06/25/2024
Tips on Fireworks and dogs from Gun Dog Supply Company:
The volume and brightness of fireworks are just too much for most dogs. Their ears are about four times more sensitive to sound than ours, so you can imagine how loud and upsetting fireworks are to them.
Before the Fireworks Begin:
• Talk to your neighbors and ask them to give you a call before they set off fireworks
• Walk your dog beforehand because it might be a while before it's safe for them to go back outside
• If possible, bring your dog inside to a closed-off interior room
• Feed your dogs ahead of time; anxious dogs are often too upset to eat
• Fill up their water bowl, as anxious dogs pant more and become thirsty
• Make sure you have a safe and comfortable place for them to be while the fireworks are going on
• Close windows and blinds in order to block the bright lights from startling your dog
(I start diffusing Young Living essential oils ahead. Anyone of the oils in the picture can help. I can send you details on them if you like. Your dog will sense the soothing effects of the oils. They will associate the smell to calmness and when diffusing them during fireworks, they are comfortable and will be calmer. One of my friends here in Fremont, diffuses Peace and Calming and her dogs sleep through the fireworks.)
Should your dog get out and run away this Independence Day, it is vital that they have an ID plate on their collar. That way when they are found, folks can contact you. (I would also suggest getting a microchip if your dog doesn't have one)
During the Fireworks:
• Have a TV, radio, or white-noise maker to drown out the sound of the fireworks
• Distract your dog with their favorite toy or bone
• Reward good, calm behavior
• Comfort and reassure your dog that everything is all right
• Act normal and don't react negatively to the fireworks; dogs can pick up on behavioral cues
• Don't make your dog "face their fears" -- this will only frighten them more
• If you need to go outside, make sure your dog is secure before opening the door
Remember it is harder to fix a gun-shy or noise-sensitive dog than it is to prevent it.