Original Article: https://blog.theanimalrescuesite.greatergood.com/alexa-frightened-pets/

Every year during noisy holidays like the 4th of July and New Year’s Eve, pet owners everywhere damn their neighbors for all of the loud explosions going off from fireworks. Each time a blast rocks your pet and frightens them senseless you shudder along with them in what amounts to sympathy pains. The shaking and whimpering pull at your heartstrings as you wonder how thoughtless and insensitive holiday revelers can be. Not all pets are sensitive to loud noises, but if yours is, that’s all that matters. Now, Alexa might be able to help soothe them.

Amazon Alexa for Pets

Amazon is said to have commissioned two new pieces of music to help calm your cats and dogs. According to the company, the kitty composition is “following scientific research showcasing that cats prefer species-appropriate music” and the music is “specifically designed to calm cats and help keep them at ease during what can be a stressful evening.” It’s supposed to work the same way for canines. If it works for them, and it’s important to remember that nothing is a one-size-fits-all for every animal, then the device and the accompanying pet tunes could be a real lifesaver when the “bombs bursting in air” begin to strike.

Amazon Echo Speaker

You’ll need to instruct your smart speaker or Echo Show with the words, “Alexa, help my cat (or dog) relax,” to let the soothing begin. You can also tell it to play the Classical for Dogs playlist, which is designed to help mask the tumult going on outside. Better yet, it’s designed to be triggered by barking, so you don’t even have to be in the room to activate it because Trixie or Spot can do it on their own. The feature, known as Press Paws Alexa Routine, will detect your barking pooch and play their soon-to-be favorite tunes automatically. Of course, you’ll need to be an Amazon Music customer through either a Prime membership or an Amazon Music subscription.

Sound Desensitization for Pets

As stated above, not everything works for all pets. Many people have tried thunder vests and calming sprays or balms with limited success. Another technique that’s shown promise, however, is desensitizing the animals through gradual exposure to loud sounds. It takes time, patience, and continuity, but experts say it can be accomplished. Battersea.org has a tutorial with an accompanying video you can try, but it takes time to work. With that in mind, you may want to start now before the fireworks begin again this December 31st.

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Source: The Animal Rescue Site Blog