Southwest Florida's Health and Wellness Magazine Health and Wellness Articles
With summer in full swing, it’s the time of year that many pet owners dread—thunderstorm season. Afternoon storms happen regularly here in Florida, and pets that exhibit anxiety with booming clashes of thunder and lightning can be a nerve-racking situation for the pet and the owner alike. The same holds true for fireworks, which scare most pets due to their loud, machine like pops and constant firing.
It’s not easy to watch your pet shaking uncontrollably, drooling, panting, and seemingly fearful for their lives. As a pet owner, it’s stressful to see them in such disarray and hysterics. It can also be dangerous for some pets that try to “get away” from the situation. They can become destructive and injure themselves.
How can you make your pets life a little more stress-free in this season of storms?
Calming supplements can ease your pet’s anxiety. If a storm is approaching or fireworks are expected (hello fourth of July), giving your pet the recommended dosage of anti-anxiety medications can help your pet feel more at ease during a storm. There are some over the counter products available that you can try first to see if they are enough to ease their anxiety. If you are not sure where to start, ask you veterinary staff what they would recommend.
Veterinarians can provide anti-anxiety medications by prescription, depending on the severity of your pet’s disorder. It’s important to speak to your veterinarian about these medications before the season gets into full swing.
The ThunderShirt® works for some animals. It’s in a sense, similar to swaddling a baby, as the ThunderShirt® wraps snuggly around your pet making them feel more at ease. Gently holding your pet and reassuring them that it’s okay is helpful as well.
If you’re not going to be home, putting on soft music, or the TV can add a buffer for the noise of the thunder and heavy winds. Also, closing the blinds or curtains can help a pet feel more shielded from the storm.
It’s critical to never scold your pet for being scared and to NEVER leave your pet outside in storm!
Best Friends Animal Hospital
Best Friends Animal Hospital believes in providing quality health care for your pet in a warm and welcoming environment. Their doctors routinely attend educational seminars in order to stay abreast of the latest medical treatments and technologies.
Their hospital also prides itself on having state-of-the-art equipment including a digital X-ray machine and surgical laser, both of which are used in human medicine. The digital X-ray machine allows them to take high-quality radiographs in seconds and gives their doctors images with better diagnostic quality, while the surgical laser helps to decrease pain and bleeding as well as increase healing speed of the incision.
Best Friends Animal Hospital offers free 24-hour access to your pet’s medical record through a pet portal, as well as home delivery of your pet’s prescriptions through an online store. Their online Pharmacy carries prescription medications, heartworm, flea and tick preventative, pet food, treats, and toys.
The doctors and staff are devoted to helping your pets’ live longer, healthier and happier lives because they understand that your pet is an important family member. Their knowledgeable staff is available to answer any questions you may have, and they look forward to seeing you and your pet(s) soon. Please visit their website to find out more or call them to book your appointment.
Best Friends Animal Hospital
12220 Towne Lake Dr., Suite 50
Fort Myers, FL 33913
239-768-7387
www.bestfriendsanimalhosp.com
