Fireworks and Your Dog
Summer is the time of year we will be seeing and hearing fireworks. Of course, most of us love the noise and the brilliant explosions, but what about our beloved canine companions?
The jarring and loud booms can transform mellow dogs into frantic dogs. Some dogs panic, crashing through windows, chewing through walls, and leaping fences. The number of missing dogs increases dramatically around the Fourth of July. If your dog has a firework phobia, it can be very difficult to treat or cure. Here are some strategies to help your dog through it.
- A dog’s sudden reaction to loud sounds could signal a medical condition. Also, your dog might need anti-anxiety medication to get through the holiday.
- Exercise your dog in the late morning/early evening of July 4 in order to help him sleep through the fireworks.
- Walk your dog and let him relieve himself hours before the fireworks start.
- Sacrifice watching the fireworks and stay home with your dog.
- Don’t leave your dog in the yard!
- Convert an interior room of your house into a dog room; bring in a favorite toy and one of your worn t-shirts for comfort.
- Shut the windows, close blinds, and draw curtains.
- Turn on the air conditioner and TV or radio to muffle outside noises.
- Distract your dog with a favorite indoor game or chew toy stuffed with peanut butter or treats.
Resist the temptation to console your dog when there is a loud noise; that only reinforces the fear. Ignore the sound, and in an upbeat tone, encourage your dog to perform a simple command, such as “Sit,” and offer a treat.
Help make this a safe and fun summer for both you and your dog!
