If you have a noise-phobic dog – a dog scared of thunder, fireworks and other loud sounds, then I know how you will be spending the 4th of July weekend. As soon as the first firework pops off, you will be trying to calm your trembling, panting, pacing, and generally freaked out dog who will be hiding under the bed or climbing the walls, depending on how he or she handles their anxiety.
While some noise-phobic dogs calm down in an Anxiety Wrap™ or ThunderShirt®, most noise-phobic dogs are so panic stricken, they also need medication. With two noise-phobic dogs in the family, we have to combine wraps, medication and an action movie turned up loud to drown out the sound of the fireworks outside. It’s my family’s 4th of July tradition.
Keep in mind, animal shelters receive many lost dogs and cats the day after the 4th of July. Some dogs and cats may bolt out an open door, and some dogs have been known to crash through windows to escape the sound of fireworks. Keep your pet’s ID tag and microchip current to ensure he or she can be returned to you.
Cathy M. Rosenthal is a longtime animal advocate, children’s author, syndicated pet columnist, and pet expert with more than 30 years in the animal welfare field. Send your pet questions, stories and tips to moc.tidnuptep@yhtac. Please include your name, city, and state. You can follow her @cathymrosenthal
