Firework anxiety in pets

How can you help an animal with fireworks anxiety?

Fortunately, there are several ways to address or better yet, prevent fireworks anxiety. Below we share some tips with you:

• Keep dogs and cats indoors.
  
  
• Create a safe place for the dog or cat and let the animal get used to it beforehand so it feels comfortable.
  
  
• Make sure windows, doors, and the cat flap are closed and close the curtains to block flashes.
  
  
• Play music to muffle fireworks sounds. Avoid the radio, as it may also play fireworks sounds around New Year's.
  
  
• Take a long walk with the dog early in the morning in a place where no fireworks are set off. Let the dog out during the day to relieve itself, but do not go outside in the evening.
  
  
• Always keep the dog on a leash during walks. This prevents the dog from running away or eating fireworks from the ground.
  
  
• Provide enough distraction for the dog or cat, for example by playing and offering food puzzles/brain games or a chew snack . Earlier we wrote a blog about what brain games exactly involve. Check out our blog with tips for brain games for pets.
  
  
• Support the animal and let it sit with you if the dog or cat wants to. Do not give the animal excessive attention, such as petting it a lot, as this can reinforce anxious behavior. It is important to stay calm yourself and reassure the dog or cat.
  
  
• Some animals benefit from certain aids for fireworks anxiety. One example is calming diffusers. These plug into the socket and release pheromones, which can have a calming effect on a pet. A thundershirt can also provide relief for fireworks anxiety. A thundershirt for a dog or cat is comparable to swaddling babies: the pressure on the body often calms the animal. Finally, there are various dietary supplements available that can have a calming effect or a positive impact on a pet's mood.
  
  
• Nowadays, there are more and more fireworks-free holiday parks. At these parks, setting off fireworks is prohibited around New Year's. If you live in an area where a lot of fireworks are set off, a fireworks-free holiday park can definitely be a solution for anxious pets. Keep in mind to book a trip to such a holiday park in time; many of these parks fill up quite quickly.

Behavior therapy for pets with fireworks anxiety

If the dog or cat has already developed severe fireworks anxiety, the above tips may not be enough. In that case, it is advisable to start behavior therapy. It is important to begin this in time. Most training methods need time to achieve the desired result. One common form of behavior therapy is sound desensitization. The goal of this method is to make the dog or cat insensitive to specific sounds. Often, a fireworks CD is used in this type of therapy. When this CD is played, the idea is that the dog or cat associates a positive experience with the sounds on the CD, for example through play and/or a food reward. You can start at a low volume and gradually increase it with each training session. If fireworks anxiety is an extreme problem for your dog or cat, have a behavior specialist come to your home or contact your veterinarian.

What you especially should NOT do with animals with fireworks anxiety

Preferably do not leave a dog or cat with fireworks anxiety alone at home when fireworks are being set off. If the animal is scared by the fireworks, do not punish it. The chance that your four-legged friend becomes even more afraid will only increase. Forcing something can also make the anxiety worse.

Medication for fireworks anxiety in pets

If the above tips and training methods are not enough and your dog or cat still experiences extreme stress due to fireworks anxiety, there are also various medications available for dogs and cats. This medication can certainly help during New Year's Eve. However, always give medication in consultation with the veterinarian, because not every type of medication is suitable for your pet and each animal reacts differently to medication. Keep in mind that medication is a short-term solution and does not address the original problem (the fear of fireworks).

We wish all owners and pets a happy and safe New Year's Eve!

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