Fireworks and fourth of July celebrations go hand in hand, but although we may oooh and aaah at the spectacular sights exploding in the sky, our dogs typically have a very different response – fear!
So, what can you do to reduce your pet’s fear, so the whole household can enjoy the fourth of July?
- Never take your pet to a firework display.
- Ensure your dog gets plenty of exercise earlier in the day before the display begins
- There is a higher incidence of runaway dogs on the fourth of July. Find out when the firework display is likely to start and keep your dog inside during that time.
- Close all windows and doors in your home so that noise levels from outside are reduced. If necessary also draw blinds or close drapes.
- When the display is taking place, try to distract your dog with other sounds, such as the TV or by playing music.
- Make sure that your dog has easy, unobstructed access to his safe area. This may be the crate or dog bed, so allow your dog to take himself there and allow him to stay there for the evening if that is where he feels most comfortable.
- Keep calm yourself and do not appear to look hassled. Dogs often pick up on how their owner is feeling and if you are calm your dog is likely to feel calmer too.
- Your veterinarian may be able to suggest a dog appeasing pheromone (DAP) or calming scent that you can use to reduce your dog’s anxiety.
Wishing you all a wonderful 4th of July!
Tagged: Anxiety, blinds, calm, crate, DAP, dog appeasing pheromone, Dogs, drapes, Exercise, fear, firework display, Firework fear, Fireworks, music, safe area, veterinarian
