Steckelberg Vet Clinic Blog
5 Ways to Prevent Doom & Gloom from Summer Booms
Does your dog or cat run and hide when there’s a thunderstorm? What about the Fourth of July? Between unpredictable weather and fireworks, your pet may be dreading summer.
While your pet hides, shakes, and drools, there’s a good chance you’re also unable to relax from worrying about them. We’re here to assure you that it doesn’t have to be that way.
How Can I Reduce My Pet’s Noise Anxiety?
Imagine you’re a dog or cat. Yes, this sounds silly, but try it. Take a moment and lie beside your canine companion or feline friend on the floor. The world looks a little different from this angle, right?
Now, imagine you’re relaxing, thinking about treats and toys, when all of a sudden you feel the floor, walls, and furniture shake. There’s a change of pressure in your ears, and maybe you even notice a flash of light reflecting off the window. Pretty scary, right?
If Independence Day is more like co-dependence day as you worry and fret over your pet, these techniques can help them find their happy place this July Fourth.
1. Make an Appointment to See Us
If your dog or cat suffers from anxiety caused by loud noises, we can help find a medication to help them feel better. Having a prescription on-hand ready before a summer storm or fireworks can make a world of difference for a fearful pet.
Don’t wait too long to make your appointment since we tend to book up quickly right before July Fourth. A bit of extra time can also help us assess how well a medication works for your pet.
2. Provide Your Pet with a Calm Respite from the Noise
If your dog or cat runs for cover, give them the perfect place to run to. Their instinct to hide can be used as a way to provide your pet a routine and stability when they feel like the world is exploding just outside the front door.
Choose a spot your pet can access on their own. A few days before the Fourth of July, make this space comfy-cozy and relax in there with your pet. This will help familiarize them with their safe spot. Play calming music to help drown out the blast and booms, turn the lights off or down, and create a nest of blankets, toys, and some treats.
3. Calming Aids to the Rescue!
There are a lot of options when it comes to calming supplements and products. Some that work well for a lot of cats and dogs include
- Anti-anxiety jackets (they help about 80% of dogs)
- Feliway for cats and Adaptil for dogs
- Vetoquinol Zylkene for cats and dogs
4. Help Your Pet Release Pent-Up Energy
If you check the forecast and storms are predicted or if you’re prepping for July Fourth festivities, take time to provide your pet with a healthy outlet for their energy. For example, playing with your cat for two twenty-minute sessions or walking your dog on a new trail. Exercise and stimulation can release positive endorphins in your pet’s brain and help them better cope when it’s less calm later on.
5. Stay Home This Year
Staying home instead of going out can help your pet feel better, and it may be a good idea to avoid crowds this year anyway. Close the curtains and have your own Fourth of July celebration with just your immediate family. Make a nice dinner and dessert and watch a movie or play board games. Your pet will appreciate your company, and you can monitor how well they’re doing.
Don’t Let the Blasts Make Summer a Disaster for Your Pet
Noise fear and anxiety aren’t fun for pets or their people. You’re not alone when it comes to your pet. We’re here to help make this year the best Fourth of July for you and your pet.
If you’ve been wondering about supplements, prescription medications, or techniques to help your pet gain relief from noise anxiety, make an appointment to see us soon.
Image credit: Pexels
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