Every summer the sky fills with bright lights and loud booms. While most people enjoy fireworks, it is a different story for your pets. Some pets become only mildly stressed from the commotion, but others can become distraught over the disturbance. There are some steps you can take to ensure that your pets remain safe whenever fireworks are set off near your home.
First, you'll want to leave your pet at home. This will allow your animal to have a safe and reassuring environment in which to ride out the noise. It will also keep your dog from running from you, possibly getting lost or injured in traffic. It is a natural reaction for a dog to try to outrun any danger he or she perceives, so it is safer to have your dog confined at home.
If your animal is receptive, place him or her in a crate to provide for added security. If you must leave your animal unsecured in your yard, take care that there are no escape avenues. Dogs have been known to dig under fences or jump high barriers, even breaking through glass windows or doors.
You may also want to turn the television or radio on to drown out some of the outside noise. Do not turn these devices up too loudly, but leave them on at normal levels. These will be sounds that your animal is used to and can be reassuring.
As a last resort, consider staying at home with your pet to be available to reassure him or her. If your pet's reactions are particularly worrisome, discuss with your veterinarian the possibility of sedation medication. This should only be used on a temporary basis and you should be aware of the risks involved in using this type of treatment.
Apr 30, 2012
5384 Views
(1)
