To prepare your dog for fireworks, you should have confidence building, desensitization, and exposure to loud noises during their socialization period. However, if you haven’t done this, it’s advisable to create a safe place for your dog to wait out the loud, explosive sounds. This could include a quiet room, a crate, or a place with familiar scents and toys. Additionally, provide distractions such as music or a toy to help your dog relax. Ensure that your dog has updated identification tags and is microchipped in case they escape due to fear.
Which Room Should You Choose?
Dogs are sensitive to loud, sudden noises like fireworks, which can cause them discomfort and anxiety. This behavior can be traced back to their survival instincts, as loud noises could indicate a threat or danger. Additionally, the pressure changes caused by the explosions in the air can be painful to dogs’ sensitive ears; this is because of barometric pressure change. As such, it is essential to take measures to keep dogs safe and calm during firework displays, such as minimizing exposure to the sounds and providing a safe, comfortable space for them to retreat to. In Texas, the center of the house is the best place for insulation as there are no basements. Rooms away from windows and exterior walls, like bathrooms or tubs, are also recommended.
Let’s move with the assumption that a guest bathroom is your best option; let’s move to our next step.
The Kennel is Your Best Friend
Despite popular belief, kennels are not mean or restrictive for dogs. In fact, dogs typically enjoy having a den-like space to retreat to. If your dog is kennel conditioned, it can actually be beneficial to use the kennel as a calming space during times of stress or anxiety, such as during fireworks or other loud events. This can help prevent panic-induced pacing and keep your dog safe and comfortable. To provide extra insulation for your dog’s kennel, place a blanket over the top and three-quarters of the sides. If your dog is anxious, you can cover the entire kennel, but make sure there is still adequate airflow. For smaller kennels, consider placing them in a bathtub to prevent drafts and provide additional insulation. To keep your dog occupied, consider placing a safe chew-proof toy or a frozen Kong/fillable toy inside the area.
White Noise, Fans, Music to Mask
To help your dog remain calm during fireworks, consider playing with white noise or using a fan or air purifier to create background noise while your dog is kenneled. This will help to mask the sound of explosions and reduce your pet’s anxiety. If you don’t have a white noise machine, you can use a Bluetooth device to play calming sounds or music in the background.
Additional Handy Products or Aids to Consider
There are several calming aids that can help your dog relax during the 4th of July:
1. Adaptil calming spray – uses pheromones to create a feeling of safety and reassurance.
2. Zesty Paws calming treats – contains natural ingredients such as chamomile and valerian to promote relaxation.
3. Thundershirt – a snug-fitting garment that applies constant gentle pressure to calm anxious dogs.
4. Rescue Remedy – a blend of natural flower essences that can help reduce stress and anxiety.
5. CBD oil – derived from hemp, it can help reduce anxiety and promote a sense of calm.
It’s essential to consult with your veterinarian before giving your dog any calming aids, especially if your dog has any underlying health conditions or is taking medication.
For Severe Anxiety in Dogs with Fireworks
Suppose your dog experiences severe anxiety during fireworks, including self-injury or sickness. In that case, it’s important to talk to your vet about a short-term plan for ensuring their safety during holidays. While medication is not a replacement for proper training, it can help alleviate acute symptoms. Additionally, consider behavioral training to help your dog cope with their anxiety in the long term. Remember to provide a safe and secure space for your dog during fireworks displays, and never force them to confront their fears, especially not fireworks.
What To Avoid Doing During Fireworks
To keep your dog safe during fireworks, avoid leaving them alone in the backyard, don’t overfeed before the fireworks start to avoid accidents, don’t give medication without consulting your vet, avoid leaving your dog in a car while watching fireworks, and don’t try to train them by exposing them to the loud sounds. Flooding as a technique for phobias has a higher success rate in people than in dogs, so you can make the fear worse than what you started with initially. Therefore, while it may be a practical approach for some, not all, it is not a guaranteed solution and should be considered carefully before implementation, preferably with guidance from a dog training professional.
Last but not least, do not leave your dog naked! What I mean by that is to ensure your dogs have all the contact information needed on their collar or chip to ensure a safe return in case of accidents!
(Disclaimer: Please note that the information presented in this blog does not serve as dog medical advice. You are advised to contact your local veterinarian for any medical concerns or questions regarding your pet’s health. This blog is for informational purposes only.)
PRACTICANINES 