Fireworks and Your Pet: Preventing Cat and Dog Stress

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The Fourth of July can be anything but a celebration for your family's pets. While you're enjoying barbecue and apple pie, watching the parade and “oohing and ahhing” over fireworks displays, your dog or cat might just be having the most stressful night of his or her life.

Loud noises — such as explosions from fireworks, loud horns and storms – can cause severe stress in your pet, leading your normally calm four-legged friend to act frenzied, upset or even destructive.

In fact, you should also think twice about simply locking pets in the house while you head out for holiday fun — the sound of loud explosions may create even more fear and stress for a confined animal left alone, causing cat or dog stress symptoms such as:

  • Shaking, trembling
  • Excessive barking, howling
  • Trying to hide or get into or out of an enclosure
  • Refusing to eat
  • Scratching, chewing or other destructive behaviors
  • Loss of bladder or bowel control

Prevent Pet Stress: Cat and Dog Behavior Solutions

Keep loud celebrations or events from ruining the evening for your cat or dog. With fireworks, storms and other noises and distractions, your pet could easily become disoriented, lost, scared or anxious. Instead, follow these simple prevention tips:

  • Never ignite fireworks around your animal.
  • Keep pets indoors on the Fourth of July, and make certain the animal is in a confined and secure area such as a pet carrier or small room.
  • Turn on a TV or radio to drown out outdoor noise and keep the shades closed so the animal can't see what's going on outside.
  • Use a leash or animal carrier if you need to transport your pet.
  • Take your dog out to do his business before fireworks begin.
  • If your cat or dog exhibits the stress symptoms outline above, don’t reinforce behavior by offering sympathy. Instead, divert its attention by playing a game or stroking your pet.
  • Make sure your animal's ID is current. July 5 is one of the busiest days of the year at animal shelters. Dogs can end up miles from home, confused, disorientated and exhausted. Proper tagging will help expedite your reunion.

For additional help, try pheromone therapy. Comfort Zone® with D.A.P.® for dogs and Comfort Zone® with Feliway® for cats can be helpful aids in relieving dog stress — naturally. Available in easy outlet diffusers, you can plug in your Comfort Zone® product one to two weeks in advance of the Fourth of July or thunderstorm season, giving your pet time to become more comfortable and secure and reducing his or her urge to act out destructively through chewing, excessive barking or house soiling. Learn more about Comfort Zone® products>>