For humans, fireworks represent the sights and sounds of summer. They’re loud, bright, beautiful, and the perfect way to celebrate a holiday. Unfortunately, your pets may not feel the same way. For many animals, fireworks are scary and can create anxiety. The veterinarians at Greatwood Veterinary Hospital, a full-service pet clinic in Richmond, TX, are here to explain why pets and fireworks don’t mix.

Why Does Your Dog Fear Fireworks?

Loud sounds are startling for everyone, and while humans are used to—and will even welcome—the explosion, this sound can overwhelm pets, who often don’t know what’s happening.  Remember, animals have an acute sense of hearing, which can intensify the experience. The same fight or flight response you feel when something scares you affects your animals too.

Even if your dog does not respond aversely to thunderstorms, they may still have issues with fireworks. Fireworks are different from a thunderstorm, as animals will notice the drop in barometric pressure and high winds. Fireworks create brief loud pops of sound, which can create feelings of anxiety and increase stress hormones. Many animals will try to escape the sound—which could mean your beloved family member may run away and possibly get lost. 

What Can I Do to Protect My Pet?

If your furry friend just can’t deal with the shocking sounds of the summer holidays, it’s important to create an environment where they feel safe and secure. Offer up a chew toy, close the windows in your house and turn on some music to mute the loud sounds. Tightly-fitting dog garments are also sometimes recommended by veterinarians, as the pressure simulates a calming feeling of being held or comforted. Never let your dog outside without a leash while fireworks are going on.

For more ways to protect your furry friends and keep them safe during the summer months, talk to the veterinarians at Richmond’s premier pet clinic, Greatwood Veterinary Hospital. For more information, call (281) 432-7770, or visit the website for a full list of services available at this Texas pet hospital.