If you’ve ever had a nonhuman animal for a friend, you’ll know that they can become a part of the family. And for those of us who love and care for them, it’s deeply distressing to be powerless as we watch them shaking and panting for hours during New Year or Fourth of July celebrations, petrified by the sounds of fireworks.
After one particularly loud Fourth of July here at our Hawaii center, one of our neighbors reported her dog having suffered from a life-threatening stroke. After a full night of paralysis, the vet was on his way to put the poor boy to sleep. It was a miracle when her canine friend recovered just in time to be spared receiving a merciful lethal injection. It’s hard to imagine how heartbreaking that night must have been for the dog’s caregiver.
There have been some years when our neighborhood has sounded like nothing less than a battle zone, and the psychological assault has gone on for many hours, well beyond midnight. The disturbance of the peace can be a tremendous strain on some humans, especially certain elderly folks, and our veterans who suffer from PTSD.
In addition to the impact it has on certain humans, it’s simply devastating for nonhuman animals, who have no understanding of what’s causing these terrifying sounds and vibrations. This is true for the free-living animal population, as well as those who live in our homes, or on our land.
From S.L. Prewitt, Dog Psychology Expert:
“The biochemical response releases a flood of stress, fear and anxiety hormones: testosterone, adrenaline and cortisol.
The surge of this cocktail of hormones increases blood pressure, heart and respiratory rates, triggering one or a combination of the following behaviors: flight, fight, freeze or submit. In all cases the animal experiences traumatic stress injury to the neurology of the brain and central nervous system, resulting in the following:
Flight: desperately trying to flee the noise source
Fight: standing ground and barking towards the noise
Freeze: going into shock and unable to move
Submit: collapsing to the ground
In extreme cases some animals may suffer seizures or heart attacks. The specific behavioral response depends on a combination of the individual animal’s genetics, environmental influences and life experience, but all suffer traumatic stress injury.
For those among us who do have dogs and cats in the house, it’s important to make a plan beforehand so that you can be prepared in advance, rather than waiting to see how your friend responds to the sounds. If this isn’t their first time, you’ll have an idea of how he or she reacts, so you can plan accordingly.
We have found that our dogs respond best to a kennel or crate (covered with a blanket or towel) in the most noise-insulated room of the house. If you don’t have a kennel or crate, finding a way to mimic one is another option, such as by hanging a blanket over a desk or table. Covering the windows or finding another way to limit their view of the flashing lights also seems to be necessary. We add some gentle music and a fan to help drown out the sounds. We also use a small amount of melatonin to help our girls stay calm, but it’s important to know the correct dose, so we suggest asking your vet if you want to use that approach. We have found that we need to use ALL of these strategies in combination, otherwise our girls are terrified from the first ‘boom’ until well after all the noise has quietened down.
Many experts also suggest vigorous exercise earlier in the day to burn off excess energy that might later convert to anxiety, and some suggest covering your dog or cat with a blanket, and/or providing a durable chew item, as some animals find that it provides an outlet for their anxiety.
Some products on the market that can help:
- CBD: Give pets CBD chews or oil before the fireworks start. CBD products made specifically for dogs and cats can help generate a sense of calm. We suggest using an organic brand whenever possible.
- ThunderShirt: This product fits like a snug T-shirt and uses gentle pressure to encourage calm. Different animals respond differently to the ThunderShirt, so it’s best to teach them to wear it during a non-stressful time. Some will never get used to it, and some just pull it off with their teeth!
- Calming music: You can purchase calming CDs and collections that use soothing music and sounds to help ease anxiety. Through a Dog’s Ear is one company, but there are also tracks on YouTube that last several hours. Try searching for ‘calming music for dogs.’
When fireworks start, some animals immediately seek out a hiding place. You can help them to find a dark, windowless place to wait out the noise. Providing comfort can help, but if they ignore your attention, it’s best to let them be alone. Some prefer to simply hunker down, and if that’s the case, you should check periodically to make sure they’re okay.
Some have success with desensitization and counter-conditioning, using CDs of fireworks, thunderstorms or city sounds that create fear and anxiety. These types of CDs are available from Through a Dog’s Ear. YouTube is also a good source. You begin by playing the CD softly and then gradually increase the volume. Providing a long-lasting, enticing treat while playing the CD or video can help generate a more positive emotional response to the noise.
For those who have a severe reaction to fireworks, some find success by enlisting the help of a relationship-based dog trainer or behavior consultant.
Even if your animal doesn’t show any signs that let you know they are suffering it’s possible that these animals are simply internalizing the stress, which can also have devastating effects in the form of physical disease and post traumatic stress disorders.
Here in Gentle World, our animals suffered for years until we eventually discovered the approach that we outlined above, so we know that there are methods that can help! Whatever your friends’ reaction is, finding a way to minimize the impact of fireworks is an essential part of caring for the nonhumans in our lives.
Wishing all our readers a safe, happy New Year, and a peaceful celebration with those you love.
