Not Always A Celebration For Dogs

National holidays aren’t always cause for celebration by pets. For them, a holiday like the Fourth of July means one thing, NOISE, LOUD and SUDDEN.

Try these tips to help your dog before the fireworks start.

• Feed and walk your dog, ensuring that he’s peed and pooped before the fireworks are expected to start.
• Stay home. Even if your dog hides or refuses to interact with you, he’s far better off with you there than being left on his own.
• Keep your dog inside, close all the windows, and block off any dog doors/flaps if you have them.
• Close the curtains and blinds to obscure the outside view, help buffer the sounds and minimize the unsettling flashes of light.
• Keep your own lights turned on — the brighter the better since this helps to absorb the flashes.
• Provide some background noise. Keep the TV or radio turned on at a normal volume. White noise from fans, washing machines or dryers is often more effective.
• Provide your dog with a dark, comfortable place to hide – whether it’s a dog crate, the inside of a closet or a folded blanket under the bed. Being tucked away in a small, snug space allows him to feel more secure while muffling the noises outside.
• If your dog comes to you, ease his distress with some ear T-Touch or by gently but firmly massaging his head, neck, shoulders and back.
• Buy dog-appeasing pheromones available in sprays, diffusers and collars. Anti-anxiety herbal and flower essence remedies can also work well.
• Try a Thunder Shirt.

If, however, these techniques fail considering working with a qualified pet therapist to learn behavior modification techniques or speaking to your vet about prescribing an anti-anxiety medication for your dog.

Whichever path you choose, follow it with kindness, patience and love. Think back to the sounds that may have frightened YOU as a child, and you’ll know just how your precious pet feels.

Click here to watch our video on fireworks and their affect on dogs!