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Fireworks and pets don’t mix (in case you didn’t already know)

 


This time of the year sends shivers down canine spines. Not only do they have to suffer the wrath of Thor in the form of lightning bolts and booming thunder, they also have to endure the sometimes juvenile, dubiously patriotic displays of fireworks put on haphazardly by friends and neighbors. 

 

Now, I’m not dissing the 4th or calling anyone names, but bottle rockets in the street are just not fun for me, personally. Not when my pets stare at me in anguish over overblown sounds that justifiably alarm them. 

 

Community displays are another matter, I’ll allow. But what if you live near them? What’s a sound-phobic’s owner to do? 

 

Rest assured...there are some possibilities. Here’s the list I offer my own clients:

 

  1. Consider taking a night trip in the car to a remote getaway. I live near the Everglades and, except for the mosquitoes this time of year, it’s a gorgeous place to watch the stars. (Much more patrotic, I think, than all the booms, cracks and whistles.) 
  2. Board your pets for the night in an out-of-the-way facility. Sure, it’s not ideal...but it helps.

 

OK, so what if neither of these options work...especially considering the wicked neighborhood children who consider the 4th of July a week-long extravaganza of noise, fire and lights? 

 

  1. Sound-proof and white-noise your house starting well in advance of the festivities. TV’s, radios, heavy curtains, closed windows and lots of AC (if you can afford it) works wonders. Hanging out in the most cozy, shut-in room can handle the problem, too.  
  2. Follow some of my tips for thunderstorm phobia. You can find them here. (These include information on sedatives.) 
  3. Though I don’t like to sedate, I find that some pets really do require it. Without sedation, some pets can seriously hurt themselves or others. They don’t deserve to suffer. 

 

Just as for thunderstorm phobia, recognize that stepping in early to calm your pets is the way to go. If every year brings an increasing level of anxiety, you’ve got to take steps to reduce exposure. If not, every year will bring out new heightened versions of the worst in your pets. Talk to your veterinarian if it’s severe. If not for their comfort, then for your own sanity. 

 
 
Dr. Patty Khuly
2 comment(s)
1
by storm dogs on 07/03/2009 09:58am

Thank you for writing an aricle on this. My Grannie's dog, Rowdy, just about had a heart attack while the fireworks were going off last year. Poor lil' pup, :(


2
nightmare night by Dolittler on 07/04/2009 09:14pm

It's happening now. Not much fun. It hasn't stopped since 7. 10:15 now. How can you blame any pet for their fears given all the whistles and cracks? They're hiding in their crates. Next year I'll recommend they all be desensitized with Star Wars DVDs ahead of time.


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Patty Khuly VMD, MBA

is a small animal veterinarian in Miami, Florida where she practices medicine at Sunset Animal Clinic. She is a graduate of Wellesley College, the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine and The Wharton School of Business.



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