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Pet Article
DOGS, CATS AND ANXIETY
Whilst some animals may not notice, some cats and dogs will hide or act in strange ways should
they hear loud, strange noises. Some cats and dogs can become really scared and experience
extreme anxitey attacks. Some cats and dogs may even hurt themselves.
Many cats and dogs experience anxiety during certain times of the year, like during the
Summer when we experience thunder storms, or on the 4th July when humans are celebrating and
letting off fireworks and the likes. It is quite normal for a dog or cat to hide when it
hears loud noises. As a pet owner you should not confine your dog or cat to small spaces
at times when they may be experiencing anxiety, they need to be kept in a comfortable
environment, one that they know so they can be reassured.
For those dogs and cats that are usually fearful only during the summer months when noises
such as thunder and fireworks mark the season. If you can't reassure and calm your pet,
then a tranquilizer is an option that may help most animals feel less anxious during a
thunderstorm or fireworks display.
However, for some animals, loud noises can cause severe panic. Dogs have been known to jump
through plate glass windows, tear things up, and even mutilate themselves when they hear
fireworks, thunder, or even a fire engine siren. Pet Ooners of extremely anxious animals
are usually aware that their pets get pretty nervous around loud noises, so they should try
to plan ahead for the Fourth of July.
A dog that consistently goes out of control whenever he hears loud noises may have an
anxiety disorder. In the case of a very anxious dog, one option is to try a
tricyclic antidepressant. You want to prevent the dog from hurting himself or your
property.
Besides the clamor and din that may scare your pet, some other Fourth of July festivities
can harm pets too. People who light their own fireworks should be extremely cautious
around animals. The gun powder in firecrackers and bottle rockets is potentially toxic to
pets if they eat it. Also, there is always a danger of a dog or cat getting
hurt or burned if fireworks are accidentally shot at them.
Your local veterinarian can give you more information about how to prepare your pet for a
safe and enjoyable Fourth of July.
Mark Woodcock
1 Flea Control
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