Ask pet parents what strikes fear in their dog instantly and the answer is usually thunderstorms or fireworks. The sounds are terrifying to pets and during these times, they may hide or if outdoors, get spooked and run away from home. Simply strategies can bring much-needed relief to both pets and their parents.
I’ve had many pets over the years. While most of them were not scared of fireworks, I will not forget my sweet little Afton who would shake and hide the minute that they started. I always felt so badly for him.
There are things you can do to for keeping pets calm during fireworks, storms and more!
Other helpful articles:
- How to Save On Your Fireworks
- Planning for The Unexpected
- Why You Must Create Your Family’s Disaster Kit
KEEPING PETS CALM DURING FIREWORKS AND STORMS
Keep them inside
If your pet fears fireworks, stay inside. But, don’t make them say alone. Sit with them and watch out the window. Do not take them to large fireworks displays. If you set fireworks off at your house, make sure your pet is nowhere near you.
When it comes to thunderstorms, watch the forecast and sky. When the storm gets near, have your dog come back inside.
Use a kennel
Dogs who are regularly kenneled often know that the craft is their safe place. When they have fears, that small space can bring them much needed comfort. For many, the crate is their haven. Have them kennel when the fireworks begin so they know they are in a safe place.
During thunderstorms, relocate the kennel into the room where you will be (if possible). Between the safety of the crate and being near you, your pet will feel safer.
Finally, tossing a blanket over the tops and sides of the kennel can muffle any noises.
Keep the windows closed
When the storm gets close or when the fireworks begin, shut the windows, and doors. Do what you can to muffle the sounds so your pet cannot hear them.
Have him/her properly tagged
Always have your pet tagged. That way, if he or she does run off, they will have a better likelihood of being returned to you.
I had a schnauzer who hate both fireworks and thunderstorms. The minute that there was a loud crack, he would race down the hall to my room. He would place his paws on the edge of my bed, and I would feel his entire body trembling. I let him jump into my bed and he would climb under the covers and sleep by my feet – where he could not hear much and felt safer.
While these ideas often worked for my little guy, I know that is not the case for all pets. There are some which are so nervous during fireworks or storms that pet parents are often left wondering what more they can do. I always thought someone should invent something safe for dogs to eat to make them feel better.
I recently learned that there is such an item on the market!
The people at Heavenly Hounds understand pets and their parents. Their mission was to create a product made from natural ingredients which helped furry friends when they needed it the most.
There have been recent studies which indicate that nearly 30% of the 80 million dogs in the US suffer from some sort of fear or anxiety. Symptoms include panting, whining, drooling, trembling, scratching, hiding, chewing, panicking or relieving itself uncontrollably. Things that make us pet parents very sad.
After three years of research, Heavenly Hounds created something which will work. They sell a delicious peanut butter flavored square that your dog will LOVE! Their combination of natural ingredients (valerian root and passion flower) creates the perfect option for promoting relaxation and eliminating fear and anxiety in dogs.
Heavenly Hounds supports balanced behavior, promotes relaxation, reduces occasional hyperactivity and helps maintain contentment during separation (boarding), travel and tension caused by environmentally induced stresses such as storms, fireworks, holidays, etc.
These are few tried and true tricks for keeping pets calm – no matter the situation. Hopefully, some of them work for you!
