Tips to keep your pets calm during Fourth of July fireworks

The Fourth of July is often synonymous with fireworks. For the furry friends in your family, however, the displays and other celebratory noises that dominate this summer holiday are likely to seem more frightening than fun. Here are some tips from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) to help your four-legged friends feel safe:

1. Create a soothing environment

Move your pet into an interior room with no windows or with the curtains drawn to help muffle the sounds of the fireworks. A dog crate can also be effective. Cover it with a blanket to give your furry friend an added sense of security. You can further drown out sounds by turning on the television. Additionally, use treats to help occupy your pet’s attention while fireworks go off.

2. Consider an anti-anxiety vest

The wraps use compression to offer pets a sense of reassurance. If you don’t have one, a snug-fitting T-shirt will do the trick. To curb anxiety even more, make sure your pet gets plenty of exercise earlier in the day to help expend extra energy.

3. Check into anti-anxiety medication

Consult with your veterinarian to see if anti-anxiety medication would work for your pet. The ASPCA recommends giving a practice dose ahead of any Independence Day celebrations to see how your furry friend responds.

4. Keep them home

Don’t bring your pets to the fireworks show. Dogs have a much more sensitive sense of hearing, so loud booms can seem even more frightening. Additionally, the flashing lights and burning smells which often accompany Fourth of July fireworks displays are likely to be overwhelming.

All Creatures Great & Small : 1225 Warren Avenue : Downers Grove, IL 60515 : 630.852.0910 : https://www.downersgrovevet.com/