How to Keep Your Cats and Dogs Calm During Fireworks

Fireworks are a part of many cultures and celebrations, but they can be a major source of stress for our furry friends. If you have a cat or dog, it's important to take steps to keep them calm during fireworks season.

Here are a few tips: (borrowed from the internet)

• Create a safe space. This could be a quiet room in your home, a crate, or even a closet. Make sure the space is dark and has plenty of comfortable bedding. You can also try playing calming music or white noise to help muffle the sound of the fireworks.
• Give them a distraction. A stuffed toy, a puzzle, or a treat can help keep your pet's mind off of the fireworks. You can also try taking them for a walk or playing fetch before the fireworks start, so they're tired and relaxed.
• Stay calm yourself. If you're stressed, your pet will be too. Try to stay calm and act normally, even if you can hear the fireworks going off. You can pet your pet and talk to them in a soothing voice to help them relax.
• Consider using a calming product. There are a number of calming products available for pets, such as calming collars, pheromone diffusers, pet CBD, and calming treats. These products can help reduce anxiety and stress in some pets.
• If your pet is showing signs of severe anxiety, such as panting, shaking, or trying to escape, you may need to consult with your veterinarian. They may be able to prescribe medication or recommend other strategies to help your pet cope with fireworks.

It's also important to remember that feral and stray cats and dogs are especially vulnerable during fireworks season. They may be scared and confused, and they may not have a safe place to hide. If you see a stray animal during fireworks, try to offer them a safe place to stay, such as a garage or a basement. You can also contact your local animal shelter or rescue organization for help.

By following these tips, you can help keep your cats and dogs calm and safe during fireworks season.

I can honestly say from experience, the above tips work. I was able to calm down all 4 of our babies the other day when a neighbor decided to set some fireworks off in his front yard the other day. This was the first time 3 of them had ever heard or seen them and they started to panic. Out came a few treats and a lot of reassuring "it's ok" and turning on some calming sounds. All 3 of these together worked wonders, although we had the pet CBD ready to dispense if needed.

-Jason