Booms and bangs of the Fourth of July and Thunderstorms

Did you know that pets are not like people? pets don’t associate the noise, flashes, and burning smell of pyrotechnics with celebration. Pets are terrified of fireworks, and often panic at the loud whizzes and bangs they produce. That all can lead to Pacing, trembling or shaking, excessive panting, cowering or hiding, refusing to eat, clinginess, lip licking and other abnormal behaviors.

These are some measures that we can take to create a safe and calm space for our pets away from all the loud noises.

1. – Close all windows and doors.
2. – Give your pet a treat or toy that lasts a long time to help you furry friend get distracted.
3. – Turn on calming music.
4. – Use pheromone products like Adaptil on his bed or blanket.
5. – Make sure your pet’s identification tag is up to date.
6. – Just like babies your companions love to be swaddled and comforted
7. – Be careful, debris can end up on the ground where pets can eat or play with it
8. – Desensitizing your pets to the sound of fireworks the week before the actual fireworks happen to minimize the risk of problems. You can play firework sounds at a low volume and increase the volume each day until it sounds like actual fireworks.

If your pets are microchipped, make sure your contact information in the microchip registry is up-to-date and always take a current photo of your pet.
The American Humane Association reports that July 5 is the busiest day of the year for animal shelters which are inundated with pets that panicked at the noise of firecrackers and fled into the night, winding up lost, injured or killed.

Since the Fourth of July is right around the corner, it’s a great time to get your pet microchipped, if your pets aren’t already microchipped. Call Good Shepherd pet Hospital today for more information or to schedule your appointment (813) 920-0303.