Many pet owners struggle on New Year’s Eve, Fourth of July or during storms, as their usually loving animals start to shake, salivate, hide or escape in fear of loud noises. While these responses are more common in dogs than in cats, a cat may hide when frightened.
We’ve rounded up some techniques from the Humane Society of the United States, Veterinary Centers of America, American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty of Animals, Hawaii Island Humane Society, Maui Humane Society and the Hawaiian Humane Society that will hopefully help your furry friends handle these events.
1. Never allow your pets near fireworks
Keeping your pet out of harm’s way is crucial as they can get injured. Also, most dogs or curious cats may eat anything, including fireworks. Fireworks contain chemicals and heavy metals that can be very harmful to pets, so clean up any fireworks debris that is nearby your home.
2. Stay with your pets
It will help comfort your pets if they’re not alone. Reassure your dog or cat with a calm voice. Don’t overdo it, though. Excessive comforting might validate their fear. If you can’t be with your pets, have a friend or doggy daycare take care of your furry creatures.
3. Create a safe space indoors
It’s best to leave pets inside the home because they may escape from a yard — even if it is fenced in. A comforting and relaxing environment inside your home will help soothe your pet. Make sure the spot is easily accessible to them.
4. Distract your pet
Get your pet's favorite toy out or practice some tricks to give your furry friend something else to focus on. Reward your pet with lots of praise and treats for paying attention. This technique will work best if you start at the beginning of your pet’s anxiety.
5. Drown out noise
Close your windows and blinds to reduce noise levels and visual stimulation. Play soothing music, turn on the television to a pet-friendly show, tune into the radio or set up a fan nearby in order to muffle the sound.
6. Behavior modification
Techniques such as “counter conditioning” and “desensitization” might be helpful if introduced gradually before the noisy event. They condition your dog to respond in non-fearful ways to sounds that have previously frightened them. The most common technique is exposing your pup to a low level of noise and then pairing it with something pleasant. Read more here.
7. An anxiety vest
Some pet owners have found success by putting an anxiety vest — or a snugly fitting T-shirt — on their pet. This squeezes your pet, like being wrapped in a big hug, which might soothe their fears
8. Give your pet some exercise and fun before the fireworks start
Provide your pet with an enjoyable day to help them relax in the evening when fireworks are most likely to start. A good day might include a walk, playing with a toy and some tasty treats. This will also help tire your pet out before the fireworks go off.
9. Consult your veterinarian
If none of the above techniques do the trick, talk to your veterinarian. There might be medication or calming pheromones that could be helpful to reduce anxiety. Giving your pet the supplements before the fireworks start often works best.
10. Make sure your pet has proper identification
It’s common for pets to try to escape to a place they think the noise will be less intense. Your pet should be wearing a collar with an identification tag with a current phone number and should be microchipped.
If your pet does get lost, click on the island you reside on to report your lost pet: Hawaii Island, Maui, Oahu, or Kauai.