Cathy Malkin is both a longtime Westport resident, and a lifelong animal lover.
For 30 years, she has given them a “voice,” as an animal communicator. She is also an animal Reiki master teacher and practitioner, pet meditation master teacher, and a pet loss and grief counselor.
As America gets set to celebrate Independence Day — with plenty of fireworks, of course — she worries about pyrotechnics’ effects on animals. Cathy writes:
Animals have much sharper hearing than humans. Sudden loud noises like fireworks can trigger their fight-or-flight response, causing them to run for their lives and hide from the scary noises.
This can happen even if your animal hasn’t reacted to fireworks before. Their fear can come on suddenly.
It’s like someone turned the volume way up on a scary movie they don’t understand.
The worst part is that they might not hear your voice or respond to your usual calming techniques.
That’s why some pets end up chewing through crates, slipping out doors, jumping fences, or even breaking windows in their desperate attempt to escape the noise.
Here are some tips to create a safe, secure environment for your animal family during the 4th of July holiday:
✅ Microchip and ID Checkup:
- Make sure your pet’s tag and microchip are current.
- Take a picture with your pet for easier identification at animal shelters should they go missing.
- For an extra layer of security, consider attaching an AirTag or other GPS tracking device on their collar for real-time tracking.
- Make sure your animal is wearing their ID.
✅ Communication is Key: Let your animal family know what is in store for them, and reassure them that you will keep them safe. Talking with your pet during an animal communication session can reduce their fear and anxieties, and help you create a calming strategy together.
✅ Create a Safe Haven: Keep your pet indoors in a quiet, secure room, with windows closed and shades drawn during fireworks displays. To reduce anxiety further, use a thundershirt, play calming music, or give your pet a rescue remedy for added comfort.
✅ Project Calm: Your pet picks up on your emotions, so do your best to stay calm and reassuring. Meditating or sharing Reiki can help both of you stay grounded and present as fireworks explode.
✅ Vet Talk Now: If your pet has noise phobias or you have any concerns, discuss your options with your vet today.
Don’t wait until the fireworks frenzy begins to reduce your pet’s stress and ensure everyone has a safe and, hopefully, enjoyable 4th of July.
Click this American Kennel Club website for more information.
(To learn more about Cathy Malkinn’s work with animals, click on her website, Animal Muse.)
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Great Advice! Thank you!
We live down the road from the beach, and, many years ago, we walked down to the beach to see the fireworks. Unthinkingly, we brought our recently adopted schnauzer, Max, who wanted to go everywhere with us along for the walk.
As soon as the first pyrotechnic was fired off, his reaction was one of complete fright. We hurried him home feeling so bad that we could do such an unkind and unthinking thing to our wonderful dog.
He seemed fine afterwards, but as he got much older, his hearing faltered, and we thought it may have been related to that Fourth of July fireworks event.
Please learn from our mistake and keep your dog at home and away from loud explosions.
Great op-ed: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/01/opinion/july-4-fireworks-america.html