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Fireworks Survival Guide
  1. Create a sanctuary space.
    • A sanctuary space is a place where your dog or cat is comfortable and happy. Ideally, it would be an internal room with few windows.
  2. Talk to your veterinarian sooner rather than later about medications or supplements that can help your pet.
    • It isn’t uncommon for it to take a week or two to figure out which medication or supplement is right for your pet.
  3. Use pheromone analogues to calm your pet.
    • Adaptil, Feliway and Zenidog are great options.
  4. Do not bring your pet to fireworks displays.
    • If your pet is afraid of fireworks, they need you there with them to help them cope. It is one day of the year so stay home!
  5. Use white noise, classical music or a combination of both (Zoundz Music for pets) to drown out the sound of the fireworks.
    • Play the tunes or white noise loud enough to drown out the sound of the fireworks.
  6. Use food toys and play to distract your pet.
    • When your dog or cat is sad, get happy. Try to entice them to play with their favorite toy in the sanctuary space.
    • Stuff food toys with their very favorite food and place them in the sanctuary space to help them cope.
  7. Use ear covers to keep your pet from hearing the fireworks.
    • Rex Ear Pro and Mutt muffs are great options.  
  8. Hug your dog or cat if that makes them happy.
    • Gone are the days when we ignored our pets when they were scared or panicking. If your pet needs you, comfort him. On the other hand, if your pet wants to be left alone, let him be.
  9. Start early.
    • You know your neighborhood. If your neighbors set off fireworks all week long, be prepared and keep your pet in the sanctuary space as much as possible during that time.
  10. Don’t contribute to the problem.
    • Don’t set off fireworks at your home.
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What Are Industry Leaders Saying About Dr. Radosta?

Every once in a while, a veterinary unicorn comes along: competent, confident, compassionate, and a great communicator. Brimming with science and soul. Dr. Lisa Radosta is a true "Jill of all trades," fighting important battles and inspiring future leaders. She has played a big role in making animal behavior important, elevating females in our profession, and showing action steps to make a balance between work and home doable. Equally comfortable in the exam room or coming into people's living room via network TV, Dr. Lisa Radosta fights tirelessly to help pets and people live happier, healthier, fuller lives. I often watch her at the podium, in a board meeting, or in an interview and just think..."you go, girl!

Dr. Marty Becker

Dr. Radosta is exceedingly passionate about each individual animal and understands by helping a pet she is also helping families; her passion is only exceeded by her knowledge to make a difference. Dr. Radosta is also a master communicator, whether it is explaining behavior modification to families desperate for exactly what Dr. Radosta and her team provide to communicating to professional colleagues at veterinary meetings.

Steve Dale, CABC

Every single day Dr. Radosta is making the world a better place for dogs and cats suffering from fear, stress, and anxiety. She's highly regarded by veterinarians and board-certified behaviorists alike and I am honored to have worked alongside her to educate pet parents about the importance of caring for our pet's mental health -- she's my "go-to" for video or blog interviews on behavior topics. I've also been a client of Dr. Radosta's behavior practice and I credit her with opening my eyes back in 2006 to how FAS affects our pets' quality of life. 

Kristen Levine