How to keep pets comfortable during Canada Day fireworks

Canada Day is finally here, and with it comes an exciting spectacle of fireworks for all to enjoy.

However, those rockets ripping through the air can also be stress-inducing and terrifying for our four-legged family members.

Dozens of pets become lost or injured because they are spooked by fireworks during Canada Day festivities, with many humane societies cautioning pet owners to be mindful of their dogs or cats.

The Calgary Humane Society (CHS) is no different in this regard, as Jenna Kardel, the manager of communications with the society, has some important tips for pet owners.

She tells CityNews owners will be able to tell how cats or dogs are feeling through their body language, like through hackles, the hair at the back of a pet’s head rising upwards.

“You’ll notice these kinds of like changes in behaviour that demonstrate to you that something’s not right, that they’re not feeling comfortable,” Kardel said.

But one of the most common signs of anxiety is trying to escape the sound by running to a bathroom or basement.

“Keeping them inside is definitely the number one thing that’s going to help,” Kardel said.

“You don’t want to put them in unfamiliar spaces and whatnot, especially if you know that this is going to make them anxious.”

Kardel recommends owners muffle the noise by turning on the TV or a white noise machine and distracting them with toys.

“If they’re going to the basement or if you live in a high rise, like the bathroom, that can be a really good spot because you can’t hear and see the fireworks as well,” she said.

“Depending on if they’re amenable to it, they might get a lot out of getting something like a food puzzle, or a long chew toy just to distract them for a little bit.”

She also says some pets, just like us, would like some comfort while stressed or anxious.

“You’ll get a sense of what kind of things your animal wants when they’re in need of comfort,” she said.

“Some animals, like humans, want to be petted. They want to be snuggled, they want to be comforted. And if that’s the case, and if you think you can do that, then go for it.”

Of course, she also says “some pets are not going to care.”

“I know my cat at home has no cares to give on things such as this. It’s like he has no idea it’s happening,” she said.

Kardel also says some might not want that comfort at all, choosing instead to deal with the stress on their own.

“Some animals … will make it pretty clear that they don’t want to be held and they don’t want their human around. They want to go through this alone. And if that’s the case, as well, then it’s important that we respect that boundary.”