{"id":1432,"date":"2023-07-26T07:22:34","date_gmt":"2023-07-26T14:22:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sbahvet.com\/blog\/?p=1432"},"modified":"2023-07-12T07:24:46","modified_gmt":"2023-07-12T14:24:46","slug":"addressing-common-pet-phobias-like-thunderstorm-or-fireworks-anxiety","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sbahvet.com\/blog\/addressing-common-pet-phobias-like-thunderstorm-or-fireworks-anxiety\/","title":{"rendered":"Addressing Common Pet Phobias Like Thunderstorm or Fireworks Anxiety"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Thunderstorms and fireworks create a lot of anxiety for pets. Unfortunately, we have no control over when they will occur, but there are things we can do to help our pets through them. This guide will help you address these common pet phobias to help your furry friends feel their best.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

First Things First<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The majority of cats and dogs react to loud noises and unpredictable stimuli. In fact, these responses are critically important and have the potential to prevent all sorts of calamities. When acute stress is unmanaged or unsupported, however, chronic conditions can develop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Signs of Pet Anxiety<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Certain pet behaviors like hiding, crying, whining, shaking, trembling<\/a>, or excessive panting all signal feelings of fear. Prolonged expressions of fear can be damaging in the long-term. Untreated anxiety can suppress the immune system, which leaves pets vulnerable to recurring infection, diminished blood circulation, and more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

While the effects on physical health are well known, it is the psychological damage caused by chronic stress that is harder to treat in the long run. Untreated, a pet\u2019s anxiety can intensify until they are battling a full-blown phobia. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Noise Aversion and Fear<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Most animals react fearfully to loud noises like fireworks or thunder. <\/a>If the levels of stress and fear compound with time and increased frequency, pets may start to show signs of anxiety long before the actual event occurs. Drops in barometric pressure can send pets into hiding, and those left outside during storms or fireworks may respond by fleeing. Catastrophic results from escape attempts include vehicular accidents, falls, permanent loss, severe injury, and property damage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Help Your Pet<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Learned fears can be reversed in many ways. Some pets can unlearn an anxious response if they are lovingly supported. Depending on the levels of stress and fear shown by your pet, you can apply the following tactics to support their needs:<\/p>\n\n\n\n