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JULY NEWSLETTER
HELP REDUCE THE STRESS OF FIREWORKS
We are all excited for summer to start; warmer weather, longer days, and celebrating with family and friends. The Fourth of July, however, according to multiple American pet advocacy groups is also the busiest day of the year for shelters dealing with escaped animals, including those that have been injured. We want everyone to have a fun and safe holiday, and that means preparing now to make sure your furry family members aren’t stressed.
Pets can’t tell us they are scared, so what are some ways to recognize anxiety? Some of the most common signs include pacing, trembling, panting, drooling, hiding, attention seeking (vocalizing, pawing, climbing on people, nuzzling), and bolting. In times of severe stress a dog may go so far as to damage windows and break screen doors trying to escape.
To limit your pets’ ability to escape the best thing you can do is keep them inside. Even if you have a fenced yard, your pet should be leash walked during fireworks if they have to go outside. Now is also the time to make sure their ID tags and microchip information is up to date in case they do still manage to get out and run away.
There are many options available over the counter for ways to reduce your pet’s anxiety. Feliway and Adaptil are pheromone products for cats and dogs, respectively. The pheromones are happy and calming signals to your pet to reduce their stress levels. Thunder Shirts and Anxiety Wraps are items that your pet can wear. They are designed to be tight to the body for the pressure to calm your pet. Think of it like a weighted blanket for your cat or dog. There are also ear muffs available for dogs, but keep in mind you will need to work with your dog to help them get used to wearing them.
If you find that these options are not providing enough help for your pet, there are prescription options available for both cats and dogs. Please call us to discuss options for your pets. There are options that can take a few days to take effect, so it is best to call early to make sure your pet is prepared for the holiday. Many of the options can also be used if you pet has anxiety with other noises, such as thunderstorms.
Have a wonderful and safe Fourth of July!
