Thunderstorms, Fireworks and Pets

Author: Amanda   Date Posted:30 October 2015 

PETS, THUNDERSTORMS & FIREWORKS

With summer fast approaching, this means the start of the storm season in Australia.    The loud sounds of thunder and lightening cracks can be sounds that cause extreme anxiety and stress in many dogs, cats and small animals.  Dogs and cats’ sense of smell and hearing is so much more sensitive to ours it is no wonder the sound of heavy booms and claps can be terrifying for them.

As we bring in the New Year we all love to see the fireworks displayed in the sky, but to our furry friends this can be terrifying.  Loud sounds from the fireworks can also cause anxiety and stress, just like the sounds of the thunderstorms. With so many animals having a fear of thunderstorms and loud noises, many escape, display destructive behaviour and injure themselves in a frantic bid to escape the noise. 

It is important to prepare for the storm season and fireworks  by making sure your fencing is secure so that your pet cannot escape.  Having in place safety measures and tools to lessen their fear and anxiety can go along way in ensuring this time of year is not stressful for yourself or your pets.

 

Here are some tips to help minimise stress for your pets:

  • Keep a check of the weather to see when thunderstorms are predicted.  If you know a storm is coming it makes it easy to prepare you yard and house so your pet is kept in a safe and sound proof location.
  • This is the same as New Years Eve - we all know that Fireworks occur around Australia and they may well be close to your home.  Be prepared.  Reme
  • mber cat's and dog's hearing is alot more sensitive then ours!
  • Before an anticipated storm, walk your dog to give them the opportunity to toilet.
  • If possible, be at home with your pet during this time.  Dogs and cats can be a lot more fearful if left alone during a thunderstorm or fireworks.  If you can’t be there, have someone care for them.
  • Keep your pet indoors in a safe, sound-proof and comfortable environment.  This will decrease their chances of seeing and smelling the storm.  A dog left outside during a storm can cause considerable damage not only to your fence and yard, but also to themselves.  Dogs have been known to jump through windows, dig frantically injuring their nails and paws, and many dogs end up escaping and finding their way onto busy roads ending in tragedy.
  • Provide you pet with a safe ‘den’ to retreat to – a crate or cage with a comfy blanket.
  • Provide lots of spaces for your cat to hide and ensure they have access to food, water and a litter tray at all times.
  • Leaving the radio or TV on can mask out some of the sounds outside.
  • Make sure your pet is microchipped and wearing an id tag in the unfortunate occurrence they escape.
  • Place the cages and hutches of small animals and birds in protected areas. 
  • Cover bird cages with a large blanket to keep large flashes out and take out any toys or perches that they may get caught up in if they do panic.
  • Hutches for small animals may need to be covered with tarps if they cannot be moved.
  • Do not punish your pet!  This will only make your pet more distressed and could possibly increase their fears.

 

THUNDERSHIRTS

The Thundershirts patented design applies a gentle, constant pressure to a dog or cat’s torso, providing a safe, effective and drug-free solution for relieving anxiety.  Pressure has been used successfully for many years for both animals and humans.

 

USING PHEREMONES

Dog pheromones – called Adaptil can have a calming effect on dogs in stressful situations.  Adaptil comes in the form of a diffuser, which is plugged into a power point or a collar.  These both have been shown to keep your dog calm and comforted during stressful times.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Using a Feliway diffuser in a room will help with reducing the stress cats may feel with the unexpected noise.  These diffusers release a pheromone that gives cats a feeling of peace and calm and reduce the stress your cat experiences.

It is a good idea to start using these products at least 24 hours before an anticipated storm and a week after. These products last approximately 4 weeks and you should ensure you keep them on at all times.

For more information visit: www.adaptil.com.au and www.feliway.com.au

 

DRUG-FREE REMEDIES

Homeopet Storm Stress is an all-natural remedy, given orally to promote a sense of calm and relieve stress in pets. In Australia the leading behavioural Veterinarians Dr Seskel, Dr Ley, Dr Blackman and Charles Sturt University conducted major triple blinded trials that show significant results in reducing fear in pets during thunderstorms.  It is specifically designed as a fast-acting remedy to calm dogs in situations with loud noises - such as thunderstorms and fireworks.  This is recommended over just the Homeopet Anxiety in these situations as a fast acting remedy is best.

Vetalogica Feline Tranquil

Vetalogica Canine Tranquil

Calm Drops 

 

DESENSITISATION

For pets that really struggle during these times, desensitisation may help.  This is possible through the use of recordings of the sounds of storms, Firecrackers, nail guns and other scary sounds.  The CD explains how to  implement the training steps to gradually desensitise your pet to the sound.  Dr Cam Day, a Veterinary Behaviourist has released an excellent CD called ‘Frightful Noises Audio CD’.   This CD provides pet owners with comprehensive information covering this topic to help you and your pet.


Solving this fear in pets can be a very complex and difficult problem.  Consulting with your veterinarian on this problem is also recommended.

 

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