Fireworks and Dogs, Cats

Pets Afraid of Thunder, Fireworks and other Loud Noises

Thunderstorms, the 4th of July, New Years and other loud celebrations can be a scary time for dogs and cats. The loud booming noises that accompany fireworks cause much anxiety and fearfulness in pets.

An animal's sense of hearing is more acute than ours and so the noises are much more intense for them. Adding to that their lack of understanding as to what is going on and BANG! You have a scared little pet on your hands.

When a pet becomes afraid, they may display unwanted or dangerous behavior such as:

• Fleeing the yard or house
• Biting, hissing or showing other signs of aggression
• Chewing or destroying furniture and other property
• Shaking, howling, whining or loosing control of their bladder.
  

Tips for Reducing Pet's Fear of Fireworks

But celebrations like July 4th, New Years Eve and other holidays don't have to cause such anxiety for your pets. Here are some tips for helping your pet cope with fireworks, thunderstorms, and other loud noises:

• Don't take your pets to outdoor celebrations. The loud noises and colorful skies may be fun for you but they are not enjoyable for your pet. In fact, they can be quite dangerous. A scared dog, running through crowds and/or traffic in the dark is a recipe for disaster.
  
  
• Ideally, leave them at home with a human companion. If you must leave them alone, place them in a secure room or crate. Cover the crate with a blanket to help reduce the noise. Shut the curtains and drapes and turn on lights to lessen the flash of the fireworks.
  
  
• Leave on a TV or music to drown out the noise from the fireworks. (This works during thunderstorm season as well.)
  
  
• Make sure that they are wearing their identification tags and that the information is current.
  
  
• Exercise them before the festivities begin -- tire them out with a rigorous game of fetch or a long walk. Be sure to do this an hour or two before you leave them to give them time to calm down and enter a restful state.
  
  
• Consider a natural calming aid like Composure, PetCalm, Quiet Moments, SedaplusVET or Rescue Remedy.

Herbal Supplements for cats and dogs afraid of thunder, fireworks and other loud noises:

Composure Feline

Composure Canine

PetCalm

Quiet Moments tablets for dogs

Quiet Moments Spray for Cats

SedaplusVET

Rescue Remedy for Pets

For information about other behavior problems in pets, click here.

Composure by Vetri-Sciene

When pets can't adapt to stress, it can lead to anxiety, nervousness, hyperactivity, abnormal urine marking, excessive scratching, trembling and destructive or aggressive behavior. Composure by Vetri-Science is a calming support formula to help alleviate stress-related behavior problems without causing drowsiness or impaired motor skills.

Composure is available in three formulas - cats, small dogs, and medium/large size dogs.

To purchase or learn more about Composure Feline...

To purchase or learn more about Composure Canine...

PetCalm by PetAlive

PetCalm is a homeopathic remedy that can help pets with separation anxiety, nervousness and phobias. It is fast acting and easy to adminster -- sprinkle the granules in your pet's mouth where they quickly disolve and begin to soothe your pet's nerves. Great to have on hand for stressful situations such as thunder, fireworks, new additions to the family, and separation anxiety.

To purchase or learn more about PetCalm...

Quiet Moments by NaturVet

Recommended to help support the nervous system in reducing stress and tension caused by traveling, grooming, thunderstorms, 4th of July, and other loud noises.

Contains Chamomile, Passion Flower, L-Tryptophan, Ginger and Vitamin B-1. Click on the link below and read the Details section to learn how these natural ingredients reduce stress and induce relaxation.

Quiet Moments tablets are for dogs only.

To purchase or read more about Quiet Moments...

Quiet Moments Spray for Cats

NaturVet Quiet Moments Spray, a natural calming remedy for cats is recommended to help support the nervous system in reducing stress and tension. Helps with separation anxiety and thunderstorm fears.

To purchase or learn more about Quiet Moments Spray for Cats...

SedaplusVET from Thorne Research

SedaplusVET contains several botanicals to sooth the nervous system, including Valerian, Hops, Chamomile and Passion Flower. This product may also be used to help pets cope with stressful situations such as traveling, separation anxiety, and loud noises.

To purchase or read more about SedaplusVET...

Rescue Remedy for Pets by Bach Flower Essences

Rescue Remedy, made by Bach Flower Essence is a natural calming solution that has safely tamed the anxiety of pets and animals for many years. Veterinarians routinely use Research Remedy to calm dogs before examining them. It is also used in animals to decrease stress due to situations such as thunderstorms, traveling, and fireworks.

To purchase or read more about Rescue Remedy...