Pets tend to interpret the sound of fireworks as a threat, activating the fight or flight response. It's also worth noting that dogs and cats have a more acute sense of hearing than humans, making loud crackles and booms more frightening to them. If your dog presents any sign of anxiety following fireworks, you should contact the Animal Hospital of Sullivan County to help address the condition.

Keeping Your Dog Calm During Fireworks

When pets become agitated, there are steps you can take to keep them calm:

Exercise: If you expect that there will be fireworks, take your pet for a long walk during the day. You can even consider playing catch until they're exhausted. By releasing their energy early in the day, they will be more relaxed and feel less stressed during fireworks.

Provide A Distraction: You can calm your dog's nerves from fireworks by cuddling or offering them a distraction like a frozen treat. If you're at home, consider turning on your television or radio to block any fireworks cheering or noises.

Noise Anxiety 

After fireworks, your pet’s fear can linger. When this happens, you should visit our facility for a checkup. Failing to schedule an appointment with our vet can increase your pet’s sensitivity and generalize their fear of loud noises. Symptoms of noise anxiety include:

• Unusual whining and barking
• Destructive behavior like scratching, digging, and chewing
• Refusing to move
• Shaking and trembling

Different treatment options are available for pets. For instance, our vet may tie a calming pressure wrap around your pet's chest and torso. This will comfort your cat or dog and distract them from whatever is upsetting them. In cases of severe anxiety, prescription medication may be necessary.

Fireworks Poisoning

Fireworks can pose great danger to unwary or curious pets through injuries and burns. They also contain harmful chemicals like potassium nitrate and Sulphur, which can result in poisoning if ingested. Symptoms of firework poisoning include:

• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Tremors
• Shallow breathing

If your cat or dog has ingested fireworks, contact our veterinarian immediately. We will perform different blood tests and an x-ray if necessary before recommending the best treatment option.

Contact Us for Veterinary Care in Ferndale, Monticello, Liberty, and Sullivan County 

Holiday celebrations characterized by fireworks in Ferndale, Liberty, Monticello, and elsewhere in Sullivan County can pose a significant risk to your pet’s health. For more information on firework safety or to schedule an appointment with our veterinarian, call the Animal Hospital of Sullivan County today at (845) 292-6711.