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Writer's pictureAudrey R Grabow

It's Not Always Rainbows; Helpful tips for Thunder and Firework Anxiety



Sitting on the porch and watching a storm roll past can be such a calming experience for many, but for a handful of our pets it can cause significant anxiety. With the 4th of July just around the corner it felt like a prudent time to discuss noise related anxiety in our pets. This can show up as a spectrum of behaviors, ranging from panting to destroying the couch and blinds. In fact studies show that independence day is the busiest day for animal shelters, due to all the scared pets that run away. This is a scary statistic and our goal is to help prevent these issues for the pets of North Dakota. As with most behavioral issues, there is not one specific treatment method that will fix these issues. These issues can be managed, but are very difficult to “cure”.


Anxiety can be a common problem with our house pets. How do I know if my pet is having problems? Signs of anxiety to watch for, panting, clinginess, hiding, drooling, pacing, bolting, house soiling, destructive behaviors, and an increase in water consumption to name a few. If you notice these signs it is recommended to visit with your veterinarian for a personalized treatment plan, but in the meantime here are a few options to consider.


We hate to think about them getting away from us, but first and foremost make sure their ID tags are up to date and worn around the 4th or any thunderstorms, since those can come off for a variety of reasons a microchip is also recommended, this can be administered at the shelter, some rescue organizations, or at veterinary clinics (most require appointments). Once a pet has a microchip, it is important to make sure the registration is updated with the most current contact information. Each microchip company has different and individual registration, so become familiar with the brand your pet has and keep them updated regularly.


Avoid leaving them home alone, make plans for your pet if you plan on joining in on that BBQ at the lake. Crate or kennel can be a great option, however; training and getting a pet used to the crate before a scary event is REQUIRED or it can make them more scared to use the crate in the future. Offering a safe haven for the pet to retreat to in times of stress or fear can help them cope with the stress of the loud noises. There are a variety of ways to help make an area a safe haven.


Synthetic pheromone sprays have been shown to help reduce stress, these mimic the pheromones that mom gave off while she was nursing. The 2 main products are Feliway for cats and Adaptil for dogs. These come in a variety of forms; sprays, wall plugins, wipes, etc. Most pet stores carry these products and they can be easily found online. 


There is a wide variety of herbal supplements or calming treats that can be helpful. Look for products that contain the following L-theonine, ashwaganda, chamomile, L-Tryptophan. Supplements can have a varying effectiveness for different individuals and in our pets with severe anxiety may not be sufficient as a sole treatment, but can be helpful in a multimodal approach.


Pressure wraps like the thundershirt, these work like swaddling a baby, or a weighted blanket for an adult causing deep pressure which can cause reduction in heart rate. 


Ear muffs, or cotton balls in the ear canal can muffle sounds, just place them lightly in the canal and don’t forget to remove them when the noises have subsided.


If at all possible trying to gain distance from fireworks, maybe have a dog friendly party out in the country.


Highly rewarding treats and toys to help change the association of fireworks to something the pet really likes, this will only work in pets with mild to moderate anxiety. If they have severe anxiety it can be very difficult to rewire the anxiety pathways in the brain. 


Music or white noise can muffle sounds of fireworks and thunder and create a distraction. Classical rhythmic music has been shown to calm pets. 


Lastly there are a variety of pharmaceutical medications that can be prescribed by your veterinarian. Some include light sedation sileo or gabapentin to help the pet calm down. Others help increase serotonin in the brain like, trazadone which can be used as spot treatment; however, response to treatment can vary in individuals. It is recommended to test this medication out before a stressful event so you can see how the medication affects your pet. If you feel your pet needs medication prescribed it is recommended to get an appointment as soon as possible!


**A note about benadryl: this is generally not recommended because it can occasionally have an excitatory effect on our dogs and cats. 


Unfortunately fireworks and thunderstorms can be unavoidable. There is no magic bullet treatment that will cure your pet of these anxieties, but with some mixing and matching these tools can help improve noise sensitivity in our pets. 


Disclaimer: This blog is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of veterinary medicine, including the giving of veterinary medical advice, and no veterinary/patient/client relationship is formed. The use of information on this blog or materials linked from this blog is at the user's own risk. The content of this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 


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