Fireworks are fun for people, scary for pets

The noisy explosions and flashes of light produced by fireworks can create anxiety for household pets. An animal exhibiting signs of firework phobia may cower in a corner or closet, or even jump through a window screen in an attempt to flee the noise and sound.

With more than 30 years of experience in the veterinary field, Dr. Race Foster and Dr. Marty Smith, co-founders of Drs. Foster and Smith, have often dealt with the aftermath of July 4 and offer the following advice to pet owners.

Perhaps the sagest tip the veterinarians suggest is to keep fearful pets indoors as much as possible during Independence Day weekend. An animal left in a backyard may become so distressed that it will break free of a leash and hurdle a fence to escape an undesirable situation. As such, the veterinarians advise that owners make certain that dogs and cats have ID tags, so if the animal does run away, it can be quickly returned.

There are some other actions pet owners can take to put animals at ease during fireworks, or even thunderstorms. First, pet owners can obstruct fear-producing noise by creating louder background noise. Running a fan or air conditioner and turning on a TV or radio may aid in blocking loud noises. Some people may also want to consider placing pets in a room without outside walls or windows to keep uncomfortable sounds from reaching an animal's ears, but do remember to include a water bowl.

Another quick solution is to create a safe haven for distressed pets. If the pet is comfortable in a crate, the crate can be covered with a blanket to enhance the feeling of security. The door to the crate, however, should be left open so the pet doesn't feel confined. Some pets, especially cats, may find that a closet or area under the bed makes a good retreat.

Some medications on the market today can also aid in calming pets. But pet owners must consult with their veterinarian before administering such drugs.

Both Dr. Foster and Dr. Smith agree that these solutions are quick fixes for a more severe problem.

There is no guarantee that a noise phobia can be totally resolved, but in many instances the fear can be managed. Effectiveness of treatment depends on factors such as the phobia's severity, how long the condition has existed, and the amount of time owners are willing to commit to changing the behavior.

Dr. Foster said one way to address the problem is to offer the pet a favorite toy whenever loud noises and anxiety occur. This teaches the animal to associate a good result to an uncomfortable situation. Another option is to slowly introduce pets to loud noises under a controlled situation. To accomplish this, purchase a storm CD and play it at low levels for the animal - slowly increasing the volume over days or weeks so the animal becomes familiar with the noise and desensitized to its presence.

As heart wrenching as it may be, both doctors advise that pet owners refrain from petting or consoling animals suffering from noise anxiety. Animals interpret these actions as a signal that a loud noise is something to be truly feared, thus reinforcing the animal's phobia. Similarly, a pet should not be punished for showing fear as it will only increase anxiety.

For more information about addressing noise phobia or dealing with any animal care concerns, pet owners can visit DrsFosterSmith. com or PetEducation. com.

Also watch the "Faithful Friends" program on Animal Planet each Sunday at 9 a.m. ET/PT for additional pet care advice from Dr. Foster and Dr. Smith.