Health & Wellness

Don’t forget the pets July 4th

by Wendy Rosenfield
Posted 7/3/25

Chestnut Hill’s Carol Oatis is no fan of Independence Day. Or thunderstorms. That’s because her Italian Water Dog Beau (4.5 years old, 45 pounds) reacts with terror once big booms begin. 

“Whenever he hears firecrackers or thunder, he typically runs, tries to hide, and starts panting and shivering. The first time we saw him do it we thought he was having a seizure!” she said.

Oatis tried sitting with and stroking Beau to no avail, and watching him shake under furniture until the noise stops is heartbreaking. So what’s a pet parent to do?

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Health & Wellness

Don’t forget the pets July 4th

Posted

Chestnut Hill’s Carol Oatis is no fan of Independence Day. Or thunderstorms. That’s because her Italian Water Dog Beau (4.5 years old, 45 pounds) reacts with terror once big booms begin. 

“Whenever he hears firecrackers or thunder, he typically runs, tries to hide, and starts panting and shivering. The first time we saw him do it we thought he was having a seizure!” she said.

Oatis tried sitting with and stroking Beau to no avail, and watching him shake under furniture until the noise stops is heartbreaking. So what’s a pet parent to do?

The American Humane Society’s website recommends staying home during loud events if possible, but either way, keep windowshades and doors closed to minimize sound and light. Adding calming audio such as music, television, or white noise can help as well, and there’s a nearly unlimited number of YouTube channels dedicated to the refined entertainment tastes of our feline and canine populations. Finally, a long-lasting treat or chew toy can provide further distraction from their anxiety. 

Additionally, weighted shirts or blankets provide a sense of security, and Chewy.com stocks several varieties for both cats and dogs. A 58”x53” Kong weighted blanket sells for $79.99, while anxiety vests from multiple brands range in price from $21.79 to $71.63. ThunderCap even offers its version of a calming sleep mask in four sizes for $21.95 (not a bad idea for veterinarian visits, either).

If all else fails, check with your veterinarian about calming medication. 

Shaheen Johnson, who works at the newly opened Doggie Style at 8100 Germantown Ave., said the store carries multiple varieties of CBD-based and other calming treats and oils, with more arriving this week. Prices and strengths range from $72.99 for a bottle of Pet Releaf Liposome CBD Hempoil, which contains 30 doses of 3.3 mg CBD, to $8.99 for an intro pack of 12 Treatibles’ 7 mg extra strength CBD soft chewables with salmon oil. They also stock cat-friendly CBD treats, and even cat- and dog-friendly calming plug-in aromatherapy diffusers and refills. 

Most important, sound-sensitive pets should always wear a collar with your contact information; the ASPCA’s website warns that one out of every five pets goes missing “after being scared by the sound of fireworks, thunderstorms or other loud noises.”