Getting Your Dog Ready for the 4th of July
While celebrating July 4th can be lots of fun for humans, the loud festivities that accompany the holiday can be a source of anxiety and stress for many dogs. Even canines who aren’t known to be afraid of thunderstorms may cower or run and hide from all of the bangs and flashes of July 4th fireworks. Your dog may be stressed out if he or she begins panting, pacing, trying to escape, or trembling. A fearful dog may also have potty accidents, and a decreased appetite, and may whine or bark as an outlet for their anxiety.
Preparing for the Fourth of July
If your dog’s anxiety on July 4th is serious enough, it may be a good idea to make a visit beforehand to their veterinarian for a preemptive solution. Your vet may recommend that your dog be prescribed a specific medication that will calm your pup on the big day. This should be done far enough ahead that the medicine has time to start working and you can see what effect it has on your dog.
When you visit the vet, you can also discuss non-prescription options that might help your dog. For example, an all-natural Rescue Remedy for pets is made from the essence of flowers. Your vet may also recommend trying a pheromone diffuser, or the ever-popular anti-anxiety wrap known as the Thundershirt.
Get Your Dog Acclimated to the Sound Beforehand
Some experts suggest that one way to get your dog over their fear of fireworks is to combine the sound of fireworks with a positive experience. To begin, wait until your dog is in a relaxed and peaceful mood.
- At a very low volume, play the sounds of fireworks for your dog.
- If your dog appears afraid or stressed out, lower the volume or turn it off.
- While the sounds of fireworks are playing, try one or several of the following activities:
Give them a training session, using the best treats you have available. Using their favorite toys, enjoy a game of fetch with them. Enjoy some cuddle time. Feed them a meal. Share any activity that your dog may find positive and rewarding.
- Keep this up for 10 minutes at a time. Repeat this entire process a couple of times each day.
- Try increasing the volume of the fireworks one level with each session.
Create a Safe Haven for Your Canine
Your dog will feel a lot safer if they have their own special spot or area which you have designated for them. Some dogs enjoy laying on their bed that is in a quiet corner, while others feel the most secure when they are inside of their crate. If you are creating a safe space for your dog to chill on July 4th, just be sure to introduce it to them before the big day so that they can feel as comfortable as possible when they need it the most.
Safety First
You likely already know how important it is to have your current information printed on your dog’s ID tag. Having your dog microchipped is even better. This is particularly important on July 4th, seeing as more dogs escape their homes on this night than on any other. Just in case your canine was to end up in an animal shelter from running away because of the noise, you need to have the peace of mind that you will be able to get him or her back into your loving arms.