Fourth of July Firework Safety Tips for Your Pets

I recently had a client contact me for advice on ways to reduce their dog’s stressful experience that inevitably occurs around the July 4th holiday. The loud, jarring noises produced by fireworks cause their dog to exhibit undesirable behaviors related to anxiety. Such behaviors include pacing, vocalizing, drooling, inappropriate urination and defecation, and destroying environmental objects. This 4th of July, take preventative measures to reduce the likelihood your pet will experience a potentially hazardous incident related to firework stress. Completely restrict your pet’s access to the immediate or adjacent area where incendiary devices are being fired. Keep your pet indoors in a quiet, cool, isolated part of your home. Play music or put on your pet’s favorite television channel (perhaps Meerkat Manor marathon) to mask firework sounds. If needed, crate your pet to prevent them from running through windows, scratching at doors, or eating inappropriate materials as a manifestation of their anxiety. Exercise your pet in the hours leading up to the firework event. A tired pet will have a greater physiologic need to seek rest during your celebration. Promote a calmer state by giving your pet a dose of a stress relieving product, such as Rescue Remedy Pet, 1-2 hours before a potentially distressing event. I often administer this product to my patients in conjunction with acupuncture treatment to promote better acceptance the sensation initially caused by needle insertion. Ask your veterinarian to prescribe an appropriate sedative or anxiety relieving medication. Acepromazine is a commonly used animal sedative, yet it does not have anxiolytic (anxiety relieving) properties. Alprazolam (Xanax) is an anxiolytic and mild sedative. Both of these medications can exacerbate sedation caused by narcotic pain relievers (Tramadol, Butorphanol, other), antihistamines (Diphenhydramine, other), or calming herbal supplements. Only use these medications under the guidance of your veterinarian. Have a safe and healthy July of 4th holiday. Watch this incredible Live Leak video for extra motivation to keep your pet away far away from fireworks! Thank you for reading my article. To receive my next article via email, please press the “Don’t Miss a Blog Post” button on the right upper corner of this page. Copyright of this article is owned by Dr. Patrick Mahaney, Veterinarian and Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist. Republishing any portion of this article must first be authorized by Dr. Patrick Mahaney. Photo Credit stev.ie Requests for republishing must be approved by Dr. Patrick Mahaney and received in written format. Visit www.patrickmahaney.com for contact information.