06/29/2021
As the Fourth of July approaches, you may be considering lighting some celebratory fireworks for the occasion. Though fireworks may be a fun tradition for us, your four-legged friends may feel differently. Here are some tips to help your pet cope. Move your dog to an internal room of your house. Play the radio or turn the television up loudly to help mask the sounds. Close windows, doors and blinds to reduce the visual clues and sounds of the fireworks. It’s best to stay with your dog if possible. Dogs are social creatures and your presence is comforting. Dogs will respond to situations that are potentially scary to them by watching their owners actions and emotions. Be calm, supportive, and snuggly. You can give treats or play games to distract them as well. It’s also good for you to be present to ensure that they do not injure themselves if they were to panic. More dogs escape home during the Fourth of July than any other time of the year, so make sure that all doors and gates are secure. Also, make sure your dog is microchipped in case of an escape during a panic. Some owners have success with Thundershirts or Anxiety Wraps. These are snug-fitting vests that squeeze and apply pressure over the body that many dogs find comforting. Others recommend a pheromone product that comes as a collar, room diffuser or spray. That pheromone is appeasing to dogs and helps reduce anxiety. We also now have an FDA approved medication that is labeled to reduce noise aversions. It inhibits anxiety by blocking the release of norepinephrine. We have been using this medication with great results.