7 essential safety tips for storms and fireworks!

We always see a profound increase in lost pets after Fourth of July fireworks and storms. Pets tend to pant, pace, dig, run and climb fences during these loud noises. Let’s decrease this number by sharing and following these tips!
•Identification 
Microchipping is the best identification. Collars often fall or break off when pets are on the run. If your pet is microchipped please make sure all of the information associated with the microchip is current and an updated picture is associated with their microchip. Every lost pet is scanned at all rescues, animal control and veterinarians.  People that find pets are directed to first and foremost have the pet scanned. Microchipping is a permanent identification system that is most likely to bring your lost pet back home.
•Medical Aids
Talk to your veterinarian about decreasing pet anxiety, destructive and fearful  behavior that often occurs during fireworks and storms by giving them anti-anxiety medications. There are many different medications available depending on your pet’s needs.
•Keep pets indoors
It is essential to keep your pet indoors. They will often surprise their owners with behavior never before seen including running, jumping and/or digging out under fences trying to escape the fearful noises. This fear can disorient them causing them to get lost very fast.  
•Create a safe place
A safe place for your pet inside the home should be created during these events. It is preferable to be a quiet area without windows to prevent noise, injury and escape. Their favorite things should be in their safe place such as their kennel, favorite bedding and toys. You can also offer treat stuffed  Kongs or food puzzles to help keep them occupied and their mind off of their anxieties . This also makes their safe place an exciting and happy place. They will eventually associate treats and special treatment with their safe place.
•Pheromones
Pheromones such as Feliway or Adaptil are available as sprays, collars and plug ins depending on you and your pet’s needs. Pheromones in addition to medical aids and all of the other tips will help calm your pet. We use them here daily and always see a difference in our patients to help reduce stress and anxiety.
•Prevent outside noise
The best ways to prevent the outside noise is by not only having all windows and doors shut but also leaving on background noise to help drown out the outside noise. This can be done by using white noise; leaving an air conditioner and/or ceiling fan on in their safe place. Another option would be to leave the television or music on in their safe place.  
•Positive Reinforcement
After medical aids are on board, and your pets are in their safe place with pheromones and background noise it is important to reward their calm behavior. This can be done simply by giving them lots of attention and treats when they are showing any type of relaxed behavior during the loud noises.  This eventually will help them associate the loud noise with a positive experience!

 Let’s save more pet’s lives this firework and storm season ! Please share this information to decrease lost pets, save lives, and have happier pets!

Contact Us

Office Hours

Our Regular Schedule

Monday

8:00 am - 6:00 pm

Tuesday

8:00 am - 6:00 pm

Wednesday

8:00 am - 6:00 pm

Thursday

8:00 am - 6:00 pm

Friday

8:00 am - 6:00 pm

Saturday

Closed

Sunday

Closed

Monday
8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Tuesday
8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Wednesday
8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Thursday
8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Friday
8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Saturday
Closed
Sunday
Closed