How to Prepare Dogs for the Fourth of July
Written by: Eva Ternovska
Edited by: Micah Manabat
The Fourth of July is here! It’s a fun-filled day where friends and family gather and celebrate America and its declaration of independence. During the night, the sky is filled with stunning displays of fireworks and children running around with sparklers. But while the Fourth of July brings fun for humans, it can be a source of stress for dogs. The fireworks can cause anxiety for our furry friends due to their loud nature and unfamiliar sight. With this in mind, it is important to prepare your dogs for this event, so here are some tips in order to ease your dog’s anxiety with fireworks.
Exercise your dog before the fireworks
Before the fireworks, try and do an extra long workout with your dog. This can cause your dog to sleep more deeply and avoid witnessing the fireworks being released. It is also important to keep in mind to have water at all times while doing the workout in order to avoid heat exhaustion.
Keep them inside in a place where they feel safe
The best way to keep your dogs calm during fireworks is to keep them indoors. Your backyard is not a safe place for your dog. The sound of fireworks will be really loud and your dog might try and escape. When they’re indoors they’re not as exposed to sound, and they won’t be able to run away. Remember to keep windows and doors closed so your dog won’t have a way to escape the house.
Stay with your dog
Don’t leave your friend alone! Staying with your dog is a good way to help keep them calm. When they’re with someone that they know and love, they’ll be more relaxed. Feel free to cuddle with your pooch whilst watching the fireworks unload through your window.
Play music or other audio
Music or T.V. can help drown out the sound of fireworks. The Youtube channel Relax My Dog- Relaxing Music for Dogs has a music playlist to use during fireworks or storms. You can also turn on a fan or air conditioner.
Keep Calm
Your dog will respond to your nonverbal cues. If you’re nervous, your dog will be nervous as well. This is why it is important to keep calm and be confident so your dog is able to overcome the loud noises.
Consider getting a pressure wrap or vest
Pressure wraps and vests work by applying pressure to dogs’ torsos. This helps calm them down during situations such as storms or fireworks. The Thundershirt is the most popular pressure vest and is highly recommended by vets all around.
Ask a veterinarian for medication
If your dog has severely panicked during fireworks before, it may be a good idea to ask your veterinarian for medication in advance. They may be able to give your dog melatonin, pheromones, or other prescribed medications in order to calm them down.
References:
The Dog People. “Why Are Dogs Afraid Of Fireworks? 6 Ways To Comfort Your Dog During Fireworks.” Rover, https://www.rover.com/blog/why-are-dogs-afraid-of-fireworks-in/.
Seattle Dogspot. “Dogs and Fireworks – 10 Tips to Keep Your Dog Safe and Calm on July 4th.” Seattle Dogspot, 17 June 2020, https://www.seattledogspot.com/10-tips-to-keep-your-dog-safe-during-july-4th-fireworks/.