| How to Look Good when Running Posted: 05 Jul 2019 01:00 AM PDT Running is a great way to get in shape, but it is not necessarily the most glamorous sport. Red cheeks, sweaty armpits, and unruly hair can make you look less than your best. If running is your exercise of choice, but you want to look good while doing it, then take the time to work on your running form, choose nice looking, high-quality workout gear, and prepare yourself before heading out for a run. By doing this, not only will you be healthier, but you'll look good, too. EditWorking on Your Running Technique - Keep your shoulders relaxed. As you start to get tired, you may notice yourself starting to lift your shoulders. Not only will this make running even more of a challenge, it will also make you look tense and uncomfortable. If you want to look good, focus on keeping your shoulders down and relaxed.[1]
- It is easy to do this without realizing it, so try to remind yourself every now and then to see if your shoulders are starting to creep up. One way you can do this is by lifting your shoulders up to your ears. Then, on an exhale, let your shoulders relax as much as you can.
- Pick up your feet. If you are not in very good shape, or if you are getting tired, you are likely to let your feet drag lazily. However, if you want to look like good while running, you should focus on picking up your feet. You don't have to lift them high into the air. Instead, just focus on keeping your feet energetic.[2]
- Doing this will help make it look as though you have lots of energy and are really enjoying your run.
- Keep a relaxed facial expression. When running, many people have a tendency to scrunch up their face into a grimace. Running can be very challenging, so this facial expression is understandable. However, if you want to look good, try to keep your face relaxed, and your expression friendly.[3]
- It will help if you keep your breathing as consistent and steady as possible. Take deep breaths in, and then try to breathe out in a controlled way.
- If your face starts to tense up, you're unknowingly wasting extra energy. Keeping your face relaxed can help give you a little extra boost that you can put into your strides.
- Keep your stride even. It may be tempting to take very long strides to look as though you are running faster. However, if you want to look good while you are running, you should keep your stride a bit shorter. Don't take baby steps, but also, don't try to stride out as though you are a gazelle. Not only will you look silly, but you will also be wasting energy.[4]
- It is recommended that you have around 180 foot-strikes every 60 seconds. You can see if you are getting around this number by counting the number of times each foot hits the ground for 15 seconds, and then multiplying that number by four.
- Avoid heel striking. Heel striking is a common mistake that runners make. This occurs when you let the heel of your foot hit the ground first, rather than the ball of your foot. If you want to look good running, try focusing on getting the ball of your foot to be the place where your foot first contacts the ground. Not only is this good for your running technique, but it will also make you look better while you are running.[5]
- By doing this, you will appear relaxed and more energetic.
- Keep your arms at about a 90-degree angle. Many people tend to let their arms flail around when they are running, especially if they are tired. When you are running, keep your arms bent comfortably, and let them pump back and forth naturally. Also, try to keep them going only backward and forwards, rather than moving them sideways across your body. Not only does this waste energy, but it also looks a bit silly.[6]
- Conserving energy will also help keep you looking fresh during your run.
- Don't worry about keeping your elbows bent at a perfect angle. The most important thing is to keep them relaxed.
EditChoosing the Right Workout Gear - Choose colors that flatter your skin tone. The majority of running clothes come in very bright colors in order to make you more visible on the road. While these colors may be pretty, they might not always be the most flattering for your skin tone. For example, if you have a warm, dark complexion, you might look fantastic in neon hues, while dark colors might look dull against your skin. If you're fair-skinned, you might look best in darker jewel tones.[7]
- For safety reasons, it's a good idea to have at least one article of clothing that stands out, either because it is very brightly and boldly colored, or just because it is a lighter color, such as white or lavender.
- Buy a pair of high-quality running shoes. Running in an old pair of worn-out shoes can be painful, and those old shoes probably don't look that great anymore. If you want to look good (and be comfortable) while running, you should invest in a good pair of running shoes. It is probably a good idea to choose the shoes in a more neutral color so that they won't clash with your different running outfits.[8]
- You could also try to purchase all of your running clothing in the same colors. This way, you can also purchase the shoes to match your outfits.
- Don't forget socks! Many running stores sell socks specifically made for running. These socks help keep your feet cool and comfortable. If you want to look good while running, opt for ankle socks that won't show too much above the top of your shoe.
- Wear running tights. Running in a pair of worn out shorts or a pair of baggy sweatpants will not help you look good. Therefore, you should look for running pants or shorts that are tight and stretchy. Not only will they help keep you cooler by wicking away sweat, they will also make you look good.[9]
- If you are self-conscious about your legs and know you won't feel comfortable wearing skin-tight clothing, then look for running pants that are a bit looser. However, avoid pants that are too baggy, as they can look sloppy and may be difficult to run in.
- Running tights come in a multitude of colors and patterns. Although you should buy whatever makes you happy, it may be easiest to purchase all of your running tights in a neutral color such as black or grey. This way, you can choose any color top you want, and it will always match well with your pants.
- If you choose grey pants, be aware that this color may show sweat more readily than other colors. If you are worried about sweat stains, stick with black, which will hide sweat.
- Choose a fitted top. Rather than choosing an old t-shirt, opt for a fitted running t-shirt or a tank top. Many of the big sports brands make very stylish tops that also wick sweat away from your skin. This will help you stay cool, which in turn will keep you looking good.[10]
- If you are self-conscious about your size, you can also look for looser running tops, as these are becoming more popular these days. A flowy shirt won't cling to your skin, giving you a more relaxed, flattering appearance.
- Make sure to choose tops in colors that flatter your skin tone.
- Wear a high-quality sports bra if you are a woman. Regardless of your bra size, you should wear a sports bra. Not only will this keep you more comfortable, it will also be more flattering.[11]
- If you have never been fitted for a sports bra specifically, it may be good to visit a sports store, where they can help show you different fittings, and types of sports bras. This is especially important if you are a woman with large breasts, as running can be very uncomfortable, and even dangerous, without the right bra.
- Consider sports underwear. Many companies make underwear specifically for sports. These underwear can help keep sweat contained, and help you avoid wedgies, which don't look good. Some shorts and running pants also come with built-in underwear, which means you don't need to wear underwear at all.[12]
- Wear sunglasses. A good pair of sport sunglasses can be a life-saver on a bright day. It will also keep you from squinting into the sun, which will give your face a scrunched look. Many companies make sunglasses designed to stay in place during sports. These glasses come in various shapes and sizes, so there is bound to be something that will suit your face well.[13]
- Avoid wearing regular sunglasses when running. More often than not, these sunglasses will simply bounce around while you are running, or they will slide down your nose. Not only will this be annoying for you, but it probably won't look good either.
- Make sure that your outfit goes well together. When you get dressed to go out for your run, take a second to look in the mirror. Ask yourself if you like what you see and whether the outfit you're wearing help you feel more confident during your run.
- It's important to take a quick look in the mirror. Sometimes we think an outfit looks great when we lay it all out, but somehow it doesn't flow as well once we put it on.
EditCaring for Your Skin and Hair - Wear sunscreen. When you go outside, you should always wear sunscreen that's at least SPF or higher to protect your skin. Apply about of sunscreen to your skin, or enough to fill a shot glass. Make sure to apply it to your face, the tops of your ears, and any skin that will be exposed while you are outside.
- Remember that the sun's rays can still harm your skin even on an overcast day.
- You can look for a body moisturizer that includes an SPF in it. This way, you will be moisturizing and protecting at the same time.
- If you want to add a bit of glow to your sunscreen, mix a bit of shimmery powder into your sunscreen before applying it to your skin.
- Don't forget your hair! While it may not be ideal to put sun cream directly on your hair, there are hair products on the market that contain an SPF to protect your hair as well.
- Fix your hair. Unless you have very short hair, you will want to do something with your hair to keep it out of your face. If you have bangs, it is best to pin them up so that they won't end up a sticky, sweaty mess. One way to do this would be to fold your bangs back to create a little poof. Then, use two bobby pins to hold the poof in place.[14]
- If you have long, straight hair, brush it into a sleek ponytail. This will help keep you cool, and make you look fresh. You could also consider braiding the ponytail to keep it more contained.
- If you have curly hair, pull your hair up into a messy bun, and use bobby pins to secure any unruly curls.
- Sport headbands can also work great for helping keep your hair sleek, and out of your face.
- Put on a little makeup if you enjoy wearing it. The idea with looking good while running is to make it look effortless and natural. If you have a full face of makeup on, then it will look like you are trying very hard. Try wearing waterproof mascara, tinted moisturizer with SPF 20, lightly-tinted lip balm, and a light-colored, waterproof eyeliner.[15]
- Look for lip balms that have an SPF to help keep your lips protected.
- Tinted moisturizer will help keep your skin looking natural while also providing a bit of coverage to help with any blemishes.
- Avoid wearing heavy foundation. When you are running, you are going to sweat. If you choose a full coverage foundation, chances are you will sweat it off, and there will be streaks all over your face. The combination of sweat and foundation can also clog your pores, leading to breakouts.
- Wear something that makes you feel good. If you find clothing that looks great, but is horribly uncomfortable, then you won't enjoy your run. This will come out in your posture and facial expression. It's more important that you feel confident and comfortable.
- Don't forget to put on deodorant before your run! Body odor is a big turn off, no matter how good you look.
- Make 100% sure that you wear something you are comfortable therefore causing you to look good and feel comfortable.
- Although you want to look good running, don't sacrifice safety. If you are running at night, make sure that you wear light-colored clothing, and something reflective if possible. This will make it easier for others to see you.
EditRelated wikiHows EditReferences
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| How to Relax Posted: 04 Jul 2019 05:00 PM PDT Feeling stress is totally normal, but it's not good for you. Knowing how to relax is vital for ensuring your health and well-being, as well as restoring the passion and joy in your life. Allowing stress to affect you can lead to depression, illness, weight gain and a general sense of malcontent. Learn to recognize stress and deal with it by calming your mind and your body. It's also a good idea to spend time doing things that you love. Finally, you'll likely feel more relaxed if you learn to deal with difficult people. EditAcknowledging Stress and Changing Your Mindset - Recognize the mental symptoms of stress. Some stress can be positive. In small doses, it can make you motivated and energized. But if the level of stress in your life causes you to put up with things that are harming or distressing you constantly, you risk sliding into being too stressed.[1] You could be too stressed if:
- You can't stop thinking about work. It might be your own business, a career, a salaried position, a stay-at-home mom or dad position, or anything else that is soaking up your time and life one hundred percent, and this over-concentration is leaving you passionless, disappointed, unhappy, and unfulfilled.
- You're often irritable, short-tempered, and perhaps unable to focus on completing tasks.
- You feel as if you have too much going on and that you can't hop off the merry-go-round.
- You can't remember the last time you had a good laugh and your sense of humor is sadly lacking.
- Notice if stress is affecting your body. Stress doesn't just manifest itself in your head. It can also cause a lot of physical issues. You might be too stressed if you:[2]:
- Experience frequent body tension, including headaches, neck aches, backaches, and general soreness.
- Have a hard time sleeping or find that you're sleeping too much.
- Experience changes in your appetite.
- Set aside time to relax. Once you have accepted that there are negative stressors impacting your life, it's important to make room for relaxation amid all of the other things in your life. Find a method of scheduling relaxation that works for you.[3]
- Block out times in your day to relax. Think of it as an appointment with your most important client that you absolutely cannot skip or break. Write it on your calendar or set a reminder on your phone.
- You could write "Take a yoga class, 2-3 p.m. Wednesday afternoon." Schedule time to relax in the same way you would schedule meeting up with a friend or going to the doctor.
- Let go of guilt you might feel for taking time off. With the advent of smart technology that keeps us hyper-wired 24/7, you might feel like you have to be "on-the-go" constantly. This can end up wearing you down. Give yourself permission to relax.[4]
- You might even write this down. A post-it note on your mirror that says, "You deserve a bubble bath after work!" is a great way to remind yourself that it is okay to relax.
- Practice positive thinking. Positive thinking can do wonders for your mental health. Try changing the way you talk to yourself. Avoid criticizing yourself and work on changing negative thoughts into positive ones.[5].
- For example, instead of thinking, "Why am I so stressed? I should be able to handle all this!", switch to "Wow, I've been working really hard. I deserve to relax a little."
- If you make a mistake, don't chastise yourself. Instead, acknowledge what went wrong and give yourself a pep talk about doing better next time.
- Use visualization techniques. While you might not feel calm and relaxed, imagining a calm and relaxed scene in your mind can do wonders to improve your outlook. Picture beaches, lying down resting, going for a hike, etc., to help you stay relaxed.
- Use affirmations to change your outlook on life. Affirmations are a great way to stop yourself from jumping to negative conclusions. Affirmations are short, powerful statements that build you up and increase your confidence, helping you to expect positive outcomes.[6]
- A good affirmation might be, "I am strong and I can face these challenges because I have a positive attitude."
- Learn to prioritize. Make a list of tasks for the day. Organize the list by importance, and be proactive. Take care of things before they become a big problem. Time spent more productively means more free time to relax.[7]
- Make sure your work is done. Although this may sound counteractive to your goal of relaxing, procrastination never feels as good as having nothing to do. Get your tasks done now, and then you can truly relax.
EditReducing Tension in Your Body - Practice deep breathing when you're stressed. Slow down your breathing and actively concentrate on it. Breathe in through your nose while counting slowly to 4 or 5 and then exhale out your mouth while doing the same count.[8]
- Doing this will relax your muscles and nerves. As you breathe out, visualize the stress and tension leaving your body through your breath.
- Eat a healthy diet to feel your best. Eating well can help your body feel balanced and healthy. This can you less susceptible to spikes in blood sugar and feelings of anxiety. It will also help you to have more energy![9]
- Eat fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains each meal. For example, you could have a veggie omelet, some berries, and whole grain toast for breakfast.
- Eat plenty of healthy proteins, such as chicken, fish, whole grains, legumes, dark leafy vegetables or low-fat dairy. Try tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Avoid sugary foods like granola bars, pastries or sodas.
- Avoid excessive caffeine. Too much caffeine can make you jumpy and irritable. Try not to drink caffeine after 1 or 2 in the afternoon. Try an herbal tea instead of coffee
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
- Exercise every day. This is a great way to reduce stress. As a bonus, it's great for your physical health, too! You'll be amazed at how much easier it is to overcome stress if you exercise regularly. [10] Try doing some of the following:
- Aim for at least thirty minutes per day of moderate activity.
- Walk in the park, in the woods, or on a treadmill.
- Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
- Park a little further away from the entrance of a store.
- Ride a bike.
- Go swimming. Try your local pool, a nearby lake or a friend or relative's home. You do not have to be an excellent swimmer; just the idea of being in water could be relaxing enough.
- Stretch. Lower your shoulders to help relax. Be more consciously aware of the tension that is quick to accumulate in your shoulders and neck region.
- Try a massage to soothe tense muscles. Go to your local spa for a great massage. Undoing the body knots is a good pathway to undoing the mind knots. Ask a friend or family member to recommend a good massage therapist.
- If that's not in your budget, ask your partner or a friend to give you a shoulder rub. Or go get a pedicure so that you get a foot rub!
- Make good sleep a priority. Try to get 7-9 hours of sleep each night. This will help you feel refreshed and ready to face the day. Get into a routine of going to bed at the same time each night and getting up at the same time each day.[11]
- Turn off electronics at least an hour before bed so that your mind has time to wind down.
- Create a soothing nighttime routine, such as reading a chapter of a book or taking a warm shower.
EditDoing Relaxing Activities - Draw a warm bath. Warm water can be incredibly soothing. Fill up the tub and then create an atmosphere that relaxes you. You could light candles around the tub, dim the lights, or add bubbles. Lavender is a relaxing scent, so you could add some lavender oil to the tub, too.[12]
- You could read a magazine in the bath, listen to music, or just close your eyes and chill.
- Read a good book. Reading is a great way to escape from reality. Find a comfy spot and settle in. You could curl up on the couch with a blanket and a cup of chamomile tea, for example.
- If you're feeling anxious, avoid reading a scary thriller. That won't help you feel calm.
- Practice meditation. Remove all thoughts and emotions from your mind by concentrating on your breathing. Meditation takes you into focusing on your whole being as a form of relaxation. It can take a while to master, but it is well worth the effort.[13]
- Begin with a sitting posture for a minimum of 15 minutes per session and build up to 45–60 minutes per session.
- Try to meditate regularly. Even 5 minutes a day is great!
- Find a respected mentor if you are having difficulty learning meditation by yourself.
- Avoid being intense, competitive, or frustrated about meditating – all of these emotions defeat the purpose!
- Consider self-hypnosis. Focus on something, take a few deep breaths and let yourself become hypnotized. If you have trouble with self-hypnosis, go to a licensed hypnotherapist. Do not allow an amateur to try to hypnotize you, as that might end up being stressful.
- Do an activity you truly enjoy to relax. The most important part of relaxing is to choose the method that's right for you. Think about the things in life that you truly enjoy and make time to do them. For example, you could:
- Go fishing, sew, sing, paint or take photographs.
- Try singing a song using numbers instead of words. Singing can help to distract you from stress to suddenly relax.
- Use music as relaxation therapy. Play it as loudly or as softly as you like, whichever calms you the most.
- Spend time with your pet. Cuddle or play with your pets. They'll love it and so will you. Talk to your pet about all the stress and anxiety you've been going through and you'll feel a lot better. Pet therapy is a genuine means for relaxing.[14]
- If you don't have a pet, ask a friend if you can spend time with theirs. Many cities also now have cat cafes where you can go and hang out with cats for a small fee.
- Smile and laugh. Laughter is the best medicine. Rent, buy or see a hilarious movie. Smiling and laughing releases endorphins, which fights stress, helps to relax and reminds you that life is more than just work. Even if it feels strange at first, make it a point to smile more often.[15]
- You could also go to a comedy show or make a date to hang out with your funniest friend.
EditStaying Relaxed Around Stressful People - Create space between yourself and highly stressed people. Being around people who are too stressed can rub off on you. If you need to be around them, try imagining an invisible boundary (like a wall) exists between you. This is really a visualization technique, in which you imagine that you are cocooned against the negative vibes of overly stressed people around you. See their behavior and attitudes for what they are, recognize what their stress is doing to them but refuse to let this penetrate your shield.[16]
- Separating yourself from other people's stress can be hard at first, especially if you are empathic by nature, but keep practicing until not giving in to their negativity becomes second nature.
- Disconnect from toxic people. Put the phone back down, shut the email folder, walk away. Whenever you feel like making an instantaneous reply in anger to someone who has raised your ire, don't act on it[17]. When we feel angry and stressed, we are more likely to read sinister interpretations into our interactions and if we act on them, our self-righteous anger can be self-fulfilling when the person responds negatively. Sleep on your angry missive and practice some relaxation techniques.
- Write a draft of your response and let it sit for a day. If everything in it is just as true and valid to you 24 hours later, consider sending it. If not, you'll be grateful you held off.
- Walk away and decompress. Instead of acting in anger, remove yourself from the situation until your calm has returned.
- Avoid toxic personalities. Spend less time with people who try to guilt you into doing things or tell you that you're not good enough. Yes, even if they're family.
- Steer clear of people who are constantly complaining. Stress can be contagious, so avoid transmitters. It's great to be supportive of others. But if they don't seem to want your help, or seem to just want to drag you down, it might be time for some space.
- Give hugs. Go on the positive offensive and reach through to people who seem down and negative. Caring touch reduces stress and promotes relaxation. Say hello and goodbye to your friends and family members with a hug, and don't be afraid to comfort someone with a hug, or ask for a hug when you're feeling overwhelmed.
- Know when to cut ties. It can be challenging to realize that there are people who are just too toxic or too needy to keep in your inner circle. They might sap your energy and stress you out. Sometimes it's best to let go, provided you do so after thinking it through carefully. Avoid being judgmental, hurtful, or blunt; just move on as you need to. Take some time to evaluate the people in your life and take action if they are:
EditRelaxation Help - De-clutter your home or living space. It is very hard to relax in a house where stuff is always in the way, ruling your life.
- Download e-books on relaxation. Use controlled breathing, muscle tensing and relaxing, affirmations (which become your own subliminal messages to your subconscious), and visualization to experience the full impact of total relaxation.
- Put yourself first sometimes, we often think about everybody's problems and we get more stressed every day.
- Consult your physician if stress is causing serious symptoms, such as headaches, poor appetite or general fatigue.
- Thousands of people become unknowingly addicted to drugs and alcohol in times of severe stress. One of the hardest parts of dealing with stress is recognizing it and avoiding temptations that mask it rather than remedy it.
EditRelated wikiHows EditReferences EditQuick Summary
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| How to Look After Pets During Fireworks Posted: 04 Jul 2019 09:00 AM PDT Eighty percent of pet owners have owned a pet that is afraid of fireworks. It is one of the most common things that scare nearly all types of animals, whether they be dogs, cats, rodents, or farm animals. Taking the right precautions to help your pet feel comfortable and safe during the fireworks can reduce its anxiety and make it more comfortable around loud noises, bright lights, and strange smells. EditPreparing Ahead of Time - Know when and where fireworks will be happening. The loud noise of fireworks, the flashing lights, and the smell of sulfur are what scare pets most.[1] Contact your local municipality to find out when your area is likely to have fireworks.
- Check that your pets' ID tags and microchips are up to date. Mark the calendar when renewal payments are due and be sure to make payments on time. If your pet runs away during firework events, it's much easier to be identified as its owner through a microchip.[2]
- Mark the dates on a calendar so that you can keep track of when to ensure your pets are cared for.
- Expose your pet to loud noises and firework sounds ahead of time. Desensitization of loud noises can help to prevent your pet from getting scared during the fireworks. Play loud firework noises or loud music about a week before the fireworks are scheduled to get it used to these harsh noises.[3]
- Playing loud noises after the fireworks can help to desensitize it further, by showing it that what it just experienced is not scary.
- Turn the lights on and try to insulate the house as best you can. Keeping the lights on will calm your pet and make it feel more secure. Close the curtains in the room and, if your animal is in a cage, cover up the cage with a thick blanket, which will hide it from flashing lights and dampen loud noises. In a stable, keep the lights on and keep the doors locked, although sedatives are the best method to calm your outdoor farm animals.
- Use familiar sounds to drown out the noise of the fireworks. Classical music, the sound of rain, or the sound of the TV, are some common noises that can soothe your pet.[4]
- Find a central room away from windows to contain your pets. A room that has no windows located in the middle of your home is ideal, as it naturally dampens outside noises. It should be a room you can close off to stop your pet from running about the house and creating a mess. Make sure your outdoor animals are locked in their pen and consider moving them to a more central pen in your barn or stable to keep them away from doors and windows.
- If you have more than one pet, be sure they don't mind being confined in the same room, or select several rooms for different pets. For example, dogs and cats will usually appreciate being separated. If you must separate animals, make a second room as insulated as you can and keep the most anxious animal in the central room, and stay with and comfort the animal in the second room.
- Consider veterinary sedation for large animals or easily scared animals. Consult your vet a few weeks ahead of time to see if your dog may need a sedative during the fireworks, as some dogs are particularly noise-sensitive or anxiety-prone. Horses and farm animals that are kept outside particularly may need this to make it through without getting scared.[5]
EditComforting During Fireworks - Make the rooms your pets will be confined in feel familiar. Put down familiar, clean bedding and give them their favorite chew toys, scratch pads, balls, or other toys to keep your pets distracted.[6]
- Ensure that the room temperature is comfortable: make it warm in cold weather, or cool in hot weather.
- Provide food and water for your pet. Be sure to leave sufficient water and food for your pet in the confinement space. If your pet has access to water and its regular food, it will be calmer.
- Consider buying a special treat, such as wet food or small sausages, to make it feel more comfortable during the fireworks.
- Move your pet to the prepared room. If you're worried about not being able to find your pet, consider looking for it a few hours before the fireworks are set to start. Mealtime is a good time to round up your pets. If your dog needs a walk, be sure to walk it before confining it in the room.
- Even if your pet is caged, you should still keep it in the secure and comfortable room you've selected.
- If your pet is a horse or other farm animal, make sure it has clean bedding and is safely inside the stable or barn.
- Prepare yourself mentally and try to relax. It's possible to transfer some of your anxiety and worry to your pet, so it's important to remain calm so you don't inadvertently stress your pet out. If you've prepared properly in advance, there is no need to feel worried as you have done all you can to make the experience as easy as possible for it.
- The startled and frantic reactions of your pet can often be the source of your own anxiety. Be ready to understand its reactions and comfort it, and you will feel less worried as well.
- Stay with your pet, or at least check on it regularly. Comfort it and talk to it. Be friendly and stay happy and upbeat, as pets can read emotions better than you think. If it's not possible to stay with it—you may be at the fireworks display yourself—just make sure you do everything you can for its comfort while you are gone.
- Act slowly and cautiously when visiting your pet, as you may scare it if you open the door suddenly.
- Allow your pet to hide somewhere in the room. It's common for pets to cope with these experiences by using a "bolthole," and dragging it out of its safe space can make him much more anxious.
- Consider using lavender plants or spray for a calming scent. Gently bruise the flowers of fresh lavender, and make sure that it's out of reach of your pet, especially if you have a cat. You should use a pheromone spray designed for cats and small rodents, as these animals can be harmed by the strong fumes.
EditChecking In Afterwards - Reassure your pet and make the home normal again. Be sure that the fireworks are over before you remove sound and light dampening blankets and curtains. Let your pet have a free run of the house to see how it behaves before letting it go back outside. Put your animal's cage back in its normal place and stay with them for a few hours to see how they are coping.
- Sometimes it is best to wait until the following morning to let your pet back outdoors.
- Do a yard sweep before letting your pets back outside. Collect any sparklers, firecrackers, and other party items and broken objects. Even if you did not host a party at your house, it is still a good idea to check for litter that may have entered your yard from nearby celebrations.[7]
- Check for signs of stress in your pet. Some pets will return to normal as soon as the loud noises and flashing lights stop, but some may need special attention to feel safe again. Watch for irregular behaviour from your pet, which could be a sign that it's having a hard time re-adjusting.[8]
- In cats, signs of stress include running away, soiling the house, hiding and refusing to eat.
- In dogs, signs of stress include anxious barking, running away, soiling the house, cowering, clinging to their owner, whimpering, trembling, pacing, and refusing to eat.
- In small rodents, signs of stress include hiding, staying silent, excessive tooth grinding and acting more aggressively than usual.
- In horses and stable animals, signs of stress include soiling themselves, refusing to eat, sweating, and tooth grinding.
- If you think your pet is stressed, keep it indoors overnight. Be sure to walk a dog a while after the fireworks to allow it to re-adjust, but don't let it off its harness.
- Make your pet feel at home again and give it lots of attention. After taking down blankets, moving its cage back, and making the home feel as it did before the fireworks, you can make your pet feel much more comfortable and relaxed even if it was scared during the fireworks.
- If it seems stressed, be sure to give it lots of attention and reassure it through gentle grooming and talking in a soft voice.
- Act normally and calmly around your pet. Giving off nervous vibes will not help it feel calm and safe.
- Make sure there is nothing valuable in the room if your pet is likely to damage it when scared.
- Lock your doors and close your windows if you're not going to be home. Pets can be stolen during firework displays if they are left outside, and there is easy access to an unlocked house through dog doors and the like.
- Adding cotton wool to your dog's ears can help to muffle the sound if it will let you.[9]
- Distract your pet with a treat dispensing dog puzzle toy, or a toy filled with tasty food. Having something fun and engaging to distract it from the fireworks may help keep its mind off the stressful situation.
- Never punish a pet for its reaction to fireworks; not only is this wrong but it will reinforce his fear and anxiety.
- Do not leave your dog tethered outside as it has nowhere to go. It will find the combination of the loud noises, flashing lights, and restraint traumatic.
- Be careful about what you put in the room if you are going to be leaving your pet at home. Don't light candles or use heated oils, don't light a fireplace, and remove sharp objects from rooms he will be in.
- Never take your pets to a fireworks event.
- Never let off fireworks next to or close to your pet.
EditThings You'll Need - Bedding
- Toys
- Shutters, curtains, or blankets, to muffle outside noise
- TV or calming music
EditRelated wikiHows EditReferences EditQuick Summary
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