Fireworks, Thunder & Anxiety – Calming Your Pet 

Fireworks and thunder are a common cause of noise phobia in pets. Understandably, loud and unexpected noises can be frightening to pets inducing stress and anxiety. In some pets it can take days to recover from a state of anxiety, and these events can cause anticipatory anxiety too. 

Signs of Anxiety in your Pet

Signs of anxiety can be subtle in pets but if you notice these changes in your pet around the time of a frightening or stressful event they are likely related.  

  • Isolation and hiding  
  • Decreased appetite 
  • Decreased play 
  • Tremoring  
  • Vocalization 
  • House soiling  
  • Contact seeking (they don’t want to leave your side!) 

If your pet exhibits signs of anxiety due to noise it’s important to keep them indoors, spend time with them in a quiet space and ease their anxiety.  

How to Ease Anxiety in Your Pet  

Create a safe space 

External sources of loud noises may be unpreventable in your pet’s environment. Therefore, it’s important to provide your pet with a quiet area in your home where they can feel safe and protected.  

  • A dark and warm crate or bed inside 
  • A dimly lit room inside 
  • Utilize comforting clothing – Thundershirts, earmuffs, calming caps 
  • This indoor space should include fresh water, food and toys  

Desensitization 

    This is a simple form of at-home training to help your pet and involves exposing your pet to the fearful noise at a low volume and providing a more positive experience! 

    • Find a quiet and calm space for you and your pet 
    • Use your phone to start playing the noise at a low volume  
    • Provide comfort and treats to your pet to encourage a positive response  
    • If your pet shows little to no response to the noise, gradually increase the volume  

    Anti-anxiety medications  

      Easing your pet’s anxiety can be helped by using a holistic approach which may include utilizing prescribed veterinary anti-anxiety medications.  

      Following consultation your Vetline team will be able to safely prescribe medications suitable for your pet to ease anxiety.  

      • Short term – some medications can be given before or at the time of the anxiety inducing event
      • Long term – some medications can be given for weeks or months at a time to calm your pet and reinforce positive training

       

      These are safe and simple steps you can take at home to calm your pet.  

      Noise induced anxiety can be difficult to address at home on your own, that’s why your Vetline team will always be available to provide additional steps and advice, including safe medications, to help you and your pet. 

      In severe cases a trusted veterinary behaviourist may be recommended to provide at-home training.