of all the pets that panic and escape their homes.
There are a few steps you can take to help your pet stay safe and feel calmer at home.
Be sure that your pet is well-identified. This includes a microchip as well as a collar with identification. There is still time to visit your veterinarian to have a microchip implanted, and would help you find them if they get lost.
Bring outside pets indoors and keep them secure. You may want to set up a quiet room or comfortable crate for extra safety. Be sure to have plenty of water available because nervous pets tend to drink more.
There are synthetic pheromone sprays available that can have a calming effect, such as ‘Feliway’ for cats or ‘Adaptil’ for dogs. Some pets respond well to a ‘Thundershirt’, which is a kind of pressure wrap. There are calming herbal mixtures for pets, and also a product called ‘Rescue Remedy’ to reduce anxiety.
If you already know that your pet is fearful of noise, check with your veterinarian for prescription medication to help them through the holiday. Try it on your pet a few days in advance to be sure it has the desired effect, and remember to give it before the noise from fireworks begins.
By Dr. Gail Cutler
There are a few steps you can take to help your pet stay safe and feel calmer at home.
Be sure that your pet is well-identified. This includes a microchip as well as a collar with identification. There is still time to visit your veterinarian to have a microchip implanted, and would help you find them if they get lost.
Bring outside pets indoors and keep them secure. You may want to set up a quiet room or comfortable crate for extra safety. Be sure to have plenty of water available because nervous pets tend to drink more.
There are synthetic pheromone sprays available that can have a calming effect, such as ‘Feliway’ for cats or ‘Adaptil’ for dogs. Some pets respond well to a ‘Thundershirt’, which is a kind of pressure wrap. There are calming herbal mixtures for pets, and also a product called ‘Rescue Remedy’ to reduce anxiety.
If you already know that your pet is fearful of noise, check with your veterinarian for prescription medication to help them through the holiday. Try it on your pet a few days in advance to be sure it has the desired effect, and remember to give it before the noise from fireworks begins.
By Dr. Gail Cutler
