The Fourth of July accounts for 50% of the terror pets feel every year, and studies show that half of pets have some kind of phobia in the summer.
NORTH DAKOTA (KXNET) — The Fourth of July accounts for 50% of the terror pets feel every year, and studies show that half of pets have some kind of phobia in the summer.
According to a news release, those phobias can include fireworks or just regular summer storms, but it could also be stress from traveling with their families.
Snoozer Pet Products is taking part in a nationwide campaign to educate owners on the best ways to keep their pets calm during anxiety-filled summers.
Minnesota shelter and emergency medicine veterinarian, Dr. Angelica Dimock, is leading the campaign and shares some tips and tricks for pet parents whose animals are full of anxiety.
Here are four things you can do to help your pet with fireworks and summer thunderstorms:
Desensitize them to the noise ahead of the event by playing the sounds of fireworks or storms to get them used to what it sounds like. Slowly increase the volume.
Create a room for the day of the event where they can hide, and bring them inside. Make sure to put toys and other familiar things in the room as well.
Use calming aids like a special shirt that hugs them or even a natural supplement.
Consult your vet if anxiety issues are severe to see if pharmaceuticals could help.
Here are three things you can do to help when it comes to traveling:
Take them on car rides to practice. If you only take them in the car when they’re going to the vet, they have been taught that they are going to the vet.
Car motion can cause sickness, so give them an anti-anxiety car seat. Make sure they are securely attached to a seat belt as well.
Allow for plenty of bathroom breaks (should be every two to four hours for a minimum of 15 minutes).