The 4th of July can be a stressful time for both pets and parents who know their dogs get nervous around loud noises and fireworks. Mainly because you know your dog is terrified of the sound that fireworks make when they go off. Its almost impossible to avoid it and even if you live miles and miles away from any large event there are still those few strays that manage to go off in your neighborhood. The even crazier thing is even if we can barely hear it our dogs hear it as if its right outside.
If you know your dog is terrified of fireworks then you have hopefully been preparing long before any major holiday where you know fireworks will be going off long into the night, but if you’re a procrastinator like me you probably are trying to crame a year of planning into about 3 days.
Even though there is not allot you can do about the sound there are still lots of ways you can make your pet feel a little more comfortable, before and while all the crazy commotion is going on.
- First and foremost you will want to take your dog on not 1 but 2 super long walks the day of the fireworks. I am not talking about a little stroll around the bock, I am talking a walk that will get your dogs heart rate up, they will pant, and then completely be exhausted by the time you get home. If you normally walk 1-mile walk about 3 as long as your dog is comfortable and not over exhausted or in any pain. If the weather isn’t extremely hot do it again right before sunset.
- If your dog is crate trained, make their crate extra comfy and safe, wash the blankets add a few comfier soft pillows or blankets. Cover the crate and be sure to put a few yummy toys in there like stuffed kongs and chew toys to help keep them busy. For awesome kong recipes
- Turn on music or TV, and turn it up loud to help drown out the sound of the fireworks. Turn something on that your dog has heard before and listens to often like the News or your favorite TV show series.
- Get a thunder shirt. For those of you that don’t know what a thunder shirt is its a tight fitting shirt for your dog. Much like when you swaddle a baby it comforts them and makes them feel safe. A thunder shirt does the exact same thing but for a dog. Be sure to measure your dog properly before you order so that you can get the right fit. If you don’t get the right size, the thunder shirt will not do what it was made to do.
- If possible plan to stay home with your dog. Your dog looks to you for comfort and stability and if you leave they will feel even more scared and insecure. If you’re there and relaxed it will help your dog relax too.
- Make sure your dog has a collar with updated tags on. July 5th is the busiest day of the year at shelters because of all the pets that escaped due to fear of the fireworks. If by some horrible event your dog manages to escape the house or your yard, having updated tags on them will help get them home safe if they’re found.
- Talk to your vet about anxiety medication if your dog has SAVIER anxiety and fear of fireworks and you have tried all the above. Your dog doesn’t understand that fireworks are nothing to be afraid of to them they feel like the world is ending and something bad is going to happen. On top of it, the sound is amplified by about 10,000 to your dog. So if your dog has high anxiety talk to your vet about getting them some calming medication to help get them through the night.
All in all its about making sure your dog feels safe and secure so stay home with them. Turn on a movie and be sure YOU don’t act like anything is changing. If you start to get nervous about it then your dog will feel your energy and start to get anxious WAY before the fireworks even start. On the 4th of July or any other holiday where you know, there will be fireworks be sure to act like everything is normal, go about your day just as you would any other day. Don’t coddle your dog or hold them like a baby when they shake, sure you can comfort them by talking to them and telling them its ok, but if you tend to their every need you’re only feeding into their fear. Try to get their attention off of it by playing one of their favorite games, or have them do some training exercises with you.
Have a safe and wonderful 4th of July
xx
D