In challenging economic times, many people ponder the purchase of chickens as part of their domestic safety net. Successfully raising chickens, however, requires thoughtful consideration and research. It is distinctly different than stocking up on food storage and bottled water. 

“As a veterinarian, I have seen birds that are not properly cared for,” said David Frame, Utah State University Extension poultry specialist. “Most of this is simply due to lack of knowledge and is seldom caused by willful neglect, but it is important to be aware of all the requirements and responsibilities before you jump into raising backyard chickens.”

Frame said raising chickens at home to produce eggs and meat is tied to a considerable economic investment. Proper housing and rearing areas need to be constructed, electricity is needed for lighting, and an effective heat source must be available for brooding chicks. There is also the investment in feed. 

“To produce a dozen eggs, approximately four pounds of feed are necessary,” he said. “And this does not include the additional feed required to grow the hens to reproductive age. The larger the chicken, the more you will pay in maintenance costs. All things considered, it would indeed be rare that home-produced eggs and poultry products would prove to be more economical than purchasing eggs and fryers from the supermarket, even at today’s higher costs.”

Frame said there are many reasons people want to raise chickens, even knowing the costs, but there are things to know before purchasing a flock. Here are eight important considerations:

1. Check with city/county ordinances and HOAs regarding raising poultry to ensure it is feasible in your location. 

2. Research, purchase, and set up all proper equipment. Learn about necessary equipment and feed requirements before you purchase the chicks.

3. Buy chicks from National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP)-certified sources only. This certification assures that breeder flocks have been rigorously tested to be found free of specific devastating egg-transmissible diseases. Most commercial wholesalers who sell to reputable feed store chains are NPIP-certified.

4. Be sure you have adequate outdoor space and shelter for the chickens once they are fully feathered and are moved out of the brooder. Provide at least two feet of floor space per bird in an enclosed coop.

5. Provide plenty of clean, fresh water, and feed your chickens a nutritious diet based on appropriate commercial feed.

6. Protect the chickens from rats, mice, raccoons, skunks, and other creatures. Do this by enclosing the birds at night in a well-constructed coop with tight-fitting doors, windows, and a floor impervious to digging. Keep feeders and waterers off the floor. Maintain a perimeter around the coop of at least six feet that is clear of weeds, junk, and other debris that could harbor rodents.

7. Be a good neighbor. Ensure that your chickens are confined to your yard and cannot enter neighbors’ yards or gardens.

8. Protect your chickens and yourself from possible diseases. Keep wild birds out of the coop. Wash and disinfect hands before and after gathering eggs. Do not keep chickens in the house or let children cuddle them. Do not let neighbors and others come to see your chickens – especially if they have chickens of their own.

Frame concluded that raising chickens can be a fulfilling endeavor, but be sure to do the proper research so you are fully aware of costs, space requirements, and responsibilities. 

Writer: Julene Reese, Julene.Reese@usu.edu, 435-757-6418

Contact: David Frame, David.Frame@usu.edu, 435-283-7586

Nearly 2.2 million birds in Utah were lost to the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) between April 2022 and January 2023. This total includes eight non-commercial poultry flocks, 18 commercial egg layer and turkey flocks, and one commercial gamebird facility. Non-commercial detections in backyard chicken flocks and petting zoos have occurred in Cache, Utah, Salt Lake, and Weber counties.

            Live wild bird surveillance has shown the virus in various dabbling duck species, including the mallard, gadwall, cinnamon teal, green-winged teal, Northern shoveler, and American widgeon. Wild bird morbidity surveillance has detected the virus in owls, hawks, gulls, pelicans, eared grebe, black-crowned night heron, and the turkey vulture. 

           The most prevalent species with HPAI has been the Canada goose. This is significant because waterfowl are the natural carriers of avian influenza viruses and typically do not die as a result of the virus; however, the current strain of HPAI is lethal enough to kill even waterfowl. 

            Although we have been fortunate to have HPAI detections drop this winter, some areas of the country have not been so lucky. As we approach the spring months, it is uncertain whether we will experience another wave of outbreaks during spring migration. Work still needs to be done to determine exactly how the initial introduction of HPAI occurs. 

            What we do know is that once introduced, the virus is transmitted from flock to flock through contaminated equipment and people. Consider these tips to prevent virus transmission.

            * Practice strict adherence to washing hands, using dedicated clothing and footwear, and avoiding neighbors’ flocks. 

            * Do not take care of your poultry immediately after hunting; shower and change into clean clothes first. 

            * Keep all domestic poultry and gamebirds enclosed and away from wild birds.

            * Avoid using water from open sources, such as ponds, canals, and ditches, for poultry drinking and to wash equipment where your birds have access. These sources could contain the HPAI virus, especially if they are accessible to waterfowl. If the virus is found in live bird samples, it indicates that our resident waterfowl must be considered potential carriers and shedders. 

            Poultry flocks infected with HPAI will experience sudden high mortality and usually no signs of sickness before death. If you suspect your home flock may have HPAI, contact the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food or the state veterinarian’s office at statevet@utah.gov immediately.

            Although sporadic cases have been reported, avian influenza viruses pose minimal danger of causing clinical disease in humans. 

In difficult economic times, many people consider purchasing chickens as part of their domestic safety net. Raising chickens, however, is distinctly different than stocking up on food storage or bottled water. Chickens are living, breathing beings that need special care and TLC. As a veterinarian, I often see birds that are not properly taken care of, even in stable economic conditions. However, most of this is simply due to lack of knowledge and not from willful neglect.

If you are contemplating purchasing and raising chicks, never buy them and then try to decide what to do with them. Here are eight important points to consider BEFORE making your purchase:

1. Check with city/county ordinances and HOAs regarding raising poultry to make sure it’s feasible where you live.

2. Research, purchase and set up all proper equipment beforehand. Chickens cannot regulate body temperature for the first 3 to 4 weeks of life, and a proper heat source is imperative. Know about all equipment and feed requirements before you make your purchase.

3. Purchase your chicks from National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP)-certified sources only. This certification requires rigorous testing of breeder flocks to assure the purchaser that the chicks are free of devastating egg-transmitted diseases. Most commercial wholesalers who sell to reputable feed store chains are NPIP-certified.

4. Be sure you have adequate outdoor space and shelter for the young chickens once they have fully feathered and are moved out of the brooder.

5. Provide plenty of clean, fresh water at all times, and be sure to feed your chickens a nutritious diet based on appropriate commercial feed.

6. Provide them with protection from rats, mice, raccoons, skunks and other varmints.

7. Be a good neighbor. Make sure that your chickens are confined to your yard and are not getting into neighbors’ yards or gardens. 

8. Practice social distancing with your flock of chickens. (That’s a modern term for biosecurity.) Protect your chickens from disease by keeping wild birds out of the coop. Wash hands and disinfect before and after gathering eggs, do not keep chickens in the house, and do not let neighbors and others come to see your chickens.

By: David Frame, Utah State University Extension poultry specialist, DVM, David.frame@usu.edu,  435-851-2233

In response to social distancing guidelines, innovative Utahns have found activities that allow them to be with family and also explore new adventures. In 2020 during COVID-19, Utah state park visitation rates increased by 36% during recreation months compared to 2019.

In addition, interest in backyard agriculture increased, including gardening and chicken ranching, and have been meaningful pandemic pastimes. Prior to COVID-19, several Utah cities passed ordinances to allow urban residents to maintain flocks of backyard chickens. 

Unfortunately, local rat populations have also increased and have been linked to the rapid growth in backyard chicken ranching. Rats and other rodents have been implicated in spreading zoonoses, including bubonic plague, hantavirus, leptospirosis and rat-bite fever. Humans can get these diseases if they are bitten by an infected rat or inhale or ingest microorganisms in the rat’s feces or urine. COVID-19 is a zoonosis.

Cities that have allowed backyard chicken ranching have designed their ordinances to eliminate conditions that might attract rats and other rodents. These ordinances require the rancher to “rodent-proof” chicken coops and other outbuildings that contain food. They also prohibit ranchers from storing garbage unless it is stored in rodent-proof containers. Many ordinances also give city employees authority to inspect ranches and correct sanitation issues.

Rats and mice are prolific breeders. They readily capitalize on new opportunities that afford them food, cover and water. Rats also prey on chicks and eggs, and if there is a severe infestation and food is scarce, they can also raid coops at night and attack juvenile and adult birds. Rats kill by biting the head or neck. Parts of chicken bodies may be eaten, and the corpses pulled into burrows or other concealed locations for later feeding. 

You may not see rats unless you have a severe rat problem, as they are shy and nocturnal. However, if they are around, you may spot chewing damage. If your coop has no openings for them, they will make their own, so watch for gnawed corners. They are also great burrowers and can enter a coop or run from below. Consider these tips to deter rodents.

* Don’t create conditions that attract rodents, raccoons or skunks to your yard. Remove your flock’s feeders and waterers each night and replace them in the morning. Chickens won’t eat or drink at night, but rats will. 

* Be sure to store chicken feed in rodent-proof containers, as rodents are more likely to chew through wood than plastic and more likely to chew through plastic than metal. If they have a food source such as stored feed, they will be challenging to eliminate.

* Use small woven mesh hardware cloth for the best protection. Chicken wire is not a barrier to predators. Most predators can tear through it, rats can bite through the thin wire, and some smaller rodents will squeeze through the holes. Use chicken wire to keep chickens in, not to keep predators out. Because rats are burrowers and climbers, consider covering the bottom of your run, burying the bottom of your fence or providing an apron so rats cannot enter from below. The only way to completely exclude them from the chicken yard is a fully enclosed run – top, bottom and sides.

* Don’t provide rodents, raccoons and skunks with hiding places. Many people choose chicken coops with raised floors that are open beneath so rodents and other animals don’t have hiding places.

* Reduce populations. In residential areas, simple wood-based snap traps baited with peanut butter work well.

For more information, contact your local county Extension office or visit poultry.usu.edu/raising.

By: Terry Messmer, Utah State University Extension wildlife specialist, terry.messmer@usu.edu

You’re ready for a summer vacation, but what about your pets? Check out these expert tips from USU School of Veterinary Medicine faculty.

Summer is here and people are getting ready to hit the road on much-needed vacations. Pets are often considered to be part of the family, so it’s no surprise many people want to bring their furry friend with them during their travels. Karl Hoopes and Allison Willoughby, faculty in Utah State University’s School of Veterinary Medicine, have some advice for pet owners when it comes to traveling with their animals during the summer.

Both Hoopes and Willoughby, advisor to USU’s Small Animal Specialty Club, agree that one of the most important things owners can do before leaving on a trip is to plan ahead and be aware of the laws at their destinations before they travel. Doing so will make the whole experience more enjoyable for everyone.

“Planning ahead is a must,” Willoughby said. “Keep in mind the activities you are going to be doing and make sure animals are allowed. For example, many national parks allow pets in the car but not on the trail, so you need to check ahead of time.”

It is important to remember that when traveling with pets even the smallest tasks, such as going out to eat or shopping, can become inconvenient and create a problem when pets aren’t allowed in those establishments.

“Traveling with pets can be great for the pet and for people as long as you are prepared for some minor inconveniences,” Willoughby said. “If the whole family works together it can be great.”

Some paperwork also needs to be completed before you hit the road. Most states require a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) along with a rabies certificate when crossing state lines. This paperwork is also required when crossing the border into Canada or Mexico. There is always the chance pets will run off in unfamiliar places, so updating their licensing and microchip before leaving is crucial.

Pets can also become more susceptible to illness when traveling. To reduce the risk of pets becoming sick or contracting diseases, Hoopes recommended that all core vaccines be up to date. These vaccines include Bordetella (kennel cough), parvovirus, distemper and adenovirus. If traveling to areas where fleas are present, a flea preventative should be started immediately so that pets don’t pick-up any unwanted creatures.

Hoopes also said it’s a good idea to have the contact information for veterinarians in areas you’ll be visiting saved in a phone so they are already on hand and ready to go.

“You never know if you will have internet service, so it is helpful to already have those numbers with you and in your phone,” Hoopes said. “If an accident happens, you don’t want to spend valuable time looking for numbers. If you already have numbers and addresses, you can take your animals to the clinic immediately.”

On the Road

Beyond the basics of stopping often to let pets go to the bathroom and not leaving them in cars that heat up dangerously fast, Hoopes said one of the biggest problems he sees when traveling with pets in the car is dehydration.

“One of the biggest things is to make sure they don’t get dehydrated. They need water just as often, or even more often, than we do,” Hoopes said. “If it is really hot, dogs love to jump in the water. They love to swim and it really seems to help them.”

Packing water from home can also reduce dehydration risk. Many dogs are simply used to the water they drink at home and refuse to drink anything else.  Bringing water from home or packing bottled water is an easy solution to ensure pets stay healthy and hydrated for the duration of the vacation.

Hoopes and Willoughby also recommend that pet owners pack the food their pets are used to eating at home. Any sudden changes to pet’s diet, like a new type of dog food, can have a negative impact and lead to sickness and gastrointestinal problems.

When traveling, pets are placed in new and stressful situations, so it is common for them to have anxiety when traveling. To reduce anxiety, a sedative can be purchased from local veterinarian.

Traveling by Air

Airlines are very particular when it comes to pets as passengers. When traveling by air, pets are typically carried in cargo instead of the passenger cabin. Hoopes said cargo does a good job at taking care of animals, but it is still important to remember that travel always adds additional stress.

“The dog or cat is in a carrier for an extended period of time without interaction. It is stressful and it can be scary,” Hoopes said. “If you do put them in cargo, putting them with a blanket or stuffed toy they are familiar with can help reduce stress.”

Pets traveling by air also require a CVI, and it usually the certificate must have been issued within 72 hours before traveling. Some airlines also require an acclimation statement be included with the certificate. This statement provides the airline with information about the temperature range the animal is acclimated to so that he can be safely transported in cargo. The statement is issued by a veterinarian and must include the temperature range and time frame that is safe for the pet to remain in those temperatures.

Different airlines have different requirements, so it is important to understand what they are beforehand so there are no surprises when it comes time to depart. Owners should ask their veterinarians to call the airline they’ll be flying with ahead of time to make sure they are prepared to properly take care of animals.

Extra precautions must be taken for airline travel with puppies.

“I hate to send puppies are under 12 weeks old on an airline because it gets really difficult,” Hoopes said. “Make sure they are old enough to travel and that they have been away from their mother long enough to be fully weaned. You don’t want them to be going through the stress of being weaned along with that of traveling.”

Leaving Pets at Home

Traveling with pets can be a great experience, but what should be done when taking them isn’t an option? Should pets be left at home or should they be taken to a kennel? While there are many pros and cons to both options, Hoopes and Willoughby said keeping animals at home with a caregiver is the most ideal.

“The best thing, in my opinion, is to have a dog sitter who will come to your house and take care of them in their own environment,” Hoopes said. “It’s ideal that they stay in their same bed with the same water and food and you just have someone come over to help take care of them.”

Of course, there are still some cases when boarding pets at a kennel is the best option.

“Escape artists might be better in a kennel if you think your dog will run out on your sitter,” Willoughby said. “If your dog sitter won’t be able to be there as much as you typically are and your dog is used to relieving himself several times a day, then a kennel would be preferred. If there are complicated medications to be given, then it would be better to give the kennel the medications unless the sitter is very experienced.”

When it comes to choosing a place to board your pet, it is important to visit kennels ahead of time and think about what each one has to offer in terms of safety, cleanliness and pet care. Hoopes said it is especially important for kennels to offer turnout time as well as individual and group housing options. It needs to be temperature controlled and the kennel should be willing to provide references when asked.

One problem with kennels is it is a place where diseases are often transmitted. Kennel cough is especially common, so pets need to have received the vaccine at least 2-3 weeks ahead of a kennel stay to build up sufficient immunity. Willoughby said this vaccine isn’t long lasting, so it is important to keep it updated. If vaccinated in the spring, immunity should last until the end of summer. Willoughby also recommended that puppies should never be boarded until the entire series of puppy shots is completed because of the risk of infection.

Whenever pets are left home alone, there is always a chance of them developing separation anxiety. Symptoms of separation anxiety include barking and howling, chewing, digging and other destructive behaviors, even if they don’t typically do those things.

“It’s all about fear of the unknown,” Hoopes said. “To reduce this anxiety, get the dog outside and keep the routine the same. Have someone they know coming to take of them and take them for walks.”

Traveling with pets can be a great experience for everyone involved if done correctly. Just remember that for some pets, vacationing may not be their favorite thing.

“Traveling with pets is great. They are a part of the family and it can really add to your vacation,” Hoopes said. “Pets usually do enjoy it, but it is also very individual to the animal. Some pets like it, others don’t. If they don’t like it or won’t handle it well, don’t put them through it.”

This article was written by Aubree Thomas, aubree.thomas@usu.edu

Contacts:

Karl Hoopes, karl.hoopes@usu.edu  

Allison Willoughby, allison.willoughby@usu.edu

Worried about how your pets will react to the sight and sound of fireworks? Try these tips to keep them safe and calm.

No Fourth of July would be complete without a fireworks display. But pets often don’t find the noise, blasts and flashing lights associated with fireworks fun or entertaining. With fireworks going off in Utah throughout the month of July, pets are bound to get stressed and anxious. Karl Hoopes and Allison Willoughby, faculty in the Utah State University School of Veterinary Medicine, shared tips to help owners keep their pets safe and make the summer more enjoyable for everyone.

Both Hoopes and Willoughby emphasized the importance of keeping pets in an area they are familiar with and where they can’t hear the fireworks.

“If your dog is mildly nervous, just keeping them in a safe area is easiest and safest,” Willoughby said. “Feeling ‘safe’ to your dog may be a cool basement or lower level family room with a fan blowing to dampen the noise.”

Hoopes said the shelter needs to be indoors where sound can be better controlled and pets can’t escape. Playing soft music or leaving the TV on can also keep them distracted and drown out the noise of the fireworks.

Special clothing, such as anxiety jackets or vests, can also be helpful in keeping animals calm. Willoughby said these jackets basically give the dog a hug by applying constant pressure, which makes them feel safer.

While dogs are usually more comfortable when their owners are nearby, giving them too much reassurance can actually have the opposite effect and make them more nervous instead of calm.

“Dogs can feel more anxious if you are telling them over and over again they are going to be okay,” Willoughby said. “They can sense your own anxiety. Try to project confidence to your dog and give them the most attention when he is calm and confident.”

Prescription medications can also be useful when it comes to helping pets feel safe. If a dog has high anxiety levels, Hoopes advised owners to plan ahead and contact their veterinarian to get a safe sedative to keep them calm.

“Every year from the Fourth of July to the 24th, people get sedatives for their dogs because they know this time period is going to be hard on them,” Hoopes said. “All they do is give them the sedative pill and let them go to sleep.”

Herbal supplements can also be beneficial in treating milder cases of anxiety. Willoughby said these supplements are available over-the-counter from pet stores or veterinarians and are safe to give over long periods of time.

Willoughby warned that people should never give prescriptions designed for humans to their pets and recommended that pet owners visit their veterinarians to find out what medication will work best for their pets.

“Don’t use human prescriptions on your animals. Some may be toxic and the dosages are different for your pets,” Willoughby said. “Your veterinarian will carefully calculate correct dosages based on your pet’s species and weight. Also, your veterinarian will know any preexisting conditions that might not allow your pet to take certain medications.”

Willoughby had some advice for cat owners as well.

“I recommend you keep your cat indoors. They are pretty good about finding a spot where they feel secure,” she said. “If they are hiding out a lot, just make sure they have access to their litter box, food and water and somewhere they can visit without feeling too vulnerable”

Even after taking all of these precautions, sometimes pets still escape. Before attending any activity or celebration, pet owners should make sure their animal’s microchip and license is up-to-date to avoid losing their furry friends.

This article was written by Aubree Thomas, aubree.thomas@usu.edu

Contacts:

Karl Hoopes, karl.hoopes@usu.edu

Allison Willoughby, allison.willoughby@usu.edu

Bring your family to see the adorable baby animals at the USU Botanical Center, Mother’s Day weekend, May 12 & 13. Read on for a coupon code, and enter to win a family pass to the event!

Spring is here, and so are Baby Animal Days at the USU Botanical Center in Kaysville! Individual tickets and family passes are available now, and include one FREE horse ride and one FREE miniature train ride, with additional rides available for purchase. There will be reptiles, sheep shearing demos and food vendors.

Proceeds from the event support 4-H programs and the botanical gardens. Events will happen rain or shine, and refunds will not be given due to inclement weather.

Kaysville Baby Animal Days Show Schedule

Friday, May 12
3:00PM – Sheep Shearing
3:30pm – Wild Wonders
4:00pm – Scales and Tails
5:00pm – Goat Milking
5:30pm – Sheep Shearing
6:30pm – Wild Wonders
7:00pm –  Scales and Tails

Saturday, May 13
11:00am – Sheep Shearing
12:00pm – Wild Wonders
1:00pm – Scales and Tails
2:00pm – Sheep Shearing
3:00pm – Wild Wonders
4:00pm – Scales and Tails
4:30pm – Goat Milking
5:00pm – Sheep Shearing

We’ve got a discount code especially for you Live Well Utah readers. Use code blog5 for $5 off your purchase, and enter to win a family pass good for Friday or Saturday. Giveaway ends May 9 at 12 midnight, and the winner will be notified Wednesday, May 10.

Enter Giveaway

Buy Tickets

For more information, visit babyanimaldays.org.

Are you interested in keeping backyard chickens? Here is some basic information to get you started.

• Some municipalities do not allow backyard chickens, or have strict ordinances to regulate them. Be sure to check what your city allows or requires before setting up a coop.
• Purchase chicks from sources that certify they are free from specific diseases.
• You may end up with a rooster among your chicks. Be prepared to part ways with the roosters—hens do not need a rooster present in order to lay eggs.
• Chickens are no respecters of property lines, and they can fly. To minimize the impact on neighbors, enclosures should properly restrain poultry and confine them to your property.
• Chickens have a relatively short life span. The productive life of a hen is about three to five years.
• Where there are chickens, there are rodents. Take this into consideration when planning your coop, and implement a rodent control program.
• Don’t keep chickens with ducks or turkeys. Mixing of species increases the potential for infection and spread of avian influenza (bird flu).

Find Out More

Explore the Garden Family Night: Backyard Chickens
USU Botanical Center, Kaysville
Register Here

Raising backyard chickens has become very popular in Davis County. This event will teach families how to properly choose the right breed of backyard chicken, identify common diseases, nutrition, egg/layer management, and answer questions. Participants will learn about the 4-H youth poultry program opportunities in Davis County as well.

Fact Sheet: Basics for Raising Backyard Chickens

Fact Sheet: Considerations in Raising Small Backyard Flocks of Poultry in Population-dense Communities

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

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 his or her fear and increase the likelihood of running away.

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

5. If your pet does start acting out, don’t yell or scold them. “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% 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