Zoetis via AP
The loud sounds of the Fourth of July fireworks can cause your dog or cat to become stressed.
If you have a pet you can relate. Dr. Micheal Seely is Chief of Staff, with Vergi Animal Emergency Hospital, and he says both dogs and cats can feel an increase in the level of anxiety.
The level of stress varies: some have a mild case and others are much more significant. Seely suggests staying home if there is any concern at all. Taking the time to assess what your pet needs before Thursday is the best way to prepare your pet for all the noisy fireworks.
Dr. Seely recommends talking to your veterinarian to discuss the right medication or over-the-counter product.
“Trazadone is one medication that is a good option, there are a lot of possible options there, medication-wise, some work better for other animals than other medications,” he said. “The most important thing is making sure you plan, discuss options, and you can do a trial run, to see how they respond to the medication, instead of in the heat of the moment; you need to see if it is going to work.”
He adds not to just grab anything over the counter or use a medication that was prescribed for another dog.
“Always talk to your veterinarian first, to make sure it’s approved, and they are on the same page,” he said.
He says cats can also experience a level of stress like dogs. There are some over-the-counter synthetic hormone sprays such as Feliway for cats or Adaptil for dogs.
Dr. Seely recommends placing the air diffusers in the area where the pets reside to help keep them calm. Providing a smaller space can help your pet too.
“If your animal or dog is one that is used to being in a crate, a crate’s recommended, or what would be considered like a safe room of some sort,” he said. “A small room, where they can be enclosed and be comfortable like a closet, might provide more muffling from the noise to help them feel more comfortable as well.”
