Prepare your animal companions for the fireworks.

Some animals just don’t like loud noises. Who can blame them? I live in an urban multicultural neighborhood that loves fireworks, so the nightly shows start in late May. My least favorite are the ones that make a big bang like a cannon. Those make me jump when I’m not expecting it (and sometimes even when I am).

So I sympathize with the animals who shake and hide under the bed, and want to pass on a few tips to help your animal companions get through the Fourth of July (and New Year’s) with as little discomfort as possible.

You already know what your dog or cat or bird or bunny needs in order to feel safe. Think back to what you did when you first brought them home—what made them feel safe in a strange environment? Some animals prefer an enclosed space like under the bed or in the closet. Others need to be able to see out the window to make sure nothing bad is coming. Maybe yours prefer to be by your side and follow your lead.

If you will be leaving your animals alone at home on the Fourth, and if you think that fireworks will be audible (remember animals hear better than you do), make sure that you take their comfort into consideration before you go. Would they prefer to go with you? Or stay in a place at home where they will feel safe while the rockets shoot overhead? If this will be their first fireworks experience in your home, stay home with them to see how they react and how you can best help them. Trust the messages from your pet about what is the best way to take care of them.

If they stay home (whether you are there or not), prepare their environment so they feel safe. You might put them in a carrier or cage. Or make the floor of the closet cozy. Or make sure that they can see out the window. Or put a dark curtain over the cage.

If your animal companion stresses out at loud noises, Bach Flower Remedies can help. These are liquid homeopathic remedies available at most health food stores and online. Vervain is a Bach Flower Remedy that is really good for high strung animals, and for those who have a hard time relaxing. Red Chestnut is great for when they are really scared, and also for dogs who fear for your safety. Mimulus is for when they can’t stop shaking.

If your dogs bark at the fireworks as a way to protect their territory from the bad bangs, use the Bach Remedy of Vine. To dose your pet, put one or two drops in their water or food. These are nonharmful vibrational remedies, so all your pets can take them. (If fireworks stress you out, you can take a couple of drops in water too.) If you’re with your pet during the fireworks, you can also apply a few drops externally to the top of their heads and stroke it down their back. This works directly with the nervous system.

You might also try a herbal supplement called Calmazon which is available from the Amazon Herb Co. (www.amazonherb.net) Dose your pet as directed.

Some human companions resort to medication for their animals. This can leave your pet feeling a little drugged, but might be better than the extreme anxiety caused by the fireworks. Talk to your animal friend and your vet about this.

If you know your animal companions are nervous of fireworks, make every effort to be home with them. Let them know you are all safe. Talk to them. Pet them. Make sure you are calm and centered yourself. They will take the lead from you, and if you’re jumpy and upset they will know something’s wrong.

There are a lot of reasons for animals to be afraid of fireworks. Don’t get caught up in wanting your pet to be different. Your job as their human companion is to help them get through the experience with as little stress as possible.