NEWS

Don't let your dog freak out over fireworks

By Robert Allen, Detroit Free Press

Dog owners planning Fourth of July celebrations with fireworks: Don't let your pet suffer.

Tips to keep pets calm during fireworks

The loud noises from professional displays and consumer fireworks can be especially troublesome for dogs, who can be sensitive to explosions.

"There's a lot of concern about pets getting freaked out and sometimes getting so distressed that they'll run out of the yard, and you won't be able to find them," said Dr. Glynes Graham, from Patterson Dog and Cat Hospital in Detroit. "Find them a nice quiet place to stay."

Dogs also can injure themselves while trying to get away from fireworks. The best option is to keep them at home, indoors. But Graham said veterinarians also can prescribe anti-anxiety drugs or recommend supplements or pheromone sprays.

Phantom Fireworks, a consumer fireworks company, issued a news release also recommending that people try to soothe a dog by playing a TV or music loudly enough to drown out the fireworks explosions. Attempting to play with the animal to divert its attention also helps.

The K-9 Calming Vest, ThunderShirt and Anxiety Wrap are dog-clothing options that fit tightly to make the animal feel safe and secure, according to the news release.

But Graham said these don't work for all dogs. Also, just because a dog is fearful of thunder doesn't mean it will fear fireworks.

While dogs are prone to losing their cool over fireworks, she said cats are better at managing their fear.

"Shockingly enough, cats don't seem to be too freaked out about loud noises," Graham said, adding that they'll go hide in a basement.

Contact Robert Allen at rallen@freepress.com or @rallenMI.