How to comfort pet scared by fireworks
Humane society offers tips to calm and distract them
The Mohawk Hudson Humane Society is offering tips to help pets and their owners cope with fireworks as people continue to shoot the pyrotechnics off at night more often than in years past.
The loud bangs and whizzes can make dogs and cats vocalize, shake or shiver. Some may hide, while others will not leave a person’s side.
Nancy Haynes, director of behavior and enrichment at Mohawk Hudson Humane Society, offered these tips Monday:
■ Establish a safe haven for pets. This is a place where pets like to relax and choose to go to on their own — not just when they are afraid. For dogs, it might be an open crate with their favorite toys; for cats, it could be a place under the bed or in a closet with their favorite blanket. Pets may also find comfort in this particular place during other stressful events, such as thunderstorms, visits from strangers and more.
■ Mask the noise of fireworks with white noise like a loud air conditioning unit, or with turned-up classical music, radio or television.
■ Give dogs an enjoyable distraction during the noise. If they are not too stressed to eat, feeding toys can work well. One example is a Kong toy with peanut butter inside that a dog can chew and lick. (Freezing the Kong makes the activity last longer.)
Something called a ”snuffle mat” can be filled with dry kibble and encourages a natural foraging instinct. These can be made at home, with instructions available online. More trainers are also now encouraging use of snuffle mats for routine feeding, as it can slow down dogs that eat too quickly.
■ Another potentially helpful product is the Thundershirt, the official trademark name of a vest for cats and dogs that fits snugly and feels like a hug. This calming tool can also be helpful for trips to the vet, nail trims and other stressful situations.
■ Aromatherapy can help. First let the pet sniff the oil to see if it is appealing to them. If so, place a little on the pet’s bedding, or rub on hands and gently massage the pet. be sure tou sea pure oil that is safe for pets.
■ Treats infused with CBD oil can be calming. But always ensure they are from a reputable source and consult your veterinarian about their use.
■ Tired pets are calmer. If you know ahead of time about a nearby fireworks show that will happen, try to get some extra exercise in during the day, so that the pet will be tired and more likely to sleep when the activity starts. Mental workouts, such as indoor play with toys and puzzles, are just as effective as walking or playing outside.
■ Keep pets indoors during fireworks and make sure they are always wearing identification, as fearful pets may try to pull away if you are outside and run. More pets go missing over Fourth of July holiday than any other time of year.