Critter Buzz: Fourth of July can be anxious time for many animals

Summer is a fun time for dogs and owners alike, but the Fourth of July has become notorious for causing anxiety in many of our canine friends.

Anxiety caused by loud noises is quite common and can result in animal behaviors such as desperately trying to hide, destroying property and escaping from yards, only to get lost. At the Lawrence Humane Society, we see an influx of lost dogs each year following the holiday that panicked and fled their yards when hearing the loud pops and cracks of fireworks.

Fourth of July can be an anxious time for dogs and other animals.

Microchip clinic

More pets go missing on the Fourth of July than any other time of the year. Nationally, there is an increase in lost pets of 30 to 60 percent during the holiday. Unfortunately, only 14 percent of lost pets are reunited with their owners. The best way to ensure that your pet is returned to you is to have it microchipped.

The Lawrence Humane Society is hosting a microchip clinic June 27-July 4 to offer this service at a reduced cost to community members: the cost will be $10 per animal, and includes registration in a national database. No appointments are necessary, and the shelter is open 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week.

If you know a loud event is coming, be it a thunderstorm or Fourth of July fireworks, the best way to spare your pet from the anxiety of the event is to remove him or her from the environment, if possible. Putting your anxious pet into an interior room of the house with the television or radio on can be just the antidote for a loud fireworks display.

Your presence may also be reassuring and could provide additional distraction from all of the loud activity going on outside. In addition, you can provide a diversion that may be beneficial for many dogs. This could be a favorite toy, a new toy, or even a toy that releases a treat when the dog interacts with it in the correct way.

Experts also believe that pressure on the body has a calming effect on the nervous system, and there are special jackets called ThunderShirts dogs can wear that provide a comforting sense of stability during stressful times. These jackets can be a great help for animals dealing with any anxiety caused by loud noises. ThunderShirts can be purchased at most pet stores and are quite effective for helping with anxiety for many dogs.

You may need help from a licensed behaviorist for some dogs with severe anxiety so that you can learn how to manage it best. In some extreme cases, when none of these methods work, it’s time to seek help from your local veterinarian.

Although drug therapy is not for everyone, certain anti-anxiety drugs can be good for some animals. Some animals medicate just prior to or during an anxiety-inducing event, while other dogs may experience anxiety that is so severe they need to be on medication all the time.

It is important for you to make sure your pet is in good health so be sure to have your veterinarian do a full physical examination prior to starting any medication.

As always, NEVER give human medications to animals. Many can be toxic and life-threatening.

Never assume that an animal will grow out of a certain behavior. Waiting may give the behavior time to become a habit, which may be more difficult to change in the future. As soon as you start to see any behavior problem, you should seek help right away, ensuring that you and your pet have the best relationship possible.

— Jennifer Stone is the medical director and staff veterinarian at the Lawrence Humane Society. She has been a shelter veterinarian for more than a decade.