Canada Day and other celebrations with family and friends make summertime extra special, but parades, fireworks, barbecues, and seasonal storms create plenty of noise, which can trigger pet anxiety for our animal companions.

Not to worry! With a bit of advanced planning and helpful hints from our caring team, balancing summer fun with the need to keep our pets comfy is a walk in the park.

Noise Phobia in Pets

Noise phobia in pets, or an extreme fear of loud or unexpected sounds, is relatively common, particularly in dogs. Studies suggest that up to 40% of dogs may experience some level of noise sensitivity or fear, with fireworks, thunderstorms, and loud machinery being common triggers. Cats can also display noise phobia, though it tends to be less frequently reported or studied compared to dogs.

Trembling, hiding, panting, pacing, destructive behavior, or attempts to escape are telltale signs of nose phobia in pets. It's an issue that often goes unnoticed until the fear becomes severe.

Products that Provide Relief for Pet Anxiety

If pet anxiety is a concern, there are treatments and calming aids that can help, including the following:

• Thundershirts help take the bite out of pet anxiety by providing pressure-based relief.
• Among the most popular products for calming pets are pheromone diffusers and sprays like FELIWAY for cats and ADAPTIL for dogs.
• If extreme pet anxiety is impacting your precious pet’s quality of life, prescription medications are available that can curb noise phobia in pets.

Strategies for Calming Pets When Gatherings Get Loud

Besides products that offer anxiety relief, there are practical measures you can take at home that are helpful for calming pets. Try these tips:

• Leave pets at home when attending festivals or other gatherings. As tempting as it is to share celebrations with your furry family members, the most stress-free environment for your pet is at home sweet home.
• Keep pets indoors, and avoid walking the dog after dark on nights when firework displays are scheduled or if other large gatherings are nearby.
• Create a safe haven in your home where your pet can escape from loud noises stemming from thunderstorms, fireworks, or parties. Make sure there’s a cozy bed, food and water, and your pet’s favorite toys. Keep the lighting low for ultimate cozy vibes.
• If you typically have the television on or listen to music, these familiar sounds in the midst of a storm can give your pet a feeling of “business as usual.”
• When loud noises are present, talk to your pet using a reassuring voice, and provide your pet’s favorite form of comfort care, whether it’s being groomed, snuggled, or gently petted.

Summertime is a great time for gathering with friends and family, and with a little extra care, we can manage pet anxiety and make every moment safe and joyful for the pets in our lives. Please contact us for more help with calming pets or if it’s time for your pet’s checkup.