Dogs are like humans when it comes to personalities. We all have one – and they are all different. While some animals will lie lazily at your feet during a fireworks display, others will excitedly bark and play, enjoying the spectacle.
However, if you have an anxious or nervous dog who is easily spooked, the annual showcase of pyrotechnics can be a downright terrifying affair. If you have a canine who is traditionally scared of fireworks, or simply hates loud noises, here are some ideas to help them through the evening.
Prepare Your Nervous Dog for Fireworks
- Get Them Used to the Experience: While there is no need to traumatize them, you can play a video of fireworks at an acceptable volume for several weeks leading up to the holiday. You can sit with them to reassure them as they grow accustomed to the sound, and hopefully they will eventually learn that they have nothing to be afraid of.
- Combine with Treats: You may wish to give your nervous dog his favorite treats as you play the video – in this way, he will begin to associate the sound of fireworks with a tasty nosh, not a scary situation. On the 4th of July, be sure to have plenty of these ready.
- Give Them a Safe Haven: You may wish to put your pooch in a crate, along with his favorite blanket, toy, or treat. Place the crate in a walk-in closet or interior area of the home, where the sound of fireworks is likely to be more muffled and less intimidating. You can also put them in a room with a TV on, or music playing. Close the curtains or blinds, to make them feel safer and more secure.
- Help them Relax: Try taking your dog for a long walk earlier in the day in order to tucker them out. A dog with a lot of energy is more likely to get agitated, while a tired dog is less likely to go into a frenzy.
- Test out a Thundershirt: Many dog owners swear by the popular Thundershirt method as a way to reduce anxiety in their dog. The garment applies gentle pressure around your dog and is purported to instantly calm them. If you have a nervous dog, you may already be familiar with this method and will know if it works for you.
- Consider Anti-Anxiety Medication or Treatments: There are a wide range of medical remedies for your dog, from over-the-counter chews to prescription medications. Many dog owners report that essential oils do the trick, with a few drops of frankincense oil applied to the dog’s neck doing the trick. If your dog’s reactions are severe and you can’t seem to calm them, you may need to ask your vet about a stronger anti-anxiety medication.
Of course, if it is at all possible for you to remain home with your dog, that will give them great solace as well.
You should be sure that your dog’s collar is on and properly fitted, and that all tags are updated with the correct information. Although we don’t like to think about it, sometimes dogs who are frightened run away – in fact, July 5th is one of the busiest days of the year for animal shelters trying to reunite dogs and their owners. If your dog is chronically afraid and likely to bolt, a GPS tracker would be a smart investment.
Ideally, we all want our dogs to enjoy a peaceful and stress-free existence. If you know that fireworks are likely to frighten your dog, a little preparation and awareness before July 4th will go a long way to making the night easier for them to tolerate.
For more information on dog behavior, training and obedience classes in Sarasota and Bradenton, call Gulf Coast K9 Dog Trainers. We are here to help.
