It’s that time of year again when there are lots of celebrations and holidays. Sometimes these events have fireworks and that can cause anxiety for you and your pet. Here are some tips and tricks you can do at home to make this time less stressful for your furbaby.
- Make sure your pet is wearing a collar with up to date information and that their microchip ID info is up to date just in case they run away.
- Prepare your pet by desensitizing them to loud noises. You can play a loud scary sounds CD for example.
- Prepare your house by keeping lights on, closing the curtains and using familiar sounds like the TV or radio.
- Prepare a safe room for your pet. Use an inner room of the house with their own bedding, toys, food and water and a litter pan for a cat. Remove any sharp objects in case your pet starts jumping or running around.
- Prepare yourself by keeping calm. Pets can play off your own anxiety.
- Check on them after and let them out of their safe room. Keep them inside preferably overnight.
SIGNS OF STRESS:
CATS– running away, soiling in the house, hiding, refusing to eat
DOGS– barking, pacing, panting, running away, whimpering, shaking, refusing to eat
WAYS YOUR VET CAN HELP:
- Pheromone sprays: DAP, FELIWAY
- Thundercoat
- Over the counter drugs like Kalm Aid, Zylkene
- Prescribed medications like Clomicalm
Written by Dartmouth Veterinary Hospital
