The Trouble With Fireworks

Sage Canine Advice, by Sage Riverdog – July 1, 2012

The tradition of the 4^th of July brings forth memories of barbecues, families and outside activities.  However for your 4 legged friends it can be a terrifying time.

Some pet owners have been taught that you don’t comfort or sooth an animal that is in distress; that will enforce the behavior.  That has been found to not be true.

Sage, Uncle Sam and Pepper

Pet experts agree that anything you can do that calms and comforts your pet during times of high anxiety and stress should be done. Here are some suggestions:

1.      Hold, pet and comfort. My sister Pepper, who weighs nearly 80 pounds, prefers to be on a lap during a thunderstorm or fireworks, so our owners get down on the floor and let us sit on their lap until the loud noises pass.

2.      Our owners close drapes and blinds to minimize the loud noises. This keeps the thunder, lighting and fireworks as muffled as possible.

3.       It can get a bit crowded on those adult laps with a couple white cats trying to edge on our laps - that's annoying!

4.     In the middle of the night if Pepper is unduly stressed, she gets one of our owners' T-shirts put on her and knotted up on her back – to have the smell and imitation of being held.

5.     When the cats get really scared they hide under the beds. One cat actually climbs under the bedspread into the middle of the bedding.

6.      Let your pets find a place to hide that comforts them. Some will hide in a closet, some behind a sofa – let them find a place that feels safe to them.

7.     Giving your pets a treat to help them not think about the anxiety works for us as well – we love treats or playing tug or chasing a ball – anything to get our mind off the stressor.

8.      Some pets have a very hard time with stress, like Frank our “cousin." He gets anxiety medication to keep him calm.  Without it he’ll refuse to drink water and end up with a bladder infection.



Macy the cat in her comfort chair at dusk



Your pets can’t tell you verbally how they are feeling. You have to learn their behaviors and personalities to find the best way to celebrate the 4^th of July as a family.  

Happy 4^th to everyone!

About Sage – Sage is an 8-year-old black Labrador retriever who lives with River District Executive Director Edna Chirico and Edna’s husband, John Huber. Sage earned a Canine Good Citizen award, which allows her to visit nursing homes, hospitals and schools. Sage loves to run, fetch, swim, ride in boats, travel in the car and play with just about anyone, especially children.