07/04/2024
Wishing you and your pets a Happy 4th of July!!!
Do you have a dog that doesn't like fireworks? Here are a few tips you can try to help them tonight!
1. Try a Dog Anxiety Vest
Much like swaddling helps calm infants, a snug garment that puts gentle pressure on your dog’s torso can reduce fireworks anxiety.
Get your dog used to wearing a pressure wrap—like a dog anxiety vest—before fireworks so that by the time the event arrives, your dog will be comfortable with the garment.
2. Schedule a Pre-Fireworks Workout
Going for a long hike or spending time playing with pals during the day will help wear out your dog before the fireworks begin.
A dog that’s mentally and physically exhausted might be less likely to react to fireworks, so plan a day of fun activities that will leave your dog ready for a snooze.
3. Schedule Meals and Potty Time Early
It’s important to time your dog’s dinner and potty trips well in advance of nightfall, since fireworks typically start as soon as the sun sets. There’s nothing worse than a dog that’s scared of fireworks that needs a potty break but is too terrified to step out the door. Give your dog enough time to finish his dinner, digest, and potty before the noise begins so he’s not forced to hold it during an already stressful period.
4. Keep Your Pup Occupied During Fireworks
Provide distraction by giving your dog something delicious to focus on during fireworks, like a KONG® Classic dog toy. Stuff the busy toy with special goodies like your dog’s all-time favorite treat so that he has something else to focus on during the noise.
You can also give your pup a frozen treat to gnaw on, like a carrot.
5. Muffle the Noise
It’s easy to understand why dogs are scared of fireworks; the unpredictable booming sounds can be perceived as an impending threat and make a dog feel vulnerable.
While counterconditioning with a fireworks recording throughout the year will help your dog learn to cope with the noise, an easy way to manage dog fireworks anxiety during the event is to simply muffle the sounds with something else.
Plug in a white noise machine or turn on some calming music loud enough so the fireworks are camouflaged. If your dog’s “safe zone” is his crate, you can also cover the top, sides, and back with a thick blanket and play music or sounds for him. Just make sure your dog can leave the crate if he wants to.
6. Comfort Your Dog
You might have heard that comforting your dog in times of stress can reinforce his fears. However, your dog’s reactions to fireworks are based on a legitimate fear. Providing comfort during this time is appropriate and often helpful.
Sitting close to your dog, petting him gently and offering quiet words of reassurance during scary events like fireworks can help to center your dog and might even reduce his fearfulness. Plus, doing so will help your dog understand that you’re his partner and that he can always turn to you when he’s feeling scared.
7. Consult a Professional
If your dog’s behavior doesn’t improve, find a positive trainer to help you and your dog work through relaxation protocols.
If your dog’s fireworks anxiety puts them or you in danger, talk with your veterinarian about a calming supplement or anxiety medication for dogs and whether it’s necessary.
Remember that your dog’s fireworks anxiety is a visceral response, and it will likely take a multi-step approach to help your dog feel more comfortable with the sounds.