With summer setting in, fireworks are an inevitable reality, especially on July 4th. While these pyrotechnics bring excitement and joy to most people, many of our canine friends cower when they hear the loud display. With a couple of weeks to go before the big celebration, there are a few things you can do to help protect your dogs from the fear that fireworks can inspire. Use these tips to desensitize them and help allay your pup’s fears surrounding the events.
- First, help establish comfortable conditions for your dog. If you know fireworks are going to happen (i.e. on the Fourth of July), try to feed your dog before they start. Since many dogs lose their appetite when afraid, making sure they already ate dinner ensures they at least have a full belly. It’s also not a bad idea to get your dog tuckered out beforehand so that it’s easier for them to fall asleep later on–take a nice long walk, or run around in the backyard for a while. Once the fireworks start, do your best to remain calm and relaxed to show Fido that he doesn’t need to be afraid. Dole out treats and praise to make the situation more positive, and stick close to your dog throughout the duration of the fireworks. Just like with people, dogs find it easier to cope with fear when they have the support of someone they love.
- Next, create a safe haven. Cover their crate with a blanket to make it seem more protected. Add an extra layer of padding or fluffiness to their bedding. Regardless of the type of space you create for them, keep it close to wherever your family will be at the time of the fireworks so your dog can feel comforted by your presence. If your family is not going to be home, consider hiring a friend or sitter to stay with Fido and support him. For dogs with extremely deep-seated fears, try using a thundershirt or medication. Thundershirts create a slight pressure around your dog’s torso (like being wrapped in a hug) that aids in breath regulation and anxiety reduction. There are a variety of mild sedatives that your vet can prescribe to help decrease your pup’s anxiety and allow them to sleep through the stressful event.
- Ideally, you can desensitize your dog to the noise of fireworks so that neither they nor you have to deal with the stress. A couple weeks before the anticipated fireworks, find an online clip of firework sounds. Lower the volume, and play the clip for about 10 minutes in the same room as your dog’s safe haven. Sit with your dog and give them treats and praise as you sit together with it. The next day, raise the volume slightly and repeat. If you notice that your dog is shaking or otherwise scared by the clip, this is a sign that you need to turn the volume back down and work a bit more slowly. Eventually after a few weeks, you should be able to leave the room and have your pup remain calm with the fireworks (though of course, hopefully you can always be able to be there and support your pup through the event).
At Gulf Coast K9 Dog Training, we are committed to helping dogs overcome fears, learn manners, and excel at everyday life with a family. Call today for more information on dog training, obedience classes or play care in Bradenton, Sarasota and Parrish.
