Health Guides

Fireworks: What You Need to Know to Prepare & Protect Your Animal Family Member

Fireworks are a popular way to celebrate during the summer months, especially in the local area. With bursts and blasts carrying on throughout the night, it can be difficult to escape the startling noises and flashes of light. Events like this can be distressing for our beloved animal family members, and the people who care for them. Signs of anxiety due to stressful events include: hiding, trembling, panting, vocalizing, destructive behavior, and attempting to escape – triggered by stressful events or noise. The Team at Pilina Vet wants to ensure that your family is prepared for potentially stressful events, such as fireworks displays. Below are some strategies which may help your family navigate fireworks season and other stressful events smoothly, and safely. 

Preparing for Fireworks

• Keep your pet indoors. This is the most important thing you can do to protect your pet from the noise and stress of fireworks. If you must go outside, keep your pet on a leash and close to you at all times.
• Create a safe space for your dog or cat. This could be a crate, a closet, or even a bathroom. Making the space quiet and dark can provide comfort. Supply your pet with some soft bedding and toys. 
• Play calming music or white noise. The sound of fireworks can be very loud and startling for pets. Playing calming music or white noise can help to mask loud sounds and make your pet feel more comfortable.
• Distract your pet with food or toys. If your pet is starting to get anxious, using food-filled toys can provide something for your dog or cat to focus on, taking their mind off of the fireworks and keeping them calm. 
• Avoid leaving your pet alone. If you must leave your pet home alone during fireworks, make sure they are in a safe place and that you have a way to check on them regularly.
• Find time for exercise during the day. Allowing your animal family member to exercise during the day can help them feel tired and less anxious while fireworks are going off.

Anxiety Management Medications

• Anxiety management medications are a tool that can be utilized to help our animal family members feel calm, safe, and comfortable during anxiety-inducing events, such as loud firework activity in the neighborhood.
• In general, anxiety management medications are most effective when administered prior to stressful events, and tend to be at peak effectiveness 2 hours after administration.
• There are several forms of anxiety management medications including capsules, liquids, and absorbent gel.

If anxiety management medications are something your animal family member already utilizes, or if you’re interested in learning more, contact the team at Pilina Vet. We’re glad to find a solution that can help your animal family members feel comfortable, safe, and relaxed for the 4th of July season. You can easily book an appointment online HERE, reach out to our team by phone at 808-509-2874, or by email at connect@pilina.vet.