BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB) – Experts are sharing tips to keep pets calm during fireworks on New Year’s Eve.
According to the Humane Society of Louisiana, the loud sounds and bright lights of fireworks can create a huge amount of anxiety for dogs and cats.
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In some cases, pets will hide in a corner or dark room and will even jump over or climb under fences to get to safety.
The following tips to lower anxiety were released by the Human Society of Louisiana:
- Bring your pets inside. If left outside, many will attempt to escape and often injure themselves in the process.
- Stay home with your pet or get a family member or even a pet sitter to spend time with them.
- Take your pet for a long walk before the fireworks start to wear them out.
- Turn on classic or soothing music, a fan, a television, or air purifiers to drown out the outside noise.
- Make a cozy cave-like area for pets, either in a closet or a kennel.
- Give them a mild vet-approved sedative if needed or over-the-counter calming products sold at most pet stores.
- Diffusers can be used to distribute pheromones into the air. Pheromones contain natural calming properties.
- Purchase and put on “anxiety shirts” (also known as thunder shirts). They apply mild pressure to the dog’s core, which they find reassuring.
- Give pets plenty of toys and treats to keep them occupied.
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