Does your pet suffer from storm and firework anxiety?

Does your pet hide, pace, pant, drool, or vocalize when they hear wind rushing, thunder clapping and/or fireworks? If you answered yes to any of these symptoms, then yes they do suffer from storm and firework anxiety! This is a medical condition and should be treated, accordingly. The best treatment is giving anti-anxiety medications prescribed by your veterinarian, creating a special and safe environment during storms or fireworks and behavior modification using positive reinforcement.
There are many different anti-anxiety medications that your veterinarian can prescribe to help your pet feel calmer during a storm or fireworks. In addition to medical aids, you should reward their calm behavior through positive reinforcement using treats and love when they are not showing the anxiety symptoms of hiding, panting, pacing, drooling and/or vocalizing. Creating a special environment should consist of using pheromone products, Feliway or Adaptil. These come as sprays, plug-ins or collars depending on your needs. It is also a good idea to have white noise, music, or the television on to drown out outside noise.  A place that is secure and indoors without windows would be preferred to help prevent injury, escape or reduce outside noise.  If they like their kennel this should also be placed in their safe place with any favorite chew toys, treats and bedding.