While fireworks are beautiful and spectacular, loud fireworks can severely frighten pets. Keep them safe with these seven tips!

Don’t Forget About Balto!

Fireworks are an exciting way to celebrate during the summer, but loud fireworks displays are no fun for many pets.

Kerry Rood, USU Extension veterinary sciences specialist, said pets’ responses to loud noises can range from mild nervousness to more aggressive behaviors like barking, chewing on furniture, digging, chewing on fencing or running away. This can lead to your pets hurting themselves or destroying property. Noisy thunderstorms can also frighten pets.

If you are worried about noise bothering your pet, here are seven useful tips to help keep your pet safe and calm.

1.Make sure your pet gets plenty of exercise during the day. Pets are more likely to stay calm if they’ve already used up a lot of energy.

2. Create a safe place for your pet. Arrange to keep your pet somewhere dark and quiet. “House the pet deep inside the home where there is the least amount of noise,” Rood said. “Sometimes a basement bathroom or bedroom will suffice.”

3. Try not to leave your pet alone. Being alone will add to its fear and increase the likelihood of it running away.

4. Distract your pet with an activity that captures its attention. Try to interest it in a favorite toy or game.

5. If your pet does start acting out, don’t yell or scold it. “Stay calm yourself and do not become agitated, as this fuels your pet’s reaction,” Rood said.

6. Make sure your pet has a collar with clearly marked ID tags. According to Pet Amber Alert, animal control services report a 30 percent increase in lost pets between July 4 and July 6. If you do lose a pet, contact your local animal control dispatch.

7. If your pet has extreme reactions to noise, ask a veterinarian for help. There are medications that will help calm a pet’s nerves.

Using these tips won’t stop the fireworks, but can make the holidays less stressful for you and your pets.

This article was written by Shelby Ruud
Contact: Kerry Rood Kerry.rood@usu.edu, (435) 797-1882