The 4th of July is just around the corner in less than two weeks, Along with it comes the marvelous fireworks that will lit up the sky from the Pacific to the Atlantic
While all Americans will be celebrating a glorious triumph, Dog parents and their canines will be having The Most Stressful Day of The Year
The flashing lights and booming noises of fireworks have a frightful and alarming effect on dogs to the extent that would trigger their Fight-or-flight instincts and would probably run off anywhere to hide from them
How to Calm a Dog During Fireworks is probably what occupies all dog parents’ minds right now to prepare for the upcoming holiday!
Not so fun FACTS
Vets say that July 3rd is usually the most trafficked day in their offices, with clients coming in to get drugs for their dogs.
July 5th is often the busiest day of the year at animal shelters, as pets run off from home in fear, found lost and confused the next day.
Here are some tips on How to Calm a Dog During Fireworks to help you provide a safe haven for your fluffy friend during this stressful time
Table of Contents
Top 10 Tips on How to Calm a Dog During Fireworks
We will split these tips into three parts; Things to do Before, During and After
First, We will start with certain thing you have to take care of to prepare your dog Emotionally, Physically and Mentally before the fireworks show starts…
And Here we go…
1. Desensitization
One of the best ways to prepare your dog for fireworks is to make sure he’s comfortable with the sounds in advance.
This is a simple process, However, it can take time. It may take possibly three or four months of playing the recorded sound of fireworks for your dog at an increasingly louder volume before he eats, before a walk, and before affection and play.
This gradual process will condition your pup by the association between hearing the sound and interpret it as something good.
While you can try this method over only a week or two, in such a short time span it should only be used in conjunction with one or more of the other tips.
As the fireworks sounds/video is going, play with your pup! Break out toys and treats to get your dog to begin associating firework sounds with good, fun things!
2. Update Your Dog’s Collar & Tags
It’s not uncommon for dogs to escape and bolt during fireworks out of fear.
Make sure your dog has a properly fitting collar and ID tags with contact info, just in case he takes off.
It’s also smart to have recent photos of your dog on hand to send to shelters so they can keep an eye out for your pooch.
If you know your dog is especially prone to taking off at the sound of firecrackers, consider getting your pooch geared up with a Dog GPS tracker so you can locate him once things have calmed down.
I always had that problem until I started using TRACKMYPET™: GPS TRACKER FOR PETS
With The TRACKMYPET™, you can keep an eye on your paw-friends wherever they go.
It works with me greatly and I highly recommend it
3. Tire Him Out
Earlier on the 4th of July, try to take your pooch for a good long walk to tire him out.
A tired dog is a happy dog
Tiring your pooch out can reduce his anxiety and may prevent him from getting overly anxious later in the evening when the fireworks go off.
Just make sure to adhere to basic summer safety guidelines when it comes to exercising in the heat. We recommend a nice long walk in the AM!
4. Invest in a Pressure Wrap or Vest
These snug-fitting vests have a magical touch as they apply sustained, comforting pressure to your dog’s torso. This leads to him feeling relaxed
There is a lot in the market of these products but I personally recommend The RELAXVEST™: Dog Anxiety-Calming Vest
The RELAXVEST will give your dog a tight hug to relieve their stress and make them feel again.
It has the same effect on them as cuddling with you, and it makes them relax.
The RELAXVEST works like magic with my 9-year-old Labrador.
Breathable, high-quality material makes it feel nice on their skin so they can wear it all day, and the flexibility of its material means they can have it on while walking around.
5. Consider Anti-Anxiety Medication
For some dogs, medicine might be the best way to go. Talk to your veterinarian about medication if you know your pet will be upset by the holiday festivities.
A variety of options are available to help treat your dog’s firework phobia. Here are some of them:
- Pheromones. They are Available via a diffuser, a spray, or a collar.
Adaptil dog-appeasing pheromones have the ability to reduce your dog’s anxiety, Whether it’s related to fireworks, storms, traveling, or separation.
A research study published in the Journal of the British Veterinary Association specifically evaluated its use for storm phobia in dogs and found it effective. - Melatonin. This over-the-counter supplement is widely available.
When using Melatonin for anxiety, Dog parents report differing levels of relief. Talk to your veterinarian about appropriate doses for your dog. - Prescription medications. Especially in severe cases, Medication can be a lifesaver for a noise-phobic dog.
Your veterinarian can guide you through the various choices.
Now, After you have been fully prepared, Here are the things that you should do once the Fireworks begin
6. Same old, Same Old
Act normally around your dog. Pretend as though the fireworks aren’t happening. Be cheerful and playful around your dog.
When your dog comes to you for comfort, pet and cuddle him. If he isolates himself or hides, leave him alone, even if he is whining.
Sometimes, dogs will try to run and hide under the bed or in their crate. If you notice this happening, do not chase your dog down. Just check on him periodically.
7. Get His Mind out of It
Play white sound or music. Turning on television also works well. While the noise may not completely cover Up the fireworks, it can reduce the impact of the fireworks on your dog.
Do not turn the music on louder than you normally would in your home. You can use an app, like Simply Noise or Noisli, to create white noise.
Video streaming websites might have playlists of calming music or ambient noise.
8. Provide Your Dog With a Safe Space
Some dogs will feel comforted by having their own safe space to hide when frightening fireworks go off. Consider purchasing a crate or a Travel kennel
Add some cozy blankets, a crate bed, and a few favorite toys to make a true comfort den for your nervous canine.
9. Distract Your Dog With Tasty Toys
Give your dog something better to do than worry! Give him a good chew to chomp on or a dog puzzle toy to keep him occupied.
Another popular dog distraction strategy is to fill a Kong with tasty wet food and freeze it, Your pooch will spend the next few hours licking away at it.
Some ultra-terrified dogs may not be interested in eating when they are so scared, but others may be on board. If you begin this practice with your puppy, it will further reinforce that fireworks = fun!
Now, After the fireworks are over, you need to reassure your fluffy buddy that the bad times have gone by and you will always be there for him
10. Give Your Dog Lots of Snuggles
A common myth has it that if you pet your pup during an anxious episode, they’ll feel more afraid.
However, You can calmly soothe and reassure your pup as long as you avoid loud exclamations or frantic movements. So cuddle away!
Finally, and most importantly, Don’t think of this in terms of your dog as your child who is missing out on a great, fun time. That is basically human guilt. Your pup won’t have a clue what he is missing.
Claim your role as the good pack leader by not exposing him to a situation that will trigger his flight instinct in a negative way.
When the booms and bangs of Independence Day are over, your dog will be grateful to you for having made it a less stressful experience!
That’s it.
That was our Guide on How to Calm a Dog During Fireworks, I hope you have enjoyed it
If you liked this post, share it with a friend, he might be wondering about this too.
Good luck, I hope you and your pooch have a wonderful 4th of July
Remember, When you understand why is your dog scared of fireworks, you can better address your dog’s fears and help him stay calm
Also, Love is the best medicine and the ultimate answer to all Problems. Love yourself and love all the living things around you
What did you think about this article?
Whatever you think, comment below and let me know!
If you liked what you read here and want to read more check out my other articles on Top 10 Dog Breeds That Are Amazingly Like A German Shepherd or The Top 10 Easy to Train Dogs For You
If you have any questions or further tips of How to calm a dog during fireworks that I might have missed, Feel free to tell us in the comment section, We are all here to learn for the sake of our beloved furry friends
Have a nice day and Read you next time.
