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More pets go missing during the Fourth of July than any other day of the year, according to Dr. Carly Fox, a senior veterinarian at New York City’s Schwarzman Animal Medical Center. Yet this sobering fact may not surprise pet owners, as the holiday is often marked by fireworks displays that can terrify animals.
From a pet’s perspective, this fear is valid: Fireworks are completely unexpected explosions that are incredibly loud and often literally make floors and walls shake. Plus, our pets’ unique physiology makes firework shows even more disorienting: “Dogs can hear twice as many frequencies as people,” Fox explained, “so even fireworks from far away can be panic-inducing.”
As a result, it’s natural for pets to experience a “fight or flight” response to fireworks, Fox explained, which can induce your beloved dog or cat to bolt or hide. This reaction can also intensified by prior negative experiences with loud noises, which you may not even be aware of if you’ve adopted or rescued your pet.
We asked Fox to recommend preparation measures and calming pet products for owners to implement in advance of fireworks. She noted that the efficacy of any soothing tactic depends on your specific pet and their level of phobia, and that “there will likely be some trial and error as your figure out what works for your animal.” Read on for Fox’s input below, with an emphasis on keeping your pet comfortable and securing your home.
Note: Don’t hesitate to speak to your veterinarian for further advice and in case a prescription medication may be helpful for your pet.
