MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – The American Kennel Club says that 4th of July weekend is the most common weekend for pets to go missing. While it can be fun to enjoy the firework shows, the loud noises can cause a lot of anxiety for some animals. When it comes to summer holidays, sometimes our pets aren’t the biggest fans.
Marquette Dog Trainer, and owner of Tacomo Dog Training, Kim Benson-Custard says it’s best to prepare before the fireworks start to make sure you have everything you need for an anxious animal.
“If it’s in the moment, the most important thing you can do is keep them safe and secure.” Benson-Custard says, “Not off leash, not even just in the yard unattended because you don’t know if they’re going to panic enough to try to get out.”
Medications are available for overly anxious pets, but there are plenty of alternatives to keep them calm during loud noises. Marquette Veterinarian, Dr. Edward Brauer says making some space for your pet to relax can help ease their nerves.
“It might be a matter of putting them in a safe spot in the house.” Dr Brauer says, “So a bedroom a basement area, laundry room, where ever the dog is comfortable being, having some of their own blankets and toys.”
It can also help to play different frequencies of white noise to tune out the sound. Benson-Custard says brown noise, a different frequency of static, can help muffle the noise. She also said there is a way to get your pets used to the noise and help summer celebrations go a little smoother.
“If you know that your dog has an aversion to this you can work on desensitizing them to it and creating a positive association” Benson-Custard says. Playing videos or sounds of fireworks while feeding your pets can help to create a positive link to the noise to ease anxiety. “Have it on low volume, the next day you turn it up a bit loader. But you always do it in association with something that they love so that they start to associate those two things there by making them feel less anxious about those sounds.”
If you’re spending time outside with your pets, it’s important to remember to leash and supervise them, especially when lighting off fireworks. But if you know your animals tend to be scared by loud noises, it’s always safest to keep them indoors.
