Hermosa Veterinary Clinic Animal Articles

Featured Article:
Fireworks Safety and Loud Noise Phobias
by Janet Tobiassen Crosby, DVM

As many pet owners know, fireworks and thunder storms can cause a great deal of stress for some animals. Commonly seen signs include:

Shaking, trembling
Excessive drooling
Barking, howling
Trying to hide or get into / out of the house, fence, or other enclosure
Refusing to eat food
Some animals may loose bladder or bowel control or experience temporary diarrhea from prolonged stress

Please 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. Many times pets will seek out a small den-like place (such as a crate), if they are fearful or stressed. If you do not already have a crate, bed or similar place that your pet can call his "own", it is recommended to create that safe place and familiarize your pet with it as a means of reducing stress during fireworks and thunderstorms.
Use a leash or carrier. If you must be outside with your pet, keep the pet on a leash or in 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 you 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 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. Some pet owners have found that herbal remedies, such as Rescue Remedy* help calm their pets. Talk to your vet about medical options that are suitable for your dog or cat. A patient-doctor relationship is needed before dispensing medications, so if your pet hasn't seen the vet yet, an appointment will need to be made to examine the animal to ensure that there aren't any underlying heart or other problems, and base any medications on current weight.