Be Sure Your Dog is Calm and Safe During Fireworks

Most Americans love the Fourth of July holiday!  They look forward to the parties, picnics, games, socializing with friends and, of course, the fireworks.  Most people, including children, love and look forward to fireworks.  While people love and look forward to the fireworks, many dogs, on the other hand, are terrorized by them.  If you have one or more dogs in your family you owe it to them to also make it a day of fun for your dogs, instead of a day of terror.

Here are some suggestions to try to help your dog to Keep safe even during fireworks.

7 Ways to Protect Your Dogs and Keep Them Feeling Safe and Happy During Fireworks

1)  Desensitizing                                                                                                                    

      Desensitizing is the process of disassociating the noise of the fireworks with fear and associating it instead with something your dog loves such as playing and treats.  One method of accomplishing this is to play a fireworks video first at a low volume but gradually increase the volume. Also while the video is playing you play with your dog, give him a treat he that he loves or take him for a walk.  Keep doing this on a regular basis so your dog will begin to associate the sound of fireworks with fun and enjoyment instead of fear.

Be patient and consistent and over time, you can get your dog to not be afraid of fireworks.  It will take some effort and continued reinforcement but it is really the best method to deal with the fear because you are replacing a negative reaction with a positive one.

2) Planning

 Planning ahead of time will greatly impact the safety and well-being of your dog.  Will you be attending a fireworks display?  If so are you bringing your dog or leaving him home?  For those of you who are planning on bringing your dog to a fireworks display we highly recommend that you DO NOT BRING YOUR DOGS!  If your dog is afraid of fireworks bringing him closer to the source of the fireworks is a terrible suggestion.  The fireworks will appear bigger and noisier and your dog could become panicked and could possibly get away from you.  This is a real recipe for disaster!  Your dog is panicked and running loose in a downtown area that he most likely doesn’t know.  If you are lucky, animal control will pick him up before he gets hit by a car and injured or worse yet, killed.

3)  Leaving your dog at home alone

It is not recommended to leave your dog alone during stressful times such as fireworks.  If you are determined to go to the fireworks display then please follow one of the recommendations below.

• Suggestion 1:  Find a trusted friend who is willing to stay with your dog.

• Suggestion 2:  Locate a Doggie Day Care that is far from where the fireworks will be and leave your dog there.  This is highly recommended because your dog will enjoy himself playing with other dogs.  Also, the people who run the doggie day care are most likely very knowledgeable about calming dogs during fireworks.  If your dog has separation anxiety then this can be a real dilemma.

4)  Keeping Your Dogs Calm

Keep your dog active during the day so he will be tired by night time and, hopefully, just sleep through it all. Discuss with your vet the use of pheromone diffusers.  These can have a calming effect on your dog. Purchase a “Thunder Shirt” for your dog.  The purpose of these shirts is to help your dog to feel protected.      

5)  Preparing your home

• Close all windows

• Lock your doggie door so your dog can’t get out and run away;

• Turn on the TV with volume high enough to block outside noise;

• Prepare a puppy pad for your dog so he will have a place to go;        

• Plug up any gaps in doors, windows or anywhere, with foam rubber;

6)  Sedation

• If your dog goes into panic mode every 4th of July, then consult your vet regarding the use of a safe sedative to try and keep him calmer.How to keep your dog happy;

• Watch your dog closely for signs of panic and try to be proactive by providing love and reassurance that he has no reason to be afraid.

• Be patient with your dog and avoid any harsh words or anger and frustration towards your dogs. Some dogs may revert to older behaviors simply out of fear.  For example, your dog may forget that he is housebroken and go on your floor, but don’t punish him it will just aggravate the situation and make things worse.                                                                                                                                 

 7)   In case of emergency

• Keep your vet’s number handy

• Be sure you know the phone number and location of the closest emergency vet as many regular vets are not open due to the holiday.