How To Keep Your Dog Calm During 4th Of July Fireworks
This weekend will be a long one for many folks since the 4th of July is Tuesday. Fireworks are beginning Friday in many places and will happen throughout the weekend and Monday and Tuesday. I’ve never really been a fan of fireworks. I didn’t like them as a kid, and I’m not a huge fan now. It’s cool to see the beauty light up the sky, but the noises that go along with the fireworks are problematic for many animals. Animal Control says that there’s a 30% increase in lost pets between July 4th thru July 6th.
When my dog Maxwell was alive, he had a horrible time with fireworks and thunder. He’d shake and hide for hours. I’m lucky that Eddy and Kramer aren’t as scared. Huffington Post has some ways to keep your pet safe and calm during the 4th, and I use one of their recommendations. They’ve chatted with a few veterinarians and have listed their solutions to help dogs with anxiety during the holiday.
Dr. Gary Richter is a vet in California and the founder of Ultimate Pet Nutrition and author of ‘Longevity for Dogs.’ He says dogs have ‘fight or flight’ responses like we do. The loud noises of fireworks mean danger to animals. Since they can’t ‘fight’ the fireworks, their instincts are to hide, tremble, bark, or engage in other nervous behaviors. Many vets offer ways to help keep your animals safe and less scared during fireworks.
- Make sure your pet is inside or in a safe space that they can’t escape from.
- Set up a distraction for your pet.
- Buy a weighted blanket, jacket or ‘thunder shirt’ for your pet.
- Keep yourself calm as your animal feeds off your behavior.
- Consider using a pharmaceutical for your pet. Vets can prescribe doggy Xanax, Valium, or other anti-anxiety medications.
My vet has told me that Benadryl can work similar to a prescription anti-anxiety medication, so that’s what I give my dogs. I hide the pill in some peanut butter and they have no clue they’re swallowing a pill. Kramer has allergies so I often have to give him a Benadryl anyway.
Even though Eddy and Kramer aren’t too afraid of fireworks, I will turn up the television when they’re going off near me. I’ll do this in addition to the fireworks. Both my pups are rescues, so they aren’t fans of loud noises. Since my previous pups, Gypsy and Maxwell, were both very afraid of fireworks, I’m used to staying home on the 4th. I’ll go to a daytime BBQ, but at night I make sure I’m home to hang out with my dogs. Since I’m not a huge fan of fireworks, I don’t mind.
If you’re animals suffer from anxiety when they hear fireworks, staying home with them is helpful. You can read more about what vets recommend here. Have a happy 4th and keep your pets safe!
Your dog doesn't have to experience hours of anxiety or nervous behaviors on Independence Day. Here's what to do. https://t.co/hc1IpR1wCK
— HuffPost (@HuffPost) June 29, 2023
