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Keep Anxious Pets Calm During Fireworks

Being a human suffering from anxiety, I can sympathize with an anxious pet.

Many pets get scared during fireworks, and it’s not something to be brushed off.

Unlike you or me, our anxious pets don’t understand what’s happening.

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Fireworks don’t seem to scare our big dog, Hilo, but he does get excited.

He just barks a lot, but The Grump shows actual signs of fear.

Some people have their vets prescribe tranquilizers, but if your pet doesn’t require something so extreme, there are other things you can do to help.

Tips to Keep Anxious Pets Calm During Fireworks

Keep Anxious Pets Calm During Fireworks

Stay Home – If possible, staying in to comfort your anxious pets is ideal. Last year we stayed home, but I thought it would be nice to sit on the deck to watch fireworks. I brought The Grump out there with us. That was a BIG mistake. He was horrified and instantly started shaking like a little leaf. It didn’t help that all the neighbors had their loud fireworks blowing up very close to us. I felt so horrible that we subjected our dogs to this. This year I will be inside with the pets on the 4th of July.

Of course, I love to stay in, so this is not a problem at all for me. If you are like most people and have plans on the 4th, here are some other suggestions.

Background Noise – I find that having the TV or radio on can help drown out the noise of fireworks or thunder. The huge BOOMS that shake the house still cause jumpiness, but it seems to help during the rest of the chaos.

Create a Safe Space – Crate trained dogs can sometimes find their crates to be a “safe spot”. They consider it to be their little space and find the confinement soothing. The Grump is no longer crate training, so he just likes to curl up under the blankets on my bed.

Essential Oils – Many essential oils have calming effects. Just as they benefit us, they can help anxious pets as well. Canine Calm natural aromatherapy mist by Earth Heart Inc. helps relax dogs using a soothing blend of essential oils. You can also use a diffuser to mist the air with calming oils. I like eucalyptus, peppermint, and/or lavender.

Thunder Shirt – I have never tried a Thunder Shirt, but it makes sense to me. Gentle pressure is shown to have a calming effect. It’s like wearing a hug! 😉

Remain Calm – Definitely do not freak out or let your dog see you in a frenzy during this time. If you act like nothing is wrong, they tend to pick up on that vibe. You are their leader, so lead by example.

Wear them Out – Do something extra fun and active with your pets during the day. Hopefully they will be too wiped out to freak out.

Do you have any anxious pets? What have you found to be most helpful?

ellen beck

Friday 23rd of June 2017

Excellent tips. I know Odin dislikes fireworks. I generally have found if you model behavior for the dog that you arent concerned- walking around the house, doing normal activities and trying NOT to jump yourself it helps. He is a follower though even for a large breed and he still. nervous. Also, make sure you keep your dogs and cats inside if you can, supposedly during fireworks season there is a huge spike in lost pets because they get so confused.

rebeccabasset

Wednesday 18th of March 2015

Oh my Basset was so scared this Year, She ended up Peeing in my Bedroom, She was too afraid to go Outside, and I tried making Her, because I knew She had to go, but I couldn't force Her Outside, so She ended up Peeing while She was walking in my Bedroom, I tried turning up the TV, but that didn't seem to help either, so next Year I will do better!

Thanks for the Post, and the Tips!

Jennifer

Wednesday 18th of March 2015

Poor baby! :( That's so hard. Plus, you can't get mad at them for peeing inside when they are horrified. Hopefully this year is better!

DEBRA GIFFORD

Saturday 14th of March 2015

I think Thunder Shirt sounds great. My dog, Cubby, a YorkiePoo I got at 8 months came to me with freat anxiety. He jumps at the least little noise. He's so lovable and adore him. He always runs and jumps on me when he is afraid. I suffer from anxiet and more also so I understand totally. It's a terrible feeling! Thank you for all of the great tips!

Jennifer

Saturday 14th of March 2015

Awe, he sounds adorable! And, yes, anxiety is a horrible feeling. Wouldn't wish it on anyone!

David Fultner

Wednesday 4th of February 2015

I thunder shirt works great.

Lily Kwan

Friday 11th of July 2014

I would like to win because this looks very useful!