Fireworks Fears: How To Protect Your Pet From July 4 Stress

MASSACHUSETTS — A few days of fun and celebration around July 4 can bring plenty of stress and anxiety to household pets when the fireworks start booming and bursting all around them.

Whether it's a municipal celebration or a backyard bash — even though fireworks are illegal for private use in Massachusetts — the sudden, and sometimes stubbornly sustained, cacophony can make life miserable for the dog or cat in your life.

While we might not be able to control the neighborhood volume during the upcoming holiday week, the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals does have several tips on how to keep your best four-legged buddies a bit more relaxed when the skies light up over the next few days.

Serenity Now

The ears of dogs and cats are more sensitive than humans so even low-level bangs and booms can get them agitated. As much as you can in the warm and muggy weather, the MSPCA suggests trying to soundproof your home by closing windows and doors tightly.

It may help to confine your pets to a particularly quiet room inside the house and then turn on alternative noise such as a television, radio, phone app, or a source of "white noise" such as a loud fan or air conditioner.

Help Them Sleep It Off

The MSPCA suggests upping the exercise routine over the next few days.

While this applies more to dogs, a vigorous walk or extended run around the yard late in the afternoon can make them too tired to get worked up about all the noise and may allow them to sleep through the entire thing.

Most cats will not need much prompting to take an extended nap, but a round of play using lasers, feather wands or anything that gets them to expend a bunch of energy is going to make them more apt to zonk out before the fireworks begin.

A Dose Of Distraction

Keep your dog or cat occupied with pet puzzles or games that keep them focused on something other than the symphony in the sky.

While some dogs and cats will shun food when stress is high, others cannot help themselves and will eagerly turn their attention to cookies and treats above all else when they are offered.

Hold On Tight When Outside

Even if your pet does not have a history of getting fretful around fireworks, any loud explosion could trigger a reaction.

The MSPCA strongly suggests making absolutely sure they cannot get out of their collar or harness if panic strikes. Owners should also make sure their pets are chipped or have identification in case they do get away.

"A panic attack can happen suddenly in a pet's life even when it has not happened in the past," the MSPCA said. "Sadly, many dogs become lost after running away from loud noises like fireworks."

A Little Extra Help

While the above steps can often get your dog and cat through a few days of revelry, there are cases when it is still a touch too much and they need a little extra help.

In those cases, the MSPCA suggests working with your veterinarian on possible anti-anxiety medication regimens based on your pet's specific needs.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)