(This is an updated version of a previous post).
nicklinwayvet.com.au.
You’ve probably heard this a gazillion times already, but it can’t hurt to say it once more – more pets end up in shelters during and after the 4th of July than any other time of year because fireworks scare the bejeezus out of them.
Frightened dogs tend to bolt and run for long distances until they get far away from whatever scared them.
And if the fireworks keep going off, the dog will keep running.
Some people think their dog will be OK if they leave it in a fenced yard, but a panicked dog can jump over a moderately high fence.
And if you leave your dog alone in your house while you celebrate the 4th? You might find out just how much damage a freaked out dog can cause.
Even if you stay home and cookout in the backyard, your presence won’t prevent your dog from bolting once the fireworks start.
10 Tips for Dogs and Fireworks
1. Exercise Your Dog Before the Fireworks Start!
dogblog.finchester.org
Make time in your schedule to give your an extra long workout before the fireworks begin. Tired dogs are calmer and easier to keep quiet.
They will also sleep more deeply, and consequently, will be less likely to be disturbed by the noise outside.
Of course, if it’s really hot outside, take precautions to ensure your dog doesn’t get overheated.
2. Stay Home.
I understand that not everyone can stay at home on the 4th, but your dog’s fear of fireworks can be exacerbated if you aren’t there to provide reassurance that they are safe.
This is especially important if you have a a new dog in the house because you won’t know how it reacts to fireworks.
3. Keep Calm.
Your dog reacts to your nonverbal cues. If you jump or tense up when you hear fireworks because you are anticipating your dog’s fear, you may make its fear worse.
4. Drown Out the Sound.
Dogvacay.com
Turn up the stereo or television. and keep your windows closed during the fireworks.
Something that can provide background noise, like a fan or air conditioner can help as well.
5. Respect Your Dog’s Fear.
Allow your dog to hide if it feels more comfortable in its crate or under a bed. Don’t pull it out or try to force it closer to the fireworks in an attempt to get him used to the sounds.
Just let it stay where it’s comfortable and provide reassurance that it’s safe.
6. Provide a Distraction.
Break out your dog’s favorite treats, play a game, or give it some extra cuddle time. You can occupy it for awhile by filling a KONG with peanut butter or another yummy treat and freezing it.
7. Try the Thundershirt.
I’ve never tried a Thundershirt on my dogs, but some people swear by them. The pressure it provides has a calming effect on the nervous system.
8. Just Say YES to Drugs.
If know that your dog will panic when the fireworks start, ask your vet if he/she can prescribe medication like Sileo, an FDA-approved gel for the treatment of canine noise aversion.
theoatmeal.com.
Some people recommend giving your dog half a Benadryl to keep it calm but I wouldn’t try that unless you check with your vet first.
From my own experience I’ve found that cannabis made specifically for dogs is the best product for keeping my dogs calm and relaxed. Most independent pet stores in the Seattle area have it, or you can order it online.
9. Be Prepared.
Make sure your dog is wearing ID tags with its name, your name, and your phone number. Get your dog microchipped if it doesn’t have one. Buy your dog a license – if it runs off and is picked up by animal control, they will call to let you know they have your dog. And you won’t have to pay a big fine to get your dog back. You can also get a digital ID tag from Wenatchee-based PetHub.
10. Remove Visual Stimulation.
Keep your curtains closed or blinds. Removing visual stimulation can help calm dogs.
I hope you find these tips helpful.
Have a great holiday, and be sure to keep your dogs safe and calm!
ChicagoNow.com.
I have never heard of a thunder shirt before. Honestly, I thought my dog was the only one who was afraid of thunder and fireworks, so it makes me feel good that most dogs are afraid of those two items. How much does the thunder shirt cost?
Looks like about $40. http://www.thundershirt.com/
My female dog absolutely panics at the first bang. Her ThunderShirt has helped immensely along with getting under the bedcovers or the cubby hole under our pedestal bed. I’ve been in tears seeing her panic and trying to dig thru the closet floor. The ThunderShirt has helped quite a bit. It seems to depend on the dog.
I’m glad it works for you and your dog. For some reason it just makes my dog more anxious.
Your dog may know that the thunder shirt means something that might scare them is happening he has associated the thunder shirt with fear causing the dog to anxious
I use to turn up the tv in the bedroom and get in the closest with my two westies.
My mini-dachshund has severe separation anxiety and fear of riding in cars etc. The Thundershirt has helped him immensely. He goes to where we keep it when he’s anxious. It’s worth the money. They even have an herbal relaxation spray that you can apply near the neck of the shirt to provide extra relaxation. I’ve never had to use it. It works great on it’s own.
Glad it works for you!
You can watch on you tube. Works great!
Thunder shirt does not work so save $ 40 and buy yourself something nice
It doesn’t work for all dogs but it works for many of them.
I have 2 that love their thunder shirts. If they are bothered I can just ask if they want their shirt. I also have 2 that are fine without it. Each dog has its own needs. I always stay home with them as well.! Keep your pets safe and enjoy!
It does work. Forgot the cost, but I find this type of thing priceless when it comes to the well being of my dog.
The tip about keeping your dog isolated from the noise is a great way to help keep them calm. If that doesn’t work, kenneling your dog for that night might be a good option. Dogs are very sensitive to loud noises, so while fireworks may seem entertaining to us, they can be causing your dog’s ears to hurt and them to become afraid.
There’s a lot of fireworks going off right now, and I’m worried about my dogs ears. I’ve never even heard of a thundershirt, but this might be what I need. Using some calming remedies might do the trick as well.
I had to get a thunder shirt for my baby. I was amazed at how it calms her. She wears it when we are out and about. Good luck to you all out there and please take care of your fur babys
Thanks!
Nice Tips. I will keep in mind. Thanks for share.
If you have the patience, and don’t mind staying home during the celebrations, bring your scaredy dog into a basement or other area that you can more or less seal off from the noise. Do a few loads of laundry, play some music, set up seating for yourself and bring a good book. This worked for my firework-phobic dogs for many years. My current dogs aren’t bothered by the fireworks, thank goodness!
Last year I tried some herbal drops that we’re supposed to be calming. It didn’t help. The thunder shirt didn’t help either (and Minnie hates the sound of Velcro ripping). This year I called the vet and asked for meds to help her through the 4th!
Hope the meds help!
A benedryl around 7:30 before 4th of July festivities, soft lighting and mellow music in a closed off room was key for our lab. 1 benedryl was enough for our 70lbs lab to knock her out enough for a few hrs. We felt it was ok since it was once a yr. Seeing her run up the street in fear once was enough to give her one night of benedryl. Obviously, lighter dogs don’t need a whole benedryl pill, it’s really by weight so, quarter of a pill, 1/2, and so on. in case you needed to know.
My chiweenie is about 10 years old and freaks out every July 4th. Nothing seems to help—not even Thunder Shirts. This year I called the Vet, and she gave me some calming meds to start Minnie on the night before and during the 4th. I sure hope it works!