It’s about that time to fire up the barbeque and head to the back deck! With Victoria Day around the corner, there might be some fireworks coming too. Although wonderful to celebrate with our pets by our side, fireworks often cause panic rather than enjoyment for our furry friends. Check out our best advice to keep your pet comfortable this long weekend!
Small Pets
Your smaller, primarily indoor friends are likely to frighten easily from loud noises. If you’re worried about loud noises scaring your small pet, consider moving their cage to a quieter, more secluded place in your home (ie. the basement). Some animals burrow when frightened so be sure ample bedding is available for comfort. And of course, consider covering their cage with a blanket to further block out noises and bright light.
Dogs and Cats
Be sure your pet is equipped with an ID tag to ensure that in the event of a loud noise scaring them off, they will be identifiable when found. If your pet is commonly frightened by loud noises try closing all windows and pet doors to lessen the noise before the fireworks commence. Take your pup for an early walk to ensure they aren’t outside or far from home during the fireworks. Have a safe place for your pet to occupy if they are feeling scared, this is extra important if you are not home to comfort them! Lastly, if your animal is not noticeably frightened by fireworks, still resist the urge to bring them along as animals are much more sensitive to sound and light than humans are. Not to mention the fireworks and remnants are toxic to all pets.
If your pet is overwhelmingly scared of loud noises and can’t seem to find comfort during fireworks or thunderstorms, try reaching out to your vet for professional advice. Remember that fireworks are fun for us but come unexpectedly to our fur babies. And besides all this, remember to enjoy your long weekend and all the sunshine it brings with it!
