Avoid A Fearful Summer for Your Pets

Here in Florida, we all expect summer afternoon thunderstorms. On the Fourth of July and on Labor Day, as always, Americans enjoy the sights and sounds of fireworks. While we take the storms for granted and love the pyrotechnics, we need to remember our summer weather and nighttime sky show spectaculars are no holidays for many of our pets. While we humans are “oohing” and “aahing,” too often our pets are frightened out of their wits. They'll spend these times under the bed (or in a closet) cowering, shaking, drooling and seeking safety and comfort. Some dogs wouldn't flinch if a keg of gunpowder exploded next to them. Shop vacs, lawn mowers, grass trimmers, motorcycles, thunderstorms and fireworks elicit but a yawn. On the other hand, other dogs treat loud sounds as if the grim reaper were calling. When it comes to loud sounds, these dogs are scaredy-cats. Loud noises can startle and distress many pets, with their supersensitive hearing. Scared pets have been known to jump out of apartment windows, leap over or dig under fences, or chew their skin until it's raw. They may also bolt out an open door to become lost but never found. Comforting scared pets seems the right thing to do, but it's not. Don't reward the fear. If you remain calm and don't baby them, they'll be closer to learning how to handle loud noises. The best defense against fear-of-loud-noise problems is a good offense. Professional trainers and behaviorists start socializing dogs and making every potentially negative experience -- such as fireworks and thunderstorms -- into something rewarding. If a negative experience comes with tasty treats, then your pet is going to at least tolerate it, if not welcome it. This works best when started as a puppy, but don't give up hope if your dog is already an adult. New behaviors can be learned. One way to help your pet is to expose him or her to commercial recordings of thunderstorms or fireworks and play them at increasing volume. Play the recordings at low volume -- recognizing how acute your pet's hearing is -- and give praise and treats. It's a party! As the volume and duration are increased during subsequent sessions, give them really tasty treats so they have the expectation of a repeat treat. Initially, play the recording for five minutes, eventually leaving it on during daily activities as "normal" background noise. Also, provide pets with safe hiding spaces inside your home during the holiday fireworks or a storm. Dogs and cats who are comfortable in crates can find a good place to ride out the noise, especially if the crate is put in a quiet, darkened part of the house. Talk to your family veterinarian if you think your pet is suffering – some really are! He or she may be able to recommend other calming techniques. Some pets are so unhinged by noise that veterinary-prescribed anti-anxiety medications are needed to help them deal with their fears. Again, your veterinarian is the best source of information for this.
This summer, while we enjoy our parades, picnics, fireworks, and weather, don't forget your pet. He's counting on you! Have a cool, fear-free summer!

Doug McKee, D.V.M.

Clay-Duval Pet Emergency Clinic
275 Corporate Way, Suite 200
Orange Park, FL 32073
(904) 264-8281

Fleming Island Pet Clinic
4711 Highway 17 S
Fleming Island, FL 32003
(904) 264-7387