If there was one holiday dogs could vote to get rid of, I’m certain it would be the 4th of July. It’s such a celebratory day for us, but causes undue stress for so many of our furry friends.
While we may love the sight and sounds of fireworks, the vast majority of dogs and cats do not.
Here are 10 things you can do to help your furry friend make it through the night:
Don’t take your dog to the big fireworks show in town. With the big crowds and loud noises, each of which occur in the dark, your dog will be much happier at home.
Be sure to have your dog’s collar on and I.D. tags attached, even if you don’t plan to leave the house. This makes the dog’s return easier should the unexpected happen and he gets out and away from you.
Close all the windows at home to help block the sound, and if the burst from the fireworks can be seen from your home, pull the drapes. If you have a basement room, that’s an even better option to help block the sights and sounds.
Play fun games with your dog during the fireworks to help distract him from the noise.
Studies have shown that this can help reduce stress in our pets. Special recordings such as “Through a Dog’s Ear” are available.
White noise and pink noise can also be very helpful in disguising the sound. We use white noise for one of our dogs who has a hard time dealing with thunder.
An anxiety wrap such as a Thundershirt or even a small tight T-shirt may help reduce the stress our dogs feel (similar to swaddling a baby).
If fireworks are prevalent in your neighborhood, consider taking a short trip to another area with your dog or drive away from home to avoid the sounds.
Know that it’s OK to comfort and console a frightened dog. There’s still some old school thinking that says we are reinforcing that fear–this is just not so. Fear is not a behavior – it is an emotional response to a perceived threat.
If you already know that your dog is frightened by loud noises, consult your veterinarian or have your vet consult with a veterinary behaviorist about possible pharmaceuticals or natural remedies that have proven to lessen stress.
The 4th of July is a grand time to celebrate the birth of our great nation. Keeping the comfort and safety of our pets in mind is also high on my list. I also like to consider the comfort of our veterans who may be suffering from PTSD. Please be courteous of those with PTSD and your dog and withhold shooting off fireworks. Contact us with questions!
Brad Waggoner is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer, a KPA Certified Training Partner (CTP), a dog∗tec Certified Dog Walker, a Certified Fear-Free Professional, Faculty for the Victoria Stilwell Academy of Dog Training and Behavior and Partner of Cold Nose College in Murphy, North Carolina. www.coldnosecollege.com
