Summer Sounds: Funfilled or Full of Fear

Fourth of July fireworks, thunderstorms, and fun-filled family events are true sounds of summer for many of us. Yet these sounds and events can often lead to anxiety and potentially harmful scenarios for our pets. Here are a few suggestions to help you help your furry companions feel safer this summer.

• Dogs of all sizes and breeds can suffer from thunderstorm phobias which can escalate to destructive behavior. Some dogs may begin by trembling, drooling, or pacing. Others are so fearful they try to hide or break away and run. All are symptoms and if not addressed can develop into more severe issues.
  • Talk with your veterinarian or a holistic veterinarian about treatment options, which may include diet and exercise along with natural medicines and/or prescriptive therapies.
  • Over-the-counter herbal, homeopathic and many other natural remedies are now available and can be appropriate for short term use. Make sure to use only products created for pets, unless directed by your veterinarian or an herbalist specializing in animal care.
  • Many canine trainers with experience in anxiety behaviors can be a great resource for guidance with managing your dog’s behavior in anticipation of a situation. 
  • Understand that health issues, changes in the home environment and family dynamics, and even diet, can contribute to fear and phobia issues. 
     
• Cats do not appreciate change. Schedule changes, family vacations or a house full of guests can traumatize a cat. Cats show stress by hiding, possibly becoming aggressive, escalating to more severe conditions such as setting off a urinary tract inflammation-not to mention a fearful escape.
  • With any household changes try to maintain your cat’s schedule as much as possible-including meals and types of food, litter types and box cleanings, and playtime.
  • When going on vacation, plan for a pet sitter to check in and feed them at least once a day. Leaving a cat to fend for itself with a canister of dry food and a water dish can lead to potential health and safety risks.
  • Because stress in considered one of the leading causes of urinary tract disorders, learn the warning signs and contact your veterinarian or an emergency clinic immediately if you think your cat may be in distress. Warning signs can include house-soiling, frequent and non-productive trips to the litter, crying while in the litter box or being picked up, and obsessive cleaning after litter box trips.
  • Just as with dogs, there are natural medicines available to help with stress levels but be sure to use formulas specific to cats. Remember to discuss all therapies with your veterinarian to make sure there is no conflict with current medications. 
     
• While it’s a natural instinct to coddle and soothe when your animal is scared and fearful, they may not respond as you’ve come to expect:
  • Seclude pets that are stressed by visitors in an isolated room with familiar bedding, fresh water, a litter box, and a few treats-separating them from commotion and preventing an accidental slip out the door.
  • Remember to take care with handling them to prevent injury to yourself or them.
  • Check out trainer and behaviorist Patricia McConnell’s recent posting on her blog on whether to comfort or not to comfort a panicky dog: http://www.theotherendoftheleash.com/category/thunder-phobia-in-dogs/

 With these simple precautions, you and your furry companions will enjoy a safe and healthy summer!

With so many natural remedies available, which one should you choose? As discussed earlier, use those only for companion animals and species specific, unless guided by your veterinarian or someone trained in holistic therapies for animals.        

• • Homeopathics - fast-acting, easy to administer, can be used for cats and dogs.
    • Homeopet TFLN or Travel Anxiety
    • Simple Medicinals Anti-Anxiety
    • Dr. Goodpet CalmStress
  • Herbal Formulas - most start to work within 30 minutes, longer acting option, and can be used for more destructive behaviors.
    • Animals’ Apawthecary’s Tranquility Blend
    • World Herbs for Pets Pet Calm
    • Herbsmith Calm Anxiety
  • Flower Essences - easy to administer. . .  even with cats.
    • Spirit Essence Stress Stopper or Holiday Stress Stopper
    • Bach Rescue Remedy
    • Anaflora Tranquility
  • Diffusers and aerosols - easy to use, species specific.
    • Comfort Zone spray and/or atomizer for dogs or cats
    • AromaDog Chillout and AromaCat CatNap