With the arrival of summer, Gauteng is about to get a whole lot noisier. Blasting for road works looks set to continue well into 2011. The first of the thunderstorm and fireworks seasons are due to make their debut.

While you and I are capable of understanding that the noise is temporary and unlikely to be harmful (unless you’re standing on top of the blasting site!), pets often become terrified and disoriented.

If Sparky morphs into a creature possessed at the first clap of thunder or the sound of fireworks (I had a dog that ate a whole couch during a New Year’s Eve fireworks display), try the following tips to keep him calm and fear-free:

Preparing your pet for fireworks and thunderstorms

• Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise earlier in the day. Try a light jog or brisk walk, play a game of Frisbee or fetch to tire him out. Jogging with cats is not recommended, try reading ‘War and Peace’ to tire Smokey out instead.
• Keep pets indoors when thunderstorms or fireworks are expected, preferably with human companionship. If it’s hot, air conditioning or a cooling fan will help ease the stress (and keep those pesky mosquitoes away).
• Close all windows, curtains and doors where possible to block out flashing lights and sounds.
• Provide toys, treats and other distractions to keep pets occupied. A frozen treat like a chicken stock popsicle will have Sparky doing back flips of joy.
• Try to stay home with your pet if fireworks or thunderstorms are expected. A game of poker is unlikely to be successful seeing as Sparky and Smokey do not have opposable thumbs. Settle in for an episode of Top Billing instead.
• Make sure your pet is micro-chipped or appropriately tagged for easy identification if they become lost.
• Speak to your pet’s vet about supplements and medication available for managing anxiety caused by loud noises

How to keep an anxious or scared pet calm

• Turn on music or the TV to muffle the sounds of thunder or fireworks. Nothing too loud – classical music is great (My retriever Connor loves Andreas Vollenweider. My terrier Bryce is a party animal and prefers Bollywood tunes). It is most effective when you first play the music well before the thunderstorm or fireworks start, at a time the dog is already peaceful and relaxed. Sparky will begin to associate the music with being calm and content. Then play the music a couple of hours before the thunderstorm or fireworks start and continue to play through bedtime.
• Don't fuss over or punish your pet if she becomes agitated with the sounds, doing so only makes the behaviour worse.
• Act as if all is normal and ignore the fearful behaviour (unless hazardous to your pet – a terrified Sparky trying to crash through a window is not cool).
• Provide a secure place (preferably indoors) so your pet can't escape your property if startled by loud noises.
• Allow your pet to hide in a 'safe place' if they choose. This might be a blanket lined cupboard, pet cave etc. When scared of sounds they can’t pinpoint the location of, dogs often prefer small enclosed areas.
• If your pet runs to hide in a corner or under the bed, don't try to coax him out, let him be where he feels safe.
• Ensure that you are calm and stress-free so that your pet's fear doesn't mirror yours. Carry on with your knitting, or reading Eat, Pray, Love like it’s the most normal activity in the world.

Once you ride out the first thunderstorm or fireworks display, you will get better at managing Sparky’s and Smokey’s fear and anxiety.