Independent Savvy

If you are lucky enough to have a pet, you have experienced true loyalty and unconditional love. Our pets trust and rely on us to keep them safe, especially when we as humans are doing things that they don’t quite understand. Large parties, loud noises, and thumping music can cause them to become anxious and confused. One of my dogs tends to go off to a quiet room by himself to get away from the commotion!

Sometimes we forget that our pets can be a bit more sensitive to noise. Did you know that a dog’s hearing distance is 4 times that of a human’s? (read more about how a dog’s senses compare to ours).

It’s important that we consider these facts as we enter the summer and as fireworks become more frequent in our towns and neighborhoods. Below are a handful of tried and true tips to help your pet feel more comfortable as the sky is booming!

The most important thing you can do is to keep your pet indoors at all times. Be sure that windows and doors are secured; if you are like me and have pets who are escape artists, double check! If your windows are accessible to your pet, it’s advised to shut the windows so that the animal does not break the screen when they become especially anxious.

In the unlikely event that your pet runs away during a fireworks display, you’ll want to be sure that they have proper identification on them. In addition to a license from the town, it’s useful to have a separate tag with the pet’s name and your primary phone number. Most pet stores have kiosks that will have a tag made at an inexpensive cost. The effort to have a tag made is worth it for the peace of mind!

Provide your pets with toys and treats to keep them busy! Dogs love a good bone or toy filled with peanut butter and cats love to have a scratching post or toys filled with catnip. However, each animal is different. You will know what they like best!

Another helpful tip is to secure breakables and other items that may be disturbed by an anxious pet. Turning hutches and display cases around so that they are facing the wall may prevent damage to its contents. Removing trash cans from the reach of dogs may also be helpful. Trash cans could be placed in a separate room with the door closed or on top of a counter.

Make sure your pets have a place to hide! If hiding is what makes them feel safe, let them. Make sure their beds are accessible, provide blankets, and leave certain rooms open so that they can make themselves comfortable.

Be sure to give your pet some extra affection and love when you return home. If you are hosting the event at your home, be sure to check in on them every once in a while. Sometimes all they need is a good snuggle to feel peace again.