Helping Your Dog’s Fear of Fireworks
Some dogs become desensitized to the scary sound, sight, and smell of fireworks through the years, but many do not. If your dog is one of the many who suffers from a fear of fireworks, the Fourth of July can be an extremely frightening holiday for them. More dogs run away on the Fourth of July than any other day of the year! Remember to keep an eye on your dog and try to keep them calm. For more tips on helping your dog’s fear of fireworks, read on!
Be Prepared
The best way to help your dog’s fear of fireworks is to be prepared ahead of time. Making arrangements for them to stay somewhere where they won’t be overwhelmed by all of the loud fireworks is a great idea. Consider a friend’s quiet home in a neighborhood without big fireworks displays. However, you should make sure it’s a familiar place or your pooch may get even more anxious.
Accommodate
If your pup can’t stay somewhere else for the fireworks show, keep a travel kennel at home that your dog feels safe inside. Place their favorite toys and blankets in the kennel to keep them calm. Keeping your doggie in the kennel also prevents them from running away when they get scared. If you’re not going to be home, though, you should still make sure you have a friend or dog-sitter there to provide some company.
Acclimating
Another way to prepare for the fireworks on the Fourth of July is to try to desensitize your dog to the sound of fireworks. This may take up to three or four months of playing recorded sounds of fireworks for your dog. Gradually increase the volume during your training sessions. While tedious, training your dog this way will condition them to hear the sound and build positive associations with it. Definitely worth a shot!
Should You Sedate Your Dog for Fireworks?
We recommend trying the above options before resorting to sedation, but if you do deem it necessary, it’s important to use the sedative at the right time. First, bring your dog to a very calm state before the fireworks have started. Then introduce your tool of choice. This can range from anything from a thundershirt to chewable sedatives. Try out a few different options with your dog and ask your vet for their recommendations. Read our article about the Thundershirt here.
Communicating with your Dog
They may not be able to speak back, but dogs respond strongly to human communication. Use a soothing tone when speaking with them and don’t show too much excitement about the fireworks. Your dog responds and mirrors your energy. If you remain calm and collected, your dog is much more likely to do the same. Show and tell your dog that everything is all right. Your comfort for them during this scary event goes a long way!
The Fourth of July doesn’t have to be all scary for your dog! Whether you are in Denver or somewhere else, you can use these tips to help your doggo enjoy celebrating our country’s independence. Happy Fourth! If you want to try training we are the best dog trainer in Lakewood, Englewood and other South Denver areas give us a call!