As pet owners, it’s crucial to prioritize the mental and physical health of our beloved companions. One of the most common causes of stress in pets is summer thunderstorms and fireworks. During these events, pets exhibit various behaviors that indicate fear and stress. When experiencing a thunderstorm or fireworks, pets may pant excessively, bark or howl, tremble, hide, or even become destructive. These behaviors can be alarming and cause stress to both the pet and the owner. So what can you do to help alleviate your furry friend’s stress during these situations?

Provide a Comfortable and Safe Space

It’s essential to create a comfortable and safe space for your pet during a thunderstorm or fireworks. Keep your pet indoors and away from windows. Consider creating a cozy space with their favorite toy, blanket, or bed in an interior room, preferably where they feel comfortable.

Play Calming Music

Just like humans, animals can be sensitive to noise. Providing calming music can help create a quiet, peaceful environment for your pet to help them relax, in addition to reducing the sounds of the booms outside.

Consider Products That Help Calm Pets

Various products are available in the market that can help calm pets during thunderstorms or fireworks. There are specific articles of clothing, such as calming wraps and shirts, which apply gentle pressure and offer a calming effect during stressful situations. Calming sprays, diffusers, and treats can help reduce anxiety and stress in pets. Make sure that the products you are using are pet-safe and specifically created for pets. Our veterinary team can provide guidance on items that may help in your pet’s specific situation.

Anticipate the “Booms”

Once you have a calm area set up for your pet, don’t forget to take time to prepare your pet in advance for the upcoming “booms”. Pay close attention to weather alerts and relocate your pet to their calming space BEFORE the noise begins. Similarly, be aware of local events which may be displaying fireworks over the next several weeks.

By making time spent in this calming space a positive one, rather than a stressful one, you can help your pet cope better in the future. Provide a special treat or toy when they’re there to make it an enjoyable experience.

Seek Help from a Veterinarian

In severe cases, pet parents may need to seek help from a veterinarian to reduce their pet’s stress levels. Vets can prescribe medications that help alleviate anxiety and provide advice on other methods that can help comfort and soothe pets during storms or fireworks.

Being proactive can go a long way in helping your pet feel safe and comfortable during the summer months. Keeping a close eye on their behaviors, providing a safe space, playing calming music, trying products that help calm pets, and seeking help if needed are all important steps to ensure your pet’s well-being.

Make sure to prioritize your pet’s mental health and well-being by taking the necessary steps to alleviate their stress during thunderstorms and fireworks. If you notice any signs of severe stress, don’t hesitate to seek help from our veterinary team.

One of the most rewarding things about being a pet owner is knowing that you’ve given an animal a loving home for the rest of their days. And what could be more rewarding than giving a senior pet a “new leash on life”? Senior pets are often passed over in favor of puppies and kittens, but they have so much to offer! Here are five reasons to consider adopting a senior pet today:

1. Senior pets are often already housebroken

When you adopt a senior pet, you’re getting an animal that is already accustomed to living in a home environment. This means they’re likely already housetrained and have experience interacting with people and other animals. This can be a big relief if you’re worried about dealing with accidents or bad habits, and it’s one less thing you’ll have to worry about as you settle your new pet into their new home.

Of course, depending on the pet, if they’ve not had training, you’ll still need to be prepared to do some work with them on things like learning to walk on a leash or getting used to a new routine. But overall, senior pets can be wonderful to transition into your home.

2. Senior pets are often calmer and less destructive

Puppies and kittens are notoriously active, which can lead to some destruction around the house as they explore their surroundings. Senior pets are often much calmer, and this can mean fewer destroyed shoes and shredded couch cushions. If you’re looking for a low-key animal companion, a senior pet may be the perfect fit for you.

3. Senior pets are more likely to be spayed or neutered

Since senior pets have likely already been spayed or neutered, this is one less thing you’ll need to worry about. This also means that they’re less likely to mark their territory or try to escape in search of a mate, which can be a common issue with younger animals.

Being spayed or neutered also helps reduce the risk of certain cancers.

4. Senior pets are often observed in their foster homes or shelters, so you have insights into their behaviors and mannerisms

When you adopt a senior pet, chances are the staff at the shelter or rescue have had plenty of time to get to know their personality and quirks. This means they can give you a pretty good idea of what to expect in terms of energy level, temperament, and behavior. This can be helpful in deciding whether or not a particular pet is a good fit for your home and lifestyle.

They also have the opportunity to observe the pet with other pets and people, and this can give you some valuable insights into how your new pet will do in those situations. For example, if you have other pets at home, the shelter staff can tell you if the senior pet you’re interested in does well with other animals. They can let you know how the pet relates to people, too, which can be helpful in understanding how the pet may react within your family dynamic.

5. Adopting a senior pet means you’re giving them a second chance at a happy life

Senior pets often have a harder time getting adopted than younger animals, and as a result, they can end up spending their later years in shelters or rescue organizations, often due to no fault of their own. When you adopt a senior pet, you’re not only giving them a loving home, but you’re also giving them a second chance at happiness.

When you adopt a senior pet, you’re giving them a second chance at a happy life – which is something they’ll be forever grateful for.

Bonus tip!

6. Senior pets often have a lower adoption fee

One of the great things about adopting a senior pet is that they may have a lower adoption fee than younger animals. This can be a big benefit if you’re on a budget or are looking to adopt multiple pets. Lower adoption fees also mean that more people are able to adopt, which is great for senior pets in need of homes.

So, if you’re looking to add a new companion to your family, consider adopting a senior pet. They make great companions and come with a host of benefits.

If you do adopt a senior pet, we can’t wait to meet them! Make an appointment today so we can give them a check-up and help them get settled into their new home and continue on a journey of wellness.

Are you looking for ways to show your pet some extra love this Valentine’s Day? While toys and treats are great, there is nothing better than giving your pet the gift of health. February is National Pet Dental Health Month and an excellent time to make your pet’s dental health a priority.

Here are a few ways you can improve your pet’s dental health and show their teeth some love all year long!

Benefits of Brushing Your Pet’s Teeth

Brushing your pet’s teeth does more than just improve their breath. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, the majority of adult pets have some degree of dental disease. This condition is also known as periodontal disease and is caused by plaque and tartar buildup on your pet’s teeth. This buildup can spread below your pet’s gum line, causing gum inflammation and irritation.

As plaque and tartar accumulate, the amount of bacteria in your pet’s mouth will also increase. Not only is this bad for your pet’s oral health, but bacteria can also enter your pet’s bloodstream and spread throughout their body. This can have a significant impact on your pet’s long-term health.

The more frequently you brush your pet’s teeth, the better you can prevent the harmful repercussions of dental disease. Make sure you are using pet-friendly toothpaste. Not only does pet-friendly toothpaste come in a variety of tasty flavors, but they are also free of harmful ingredients that can be found in human products.

If you have questions about your brushing technique, let us know at your next wellness appointment. We can discuss your pet’s dental routine and how to make the process as stress-free as possible.

Trading Treats for Dental Chews

While treats can be delicious, they are not always the best for your pet’s health. This Valentine’s Day, consider trading out your pet’s high-calorie treats for healthy dental chews. Dental chews can help remove plaque while still serving as a tasty snack. Dental chews are not only a great option for a special Valentine’s Day treat, but they are also a great way to improve your pet’s dental health year-round.

When purchasing dental chews, look for products with a Veterinary Oral Health Council seal of approval. This means that the dental product has undergone a thorough review by veterinary professionals and is certified to improve your pet’s dental health. We are also happy to make recommendations based on your pet’s specific needs.

Schedule Your Pet’s Dental Cleaning

Do you know the last time your pet received a professional dental cleaning? At-home care is an important part of improving your pet’s oral health. However, professional care is still a necessity. We recommend that adult pets receive a dental cleaning approximately once a year.

These cleanings allow our veterinary team to remove all of your pet’s stubborn tartar, including the buildup that accumulates under the gum line. Professional dental cleanings are performed while your pet is under anesthesia. This helps keep your pet comfortable and allows us to perform a thorough cleaning.

Final Thoughts

We hope this article has given you some ideas on how you can improve your pet’s dental health. While February is a great time to show your pet’s teeth some extra TLC, it’s crucial to maintain healthy dental habits all year long. If you have additional questions about your pet’s dental care or would like to schedule an appointment, please give us a call.

Image credit: Irina Lesovaia / iStock / Getty Images Plus