My Pet World: Helping pets feel safe during fireworks – and age-related changes | My Pet World | Columns

As the Fourth of July approaches, many pet owners are already bracing for what can be one of the most stressful nights of the year for animals.

While fireworks may be festive for people, for many pets they can sound frightening and unpredictable, triggering panic, trembling, pacing, hiding, barking, destructive behavior, or even attempts to escape.

In fact, animal shelters often see an increase in lost pets around the holiday because frightened animals bolt through doors, fences, or windows trying to flee the noise.

And it’s not just dogs that struggle. Cats, rabbits, birds, and even horses and livestock can become highly stressed during fireworks. Some pets may stop eating, refuse to go outside, shake uncontrollably, or hide for hours after the noise has ended. Because fireworks often continue for days before and after the holiday, many animals experience prolonged stress during this time of year.

One of the best things pet owners can do is plan ahead.

Keep pets indoors well before fireworks begin, and make sure collars, ID tags, and microchip information are current in case an escape occurs. Walk dogs earlier in the evening before neighborhood fireworks ramp up. Create a quieter “safe space” inside the home with familiar bedding, toys, or blankets where pets can retreat and feel secure. Closing blinds or curtains and using fans, televisions, calming music, or white noise may also help soften the sound of fireworks outside.

It’s also important to remember that every pet responds differently. Some dogs become clingy and want reassurance, while others prefer to hide alone. Cats often seek small, enclosed spaces where they feel protected. Try not to force interaction if your pet wants space but remain calm and reassuring. Our own anxiety can sometimes increase a pet’s stress level.

For pets with severe noise anxiety, talk with your veterinarian before the holiday arrives. Anti-anxiety medications, calming supplements, pheromone products, anxiety wraps, or behavior strategies may help some animals cope more comfortably. And while social media often shares well-meaning advice about “just exposing pets to fireworks,” flooding an already fearful pet with loud noises can sometimes make anxiety worse rather than better.

Most importantly, remember that pets are not “misbehaving” when they panic during fireworks. They are responding to fear. A little preparation, patience, and compassion can go a long way toward helping pets feel safer during the holiday.

Dear Cathy,

My son has a 13-year-old Maltese/Yorkie mix female. A few months ago, she would have occasional messes. Now it is at least three times per day. Sometimes, she will do it right in front of them and after going outside. Her vet says she is healthy. She is obviously ruining their carpets. A friend suggests she has dementia and is forgetting to ask to be let out. Any ideas why this might be happening?

— Mary, Frankfort, Illinois

Dear Mary,

At 13 years old, your son’s Maltese/Yorkie mix is considered a senior dog, so it’s understandable to wonder whether age-related changes could be contributing to this behavior. While canine cognitive dysfunction – often compared to dementia in people – is one possibility, there are actually several things that can cause a previously house-trained senior dog to begin having accidents indoors.

The first thing I would encourage is another conversation with the veterinarian, especially since the accidents have increased from occasional to multiple times a day. “Healthy” can sometimes mean that major illnesses were ruled out, but senior dogs can still develop issues such as decreased bladder control, urinary tract infections, gastrointestinal problems, arthritis that makes getting outside difficult, hormone-related incontinence, vision or hearing loss, anxiety, or cognitive decline. Dogs with cognitive dysfunction may seem confused, forget routines, wander, stare into space, sleep differently, or forget to signal when they need to go outside. Some dogs simply lose awareness of where they are supposed to eliminate.

It may also help to pay attention to whether the accidents are urine, stool, or both, and whether they happen at certain times of day. Keeping a simple log for a week can sometimes reveal patterns that help the veterinarian narrow things down.

In the meantime, management will be important. More frequent potty breaks, especially after eating, sleeping, or playing, may help. Some families also find success with washable potty pads, blocking access to carpeted rooms, or using baby gates to keep senior dogs closer by where changes in behavior are easier to notice.

Most importantly, try not to view this as a training problem or stubbornness. Senior dogs often need a little extra patience and support as their bodies and minds change with age.

_____

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(Cathy M. Rosenthal is a longtime animal advocate, author, columnist and pet expert who has more than 25 years in the animal welfare field. Send your pet questions, stories and tips to cathy@petpundit.com. Please include your name, city, and state. You can follow her @cathymrosenthal.)