Fireworks Anxiety is a risk during the fireworks season. Here are some suggestions to help prevent anxiety and stress for your pet.

If he/she usually needs some calming TLC, or a possible prescription, please help us to serve you by calling well ahead of time for an appointment. If you just need to refill an anxiety medication, your veterinarian must have examined your pet within the last 6 months. For new prescription medications, an examination will be necessary.
 

• Adaptil pheromone collars & diffusers release an appeasing pheromone that is naturally calming for dogs. They can be very effective and are highly recommended.
• Many people find that their pet responds to the Bach flower essence called Rescue Remedy.
• “White” noise like a fan, radio or T.V. may help reduce the intensity of the fireworks when they occur.
• If your pet is food motivated and enjoys toys, try treat-dispensing toys like stuffed Kongs, puzzle balls etc. This serves as a form of distraction and helps redirect attention away from the anxiety. Peanut butter, baby food (meat without onion or garlic added for flavouring), cheese, or canned food may be frozen inside Kong toys to help make the distracting ability last longer.
• Thundershirts and Anxiety Wraps are a great way to help a pet with anxiety, and we can order these in for your pet

If these measures don’t help enough for your pet’s level of anxiety, please schedule an appointment as soon as possible to plan ahead. Both sedatives and herbals remedies are best used prior to the anticipated anxiety stimulus, and a period of “trial” is helpful for dosing adjustments. Some of the herbals used for anxiety require several days to really establish a calming effect, so starting before the holiday is best. When using any calming herbals or medications, please plan to stay home with your pet to supervise them and to ensure their safety.


Please don’t ever leave your dog unattended outside during fireworks season. Some dogs get so frightened they run away, increasing their chance for injury.  


And finally, if anxiety or fear with noises is an ongoing problem, please consider incorporating some training into the daily routine for the holiday fireworks and beyond. We can recommend trainers to help you with this.