Thunder and lightning, fireworks, loud trash trucks, a tree falling, a car crash… many loud noises are beyond a pet owner’s control.  Many pets are afraid of these noises and it can be stressful to watch them have such fear. It can also be difficult to keep them safe.

While we can’t stop those noises from scaring our pets, we can take steps to help calm our pets and keep them secured. Through experiences with clients and our own dogs, animal education, and instruction from our vet partners, we drafted the following list to help your pet during times of loud noises:

1. Microchip those babies!  If a pet is spooked and escapes, you want to get them back as soon as possible.  Pets that are turned in as strays at vet’s offices and animal shelters will be scanned for a microchip to find their owners. If your dog is a candidate for safely wearing a collar, or a breakaway collar, consider dressing them with one with your info on it. During times of natural disasters, we have even sharpie’d pet owner info on dogs who cannot wear collars.

2. Some pets may receive comfort for a snug-fitting garment like a Thundershirt. You may make your own, the idea is to have the pup swaddled like an infant.

3. Mask loud noises. White noise, classical music, even football or hockey games may be a decent alternative to fireworks! 

4. Pretend nothing is going on. It is difficult to not coo and baby a scared animal, but that can often make them more worried.  It’s like they’re thinking “Oh no, mom is worried so it must be worse than I thought!”

5. Keep yourself calm. This is related to the previous one, but important to note. If you have anxiety, you can trigger anxiety in your pets.

6. Anxiety medication for your pets. Your veterinarian can prescribe an anxiety medication to help your pet stay calm. 

7. Provide a safe place. Dogs go missing during 4th of July more than any other holiday of the year. New Year’s is close-to-follow. This can look like a kennel with a blanket over it, if your pup is kennel-trained, or a separate closet or bathroom within your home. Be sure to keep an eye on doors, because again, loud noises equate dogs who bolt!

Be safe this holiday season. Please reach out if we can help with your pet sitting or dog walking needs, and be sure to check out our new services for 2024. 

Carla and Team Tally Lassie Pets