Tips From Branford Vet On How To Help Pets Cope With Fireworks

BRANFORD, CT — WithBranford's holiday fireworks set for Saturday, veterinarian Dr. Brian Lang of Mill Pond Veterinary Hospital offers some advice for dog owners as some have a fear of loud noises. And some general advice on helping your pet cope with summer heat.

Lang's advice follows:

• Do not ever take your pets to a fireworks display.
• If your pet has a fear of loud noises: Play soft music and move your pet into an interior room with no windows if possible.
• Pets can hurt themselves trying to escape a loud noise, being present for such events is ideal to help keep them safe.
• A compression vest in some cases provides relief—if you don’t have one, try a snugly fitting t-shirt.
• There are very effective medical therapies available. Contact your veterinarian to see if there therapy options appropriate for your pet.
• Noise phobias are not common in cats, but they do hide when frightened. Play quiet music on and keeping them indoors during the height of the fireworks.
• Safeguard your pet with a collar and ID tag: All pets, even those kept indoors full-time, should always wear collars with ID tags/. Indoor-only pets can become so frightened during fireworks displays that they may take desperate measures to escape the noise, including breaking through windows or door screens. You should also ensure that your pet is microchipped and that the chip is properly registered with your current contact information.
• Another reason to keep your pets away from the often-noisy celebrations of summer is heat. High temperatures put your pet at risk of heat stroke. NEVER leave your pet in a parked car. The temperature outside may be a balmy 72 degrees, but the temperature inside a closed vehicle can rocket to a fatal 116 degrees in less than an hour.

Please contact your local veterinarian if you have questions specific to your pet, he noted.