Fireworks and Animals

By Dennis Lubrano, “NO EXCUSES, NO KILL!”
Editor, Meet Gulati

June 23, 2017

Are Your Pets Ready for the Holiday Fireworks?

We all love a good display of holiday fireworks, lighting up the night sky. Nearly every part of the world has their own festivities, that call for a magnificent fireworks display. In the United States, it’s at least two times a year: Fourth of July and New Year’s Eve. Fireworks and animals usually don’t mix. If your pet freaks out when the fireworks start, your wisest reaction should be, not to freak out! Make sure your pets have their collar, ID tag, and a microchip to ensure their safety.

It’s important to understand that animals are more sensitive to lights, noise, and smells than humans. Fireworks for them, are an overload of all three on their nervous systems. Fireworks are an unpleasant surprise that comes without warning. Unlike thunderstorms, which signal their arrival through a change in atmospheric pressure. Inherently, it is just natural for pets to be anxious and afraid of fireworks. They may even attempt to run away.

Here’s a list of things you can do to calm your pet and stay cool as a cucumber, even with the fireworks celebrations.

Make sure they get plenty of exercise and water during the festive day.
Keep them inside. Make sure the windows and blinds are closed to buffer outside noise and flashing lights. You could also put on some music or TV to soundproof your home.
Ask your veterinarian about calming medications or you could look for natural products available off the counter.
You can also calm your pet with some Animal Reiki. Performed by a professional or a trained pet owner, it can help put them in a more meditative state.
You can turn a small nook or an open crate in your home, into a secure cocoon for your pet with their favorite toys. Put in an area blocked away from the lights and noise, where the pet feels safe. Animals in cages can be moved to a secure area, and larger animals such as horses just have to be placed in a clean stable.
Consider taking them away from home to a quieter location before the fireworks start. Possibly, even stay there for the night, when you know the noise, lights, and smell will remain on for hours.
You can even prepare them by playing fireworks noises a few days in advance. This way the noises won’t come as a surprise, your pet will already be used to the noise.
Do not punish or be overly comforting towards your pet’s behavior. Instead, try to keep them distracted.

We recommend you do more research and find your own ways to help your pet deal with fireworks.

But more importantly, it is your love and empathy that will help you and your fuzzball sail through the scary part of a fireworks festival. Before you know it, you’ll be that fortunate pet owner whose fuzzball faces the firecrackers like a boss!