The weather is warming up and we are all getting ready for a fun‬ and eventful summer season! This also means that it is‬ firework‬ season ‬– now is the time to pre-plan for keeping your pet calm‬ and fear free BEFORE the festivities.‬

Many pets are petrified of fireworks, and it’s no wonder why; no‬ one tells our best friends that these incredibly loud, sudden, and‬ unexplained “bangs” are supposed to be a celebration, not an‬ attack.‬

There are many options for pets to help make these holiday times‬ happier times! Make sure to ask Dr. Oliver and her team for‬ guidance in planning what options may be best for your pet.

General environmental adjustments can be made for your pet,‬ especially if an unplanned event occurs:

• Keep your pet in a more “soundproof” area‬ of the home – basement or centre room of the‬ home (without windows).
• Have a radio or TV on.
• Make sure to have favourite toys or food/treat‬ dispensers, “lick mats”, “snuffle mats”, etc.
• Use a pheromone diffuser, like Adaptil for dogs or Feliway for‬ cats, to provide calming effects.
• Try to keep your routine as normal as possible – you don’t‬ want to add more stress. Spend time/play with your pet(s).‬

There are many non-prescription products that are available for‬ pets that are safe to use daily, or along with other anti-anxiety‬ medications/therapies. Here are some common products we use:

• Zylkene‬: Contains hydrolyzed milk protein, an ingredient that‬ has been shown to have calming properties. Available in a‬ capsule or chewable treat for dogs & cats.
• Composure Pro‬: A treat for dogs/cats that contains‬ colostrum, L-theanine, Thiamine (Vitamin B1) and‬ L-tryptophan, which all provide a relaxing effect for your pet.
• Thera-Bites Mellows‬: A chewable treat for dogs & cats‬ that contains colostrum, L-theanine, Valerian root,‬ DHA, & EPA.
• A‬ “ThunderShirt”‬: Like swaddling an infant, the‬ ThunderShirt applies gentle, constant pressure to calm‬ all types of anxiety, fear, and over-excitement issues.‬ Available for cats & dogs.

Be safe – “just in case”:

• Keep an ID collar on your pet.
• Have your pet microchipped and ensure it is registered and‬ your information is up to date.
• Always have your dog on a leash if outdoors for a walk.
• Keep doors/windows/yard gates closed.

Start early - Be Prepared!‬ As most fireworks happen around‬ holidays, ensure you have discussed your options with Dr. Oliver‬ and have a plan for your pet‬. Contact us to refill your pet’s‬ “calming” prescriptions or supplements ahead of time‬, in case‬ we are closed or have reduced hours.

‬