Preparing pets for fireworks
If you live in the US, you might be preparing for our July 4th holiday this Thursday.
Many people start celebrating days before and continue days after. How do they like to celebrate? Maybe on a boat on the lake, with friends, music and drinks, lots of food, a parade, but mostly with fireworks.
I really enjoy fireworks! The yearly firework shows pull tons of people to gather in one spot and people look forward to them every year.
Who doesn't like them? The pets that fear them and maybe their people. Totally understand!
It’s a common fear for animals to be afraid of thunderstorms and fireworks. My dog doesn’t like it when loud and large trucks pass us on the street during our walks. All of these things are challenging!
When there is a large boom or if there is a storm it is a natural instinct for pets to go and hide and seek shelter. If they don’t feel they can hide or that their hiding isn’t effective to avoid the big booms, they will run.
Have you ever observed herd animals? When there is a loud noise or something of interest, all eyes turn towards that noise. Seeking the source so that they can use the information to respond.
Some things they ask themselves are:
Is it moving? Closer or further away? Is it a herd mate? How big is it? Have we seen this before? Can we escape it if we need to? How do we all feel about this?
They use this info to respond and will choose to ignore it if it’s not a threat or choose to run if it is.
The trouble is when our dogs and cats do not have the ability to find the source of the noise. They usually don’t see the fireworks out the window and they can’t see the booming thunder. Even when they see the big scary truck passing by they are assessing and using their view of it to make a choice.
Not seeing the danger but feeling/hearing it creates unease. They don’t know what’s happening or where it is, what it is, and they don’t know how to respond. It creates a fear that goes unsoothed until they feel it is over. And some pets don’t relax until a long while after the source of the fear is gone.
Moving from fear to calm happens over time and through practice in a confident, supported environment. We can create that environment by creating a plan. Read on for help on this :)
I am fortunate that my animals don’t care too much about the fireworks. We have set small ones off at our house and they have been out there with us enjoying them.
I have also met and have worked with countless animals (and with many of you lovely people in sessions) on how to help our animals through fears or anxieties and how to prepare our pets and ourselves for them. Fireworks included.
So here’s a bit of the advice.
1) Prepare in advance.
Starting today, talk with your animals. The ones that fear the fireworks and the ones that don’t and let them know that this week will most likely be full of the fireworks and their noises.
Tell them that they will mostly come when it gets dark. Tell them that they will most likely be for a few hours.
Tell them where you will be (with them, out celebrating), how they are in no danger.
Tell them all the details you can (why we celebrate with them, what they are, why people like them) so that they understand what the “danger” is and that they are safe with you.
The more details the better. I like to give a countdown after our initial info convo such as “In three sleeps (nights) the main firework night is here, in two sleeps… tonight the fireworks…”
This helps them know the timing a bit better in a way they can better understand. (our animals may understand 6pm as dinner time but might not understand a specific time of day. Giving them a nature cue such as day/night time, after/before dinner, the moon phase even, dark/light, sleeps, can help)
2) Have a plan.
Will your animals be safely inside? Horses in their stalls or out on pasture? (it depends, most horses need space to move to feel comfortable, some horses find comfort in the barn the most)
Make sure doors are shut and windows are shut.
Tire them out during the day with quality exercise that works their brain and body so that they will be worn out and have less bottled up energy to put into fear.
Make sure that they wear collars with your address and contact info in case they do get loose.
Plan if you will be with them or not, plan on if you will play music or the tv when the fireworks start.
Diffuse a lavender pet safe essential oil? (Don't use essential oils directly on your pet, even if they are labeled "pet safe". Our pets are sensitive!)
Make sure they have gone to the bathroom well before it starts to get dark, maybe feed them a bit earlier so they have time to go poop.
Shut curtains so they don’t see the lights?
Are you giving them a relaxing supplement? Something from your vet if it's really needed? Are you putting ear protection on them? (some people try this but remember that if the fireworks are nearby they might feel the vibrations of the house and this may unsettle them too)
Get a plan and have everyone on the same page.
3) Get fucking calm.
I understand that your pets are scared and you feel bad for them or are feeling upset about the fireworks. I understand that this can even make you feel angry and for some of you feel salty towards the people wanting to celebrate with fireworks.
Yes people can be stupid with fireworks because people can make stupid choices. It drives me crazy too.
Here’s the truth, this is the US and this is July 4th, meaning I seriously doubt the fireworks will ever quit and disappear. So do what you can with what you got. Move on because your animals can feel what you feel. So if you are scared or guilty or bitchy about them happening then that won’t help them find calm. Choose a better use of your energy!
Choose to see this as an opportunity to practice your calm and confidence and share that with your pets. Choose to think calmly and steer your mind to a good outcome.
They are looking to you so pick how you want to lead them.
Over time their fears can be worked with, there are many ways to support our pets and as each one is different they will need different types of support. In an animal communication session we can figure out how to best help your pet specifically so that they can improve each time.
When my dogs are scared of something, whether it’s a plastic bag or a truck going by, I acknowledge their fear but I don’t make it worse.
When that truck goes by and Mila starts side stepping into me or starts to hunch her body, I continue walking and stay relaxed and say something like, “yeah that’s a big damn truck, it’ll roll right by, you’re doing so good, nice job” and she listens and hears/feels my calm and we go on our way. Maybe I put myself between her and the truck. Maybe we change our path a bit to add some distance but not in avoidance. I create an environment based on what she needs in that moment. She feels my ease and confidence and responds because we have built that trust.
Fireworks aren’t a truck quickly passing by, they can last a while, I get that. But the same idea can be applied.
I am all for giving comfort to your pets but for fucks sake, don’t give them comfort and then end up pouring your own upset feelings onto them. Get fucking calm first.
Remember, we pet them and find comfort, we pet them and our worries go away. They act as our rock. And now that they are scared WE get to be their rock. They are looking to you on how to respond to the “danger” so be calm and centered, have a plan, and show them how to cope.
Helping your pets through their fears is possible! You can do this!
If want to have the tools to communicate clearer with your pet and help them through every part of life then check out my course Animal Communication Integration where you can learn how to communicate effectively and with confidence.
Making it easy to help them with their fears and stay centered in your own energy.