Fireworks can be a thrilling spectacle for us, but for our pets, they can be a source of fear and anxiety. As we celebrate holidays and special occasions with fireworks, it's important to take steps to protect our furry friends from the loud, startling noises. Here are some tips to keep your pets calm and safe during fireworks displays.
1. Create a Safe Space
Designate a quiet, comfortable area in your home where your pet can retreat to during fireworks. This could be a cozy corner of a room, a crate with their favorite blanket, or a quiet basement. Ensure the space is away from windows and doors to minimize noise.
2. Use Calming Products
Consider using calming products such as pheromone sprays, diffusers, or calming collars that can help reduce anxiety in pets. Additionally, natural supplements and essential oils specifically designed for pets can provide a soothing effect. Always consult your vet before introducing any new products.
3. Provide Background Noise
Playing calming music or turning on the TV can help drown out the sound of fireworks. Choose something with a steady, soothing rhythm to help your pet feel more at ease.
4. Stay Close and Offer Comfort
Being with your pet during fireworks can provide a great deal of comfort. Speak to them in a calm, reassuring voice and offer plenty of affection. Your presence can help them feel safe and secure.
5. Keep Them Indoors
Make sure your pets are indoors well before the fireworks start. Close all windows and doors, and draw the curtains to reduce the noise and the flashing lights. If possible, stay home with your pets to monitor their behavior and provide comfort.
6. Exercise Earlier in the Day
Give your pets plenty of exercise earlier in the day to help tire them out. A tired pet is more likely to rest and stay calm during fireworks.
7. Consider a Thundershirt or Anxiety Wrap
Thundershirts or anxiety wraps apply gentle, constant pressure to your pet's body, which can have a calming effect. These can be especially helpful for pets that experience severe anxiety.
8. Consult Your Veterinarian
If your pet has extreme anxiety and none of the above methods seem to help, consult your veterinarian. They can recommend additional strategies or prescribe medication to help keep your pet calm during fireworks.
9. Distract with Toys and Treats
Provide your pet with their favorite toys and treats to distract them from the noise. Interactive toys or puzzle feeders can keep them engaged and divert their attention away from the fireworks.
10. Stay Calm Yourself
Pets can pick up on our emotions, so staying calm yourself can help your pet feel more secure. If you’re anxious, they’re likely to be anxious too.
The following are suggestions by someone who uses essential oils with her pets. Her ideas have worked well for her fur family.
1. It’s not too late to speak to your veterinarian to get anti-anxiety medication.
2. High quality essential oils are helpful to calm and give courage but do not try them for the first time on the 3rd or 4th. You need to know how the oils help. I also only use Young Living oils in my home. I can not give recommendations for other oils. Not all oils are created equal.
We diffuse oils a lot in our house. It isn’t anything new to them. If using oils for your animals is new, you want to pick one or two and start during relaxing times so they don’t associate the scent with fear. That’s why you need to use them before you need them:).
- Start low 2-3 drops in the diffuser. Sometimes just opening the bottle is helpful. My cats know what they like and tell me by snuggling up to me (when I'm wearing the oils) or sitting close to the diffuser. The dogs know what they like and tell me by nuzzling the bottle or turning their head away from it. They choose.
3. Keep your pets inside. 4th of July is the busiest weekend at shelters. Pets run off when scared.
4. Potty the kitties and puppies before it gets dark (if they are outside pets). Keep windows closed. Have the TV or a fan on for white noise. Have a place ready for them to go if scared. Cali the cat likes to sit behind the sofa in the living room and Charlie likes to sit behind a chair in the living room, so I have a comfy blanket for each of them to cuddle in. I often drop Peace & Calming oil on their blankets so the scent is familiar. (Works for thunderstorms too).
5. Stay home to support them if you can. Movies in the basement this weekend? :)
Oils we use to support our fur family are:
- Peace & Calming
- Lavender
- Frankincense
- Stress Away
- Animal Scents T-Away (For past trauma)
- Gentle Baby
- Valor for courage. (Good to use also before training sessions or before going to puppy class)
- KidPower. Love, love this one. It is already diluted for children so a quick massage with one or two drops on my dogs is easy. It smells awesome too. We use this for car rides.
I've diffused all of the Young Living oils around my kitty cats for about 5 years now with only good results... can't recommend any other brand - not all oils are created equal. Let’s make this 4th easy on our animals.
Click on this link to find the above oils:
If this is your first order from Young Living, use SHAREYL for a discount at check out.
By taking these steps, you can help ensure that your pets stay calm and safe during fireworks displays. Remember, each pet is different, so it may take some experimentation to find what works best for your furry friend. With a little preparation and care, you can make fireworks a less stressful experience for your pets.
If you have any tips or experiences you'd like to share about keeping pets calm during fireworks, feel free to leave a comment below!
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