December festivities bring a lot of joy and family togetherness to most households; however, as is customary, this season involves the use of fireworks — a tradition that negatively impacts nature and its animals, as happens with pets, most of whom are seriously affected and stunned, since the sounds of the explosions, the vibration, the lights, and the smells of these devices cause them stress, fear, confusion, and anxiety; hence the need to protect our furry companions from the physical and emotional harm fireworks cause them, as well as to spread the right information to help us prepare and support their well-being during this season. At Siu, our line of flower essences like the Peace and Calm formula offers multiple benefits when it comes to fear of loud noises — remember that flower therapy doesn't only treat disturbed emotional states, since the stress associated with fear and anxiety can lead to risks for our pets' physical health and behavior.
That's why reactions to these events can vary in each furry friend; however, most dogs suffer from freezing, show avoidance behaviors — that is, uncontrolled escape attempts and hiding, putting their life at risk in the attempt to flee — trembling, continuous panting, and in some cases drooling, rapid heartbeat, intense vocalizations, involuntary urination or defecation, as well as abnormal body postures. Other behaviors frequently associated with this response are destructiveness, hyperactivity, a state of alertness, and gastrointestinal disorders. In cats, the most frequent signs are trying to hide or escape and not appearing for days. The point is that many of these responses can be severe enough to endanger our furry friends' well-being, as cases of death from heart failure due to exposure to these devices have been documented.
That's why at Siu, we want to help your furry friends better manage these emotions and lessen the impact of fireworks during this season, through these tips:
- Create a safe space or zone:
- It's recommended to close doors and windows to reduce the loud noise of fireworks. Also cover the gaps under doors with blankets or towels, so the noise stays more isolated.
- Give them a shelter spot (a covered crate) with everything they need, like food, water, a litter box (cats), and their favorite toys.
- Try not to leave them alone, since your company will help them feel safer.
- If your furry friend hides somewhere when they hear the fireworks, leave them be and don't try to pull them out.
- If your pet becomes anxious, don't scold or lock them up. Play with them and their favorite toys to help distract them.
- It's not a good idea to hug them or shower them with affection during these moments, as that reinforces their fears. (Unless they signal that they want affection.)
- You can also put cotton plugs in their ears, only during the fireworks event.
- Avoid using tranquilizing or sedative drugs — this only worsens distress, intensifies and sharpens the senses, while preventing movement, which worsens your furry friend's fear.
- Implement natural therapies (flower therapy, aromatherapy, music therapy, nutraceuticals)
- Using flower essences helps harmonize and generate well-being in our furry friends — the ideal flower essences in these cases are walnut, chamomile, impatiens, and sweet chestnut.
- You can also use lavender essential oil (in a diffuser or applied to their bed or resting areas, even on their collar or bandana).
- Play relaxing music at high volume to try to muffle the sound of the fireworks. Search online for relaxing music options for animals. https://open.spotify.com/artist/2uKCBebYLKMNg9VJZqqGF4
- Apply the Tellington TTouch method: This involves wrapping a cloth or scarf around the animal's torso to simulate a hug. This stimulates blood circulation in their body, releasing tension and reducing trembling. https://co.pinterest.com/pin/158048268163935973/
- Chamomile and lemon balm tea are excellent for
stressful moments — these medicinal plants provide calming, relaxing benefits since they act as natural anxiolytics. To prepare it, boil water, then take the part of the chamomile with the most flowers, add a handful of both plants, and let steep for 4-6 minutes, then strain the water and the tea is ready — store it and add 1-2 tablespoons 2-3 times a day to your furry friends' food, ideally 3-4 days before events with fireworks.
- Use collars or diffusers with pheromones — check with your vet on which brand to use.
- Nutraceuticals with a high content of L-tryptophan support serotonin production, which increases calm — consult your vet about brands like: calmiforz, calming bites, calming. Likewise, homeopathic products like Passival-Les, a medication based on valerian and passionflower, provide excellent natural calming action for our furry friends. All of these should be discussed with your regular veterinarian.
- Exercise and play
- Take your dog for a walk so they get plenty of exercise and can burn off that energy, so that by the time the fireworks start they're somewhat tired.
- Look for scent-based cognitive exercises (snuffle mats, cognitive games for dogs) or licking activities (anti-stress mats) — these will help them shift focus away from the stressful event.
Let's understand that these recommendations won't eliminate or remove the phobias or the fear and stress fireworks cause our furry friends — reducing these phobias requires behavioral work and habituation to these noises. However, these are some strategies that help lessen the negative impact on their mental and physical health during this season. Let's stand by them through the process and address our furry friends' phobias with patience and affection.