It is that time of year when many people like to shoot off fireworks, have parties with loud music, and just enjoy celebrating the start of a new year. Of course, all of these festivities come with a great deal of noise that can be very frightening to your pet. There are ways to treat noise anxiety without prescription drugs from your vet.
I remember my oldest schnauzer, which passed on 4 years ago, would begin the nervous shaking at the first crack of a firecracker. Once I realized what was happening, I immediately sought advice to deal with his noise anxiety. The following are the tips I received and worked well with controlling his emotional state.
Create a safe place
Find a spot in the house that your pet is comfortable in and that is quiet. It may be a bathroom that is toward the middle of the house and has no windows to the outside. This can block the noise. Set up a bed or crate in this area and allow your pet to rest quietly in his safe place. Your pet may find his own safe place by crawling under a bed or table or crawling into a closet. If he calms down once he has found his space, leave him alone. He’ll come out when he is ready.
Cover him up
This worked great with my schnauzer when there was a thunderstorm. I would simply put a sheet over him and he calmed right down. If you try this with your pet, just make sure he is able to breathe freely.
Turn on an alternate noise
Your pet is probably already comfortable with the TV or radio, so turning one or the other on and increasing the volume may drown out the noise that is causing the anxiety. This is a great tool to use if you are not going to be home during the loud festivities. Leave the TV or radio on for your pet while you are out to lessen the possibility of an anxiety attack.
Act Normal
Don’t make over your pet during his anxiety attack. This will only send the message to your pet to continue this behavior. Find the calming solution and then leave your pet alone. Act as though the noise is normal. Your pet will take the cue from you.
Happy New Year to all of you and a fun and rewarding one with your best furry friend!
