07/04/2024
4th of July tips~ (This is lengthy, but hopefully it covers something worthwhile that you may not have thought of)
Did you know?
~The 4th is one of thee biggest nights for animal control. Panicked, freaked out dogs in survival mode will escape their yards and even homes. Sometimes by any means necessary, including breaking through & scaling high fences. Even busting through glass windows.
Please, please keep them indoors today!
Take extra precaution and be sure your dog's collar WITH I.D. TAG is on. If they are microchipped, be sure their info has been registered.
As much as possible, add in some extra activity with your dog during the day to get them exercised & tired out. We don't want pent up energy on top of loud fireworks adding to what is, for many dogs, an extremely stressful night!
Don’t wait!! Be sure to get your dog out to potty BEFORE sundown & before the fireworks begin. Keep in mind, there are those who are eager to start celebrating even before the sun goes down. So if there’s any chance your dog could be triggered and escape, you might consider bringing them in early from play, even leashing them up for that last potty break, just in case.
If you are going to be out watching fireworks and think your dog will feel safer with you,( in most cases) I would advise against it. Especially if they have any sound phobia. Safe and secure at home inside the house is typically your best option. This is not the case 100% of the time. You, “hopefully” know your dog best. Advocate for them, take extra precautions and use your best judgment to keep them safe and secure!
Here is a list of things that may help to lessen the impact of loud fireworks~
Turn the volume up on your stereo, TV, sound system etc.
If you have portable fans, crank those babies up! (the louder the better).
Although it won’t completely drown out all of the sound, it will help to soften the blow.
• Throw a few peanut butter, yogurt or pumpkin puree filled Kongs in the freezer now so they are ready for this evening.They will occupy your dog longer when frozen.
• If you play seek/find it games with your dog, hide treats or kibble around the house long before the sun goes down. These and any other engagement games indoors may help keep their minds busy and their focus away from anticipating the next “boom“ or “impending doom”. ***Note~ at the onset of a loud explosion, extreme fear will most likely override the allure of even the best treats but give it a few minutes and as the dust starts to settle, try again. Food is typically calming and can help to bring them around.
• Since most folks will be BBQ’g today anyhow, throw a couple of extra burgers or chicken on the grill (no seasonings), cut it up, remove any bones and you’re all set. Best treats ever!!
• If your dog is comfortable in his/her crate, this can be the safest place for them. Either where you typically crate them, (covered or not)or in some cases it may be appropriate to place it closest to the source of indoor noise and away from windows & doors to help drown out the sound of fireworks. Mine (except for Boris) will be crated in the living room with us while we watch movies, fans on, volume up! *******Keep in mind, if your dog is not comfortable being crated, then don’t. They could potentially hurt themselves trying to escape the crate.
• In any case if you plan to go out, try to find a place they will be most comfortable. This could be under a bed, in the laundry room, bathroom or even a closet can feel like a safe haven! Every dog is different & hopefully you'll know what place is best inside for your dog.
If your dog really struggles and your house is like mine, upstairs bedroom with large windows where it tends to be the loudest, consider sleeping in a downstairs bedroom with them if possible where some of the sound is absorbed.
• Being highly emotional over a fearful, anxious dog can have the opposite effect. It can actually increase their anxiety. Fight the urge to soothe your dog with excessive petting, coddling & baby talk (i.e. ”You’re okay, you’re okay, don’t worry I’m right here” etc., (especially if you are over emotional) as they can mirror our emotions and can send them the wrong message reinforcing their fear. Remain neutral and calm to help your dog do the same! Your best chance at helping them during this very stressful experience is to lead by example and provide stability. Stay calm under fire! In any case, be there for & support your dog!
• Lastly, if your dog’s fear and anxiety around fireworks are extreme, you may want to consider other interventions such as the various calming devices available at most pet stores (head/ear wraps to minimize sound, compression vests etc), behavior modification training and/or medication. Consult with your vet to see if medication might be an option. Reach out to a trainer you trust for additional advise or training options. New Year Eve will be here before you know it!
Paws crossed not only for our dogs, but for all who experience stress, & trauma triggered by fireworks and other explosives associated with the holiday. Including cats, birds, & other wildlife. Even butterflies! Not to mention war veterans. 😢
Please be responsible and be safe!
~ Deb Po***ck
For The Love Of Dogs~
✌🏼❤️🐾🐾
