As tempting as it can be to want to bring your dog with you to a fireworks display, it's not, frankly, in your dog’s best interest. As much as you may enjoy the show, it’s unlikely your dog will. Moreover, exposure to the loud sounds, bright lights, and smokey smells may induce fear, making a lasting impression. If your dog was not already afraid of fireworks, they may be going forward. It's just not worth the risk. As Benjamin Franklin once said “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”. It’s much easier to prevent a fearful reaction than it is to fix one.
If you already know your dog is afraid of fireworks, to the point they hide, shake, salivate, or show other visible signs of fear, there are things you can do to help them, and you still have time to prepare.
Starting now
Schedule a veterinarian appointment to discuss your dog’s response to fireworks to see if they might benefit from medication or a calming supplement like Composure
Order pharmaceuticals and/or supplements
Have your dog microchipped
If they are already microchipped, ask your veterinarian to scan it to be sure it can still be read
Be sure your contact information on file with the microchip company is current
Buy an id tag and place it on your dog’s collar
Get an Air Tag (for iPhones) with the collar attachment or another such device and place it on your dog’s collar and pair it with your cell phone
Order an Adaptil collar (this product emits a synthesized pheromone that may help calm your dog)
Order a Thundershirt (this causes compression, which may also be calming)
Begin desensitizing and counter conditioning your dog to the sounds of fireworks. You can find these sounds on YouTube.
Play the sounds on a very low volume so your dog can hear it but not have much, if any reaction to it. Play for a short time, maybe one minute, while doing something your dog likes (i.e., give treats, play, etc.)
Turn the volume up a very small amount and repeat
Do this a few times a day for about a minute at a time
If your dog has a bad reaction stop! The next time you start, go back several steps and try again. o If you need additional help, seek out a positive reinforcement trainer in your area
Order enrichment toys (LickiMats, West Paw Toppls, Kongs, etc.)
The week before
Place their ID tag on their collar
Place their Air Tag (or other device) on their collar and pair it with the app
Check with the microchip company to be sure they have your current contact information
Purchase ingredients for food stuffed and enrichment toys (i.e., peanut butter, yogurt, pumpkin, vanilla ice cream, cream cheese, blueberries, bananas, strawberries, watermelon, honey, baby food, braunschweiger, hot dog pieces, cooked shredded chicken, cooked diced pork, browned ground beef, dog treats they love, canned cheese, parmesan cheese, cheddar cheese, string cheese, carrots, green beans, or whatever your dog likes and is something a dog can safely eat. Click here for a list foods to avoid.
Prepare food stuffed toys and freeze
Decide where your dog will be during the fireworks displays, their safe space, and prepare it for them.
Begin having your dog hang out there so placing them there isn’t a predictor that scary sounds are imminent.
Optimally, the room will be insulated to outside sounds (i.e., an interior room in the basement) o Provide items to help them be comfortable (i.e., a dog bed, etc.)
Draw the blinds and curtains (to hide the flashes)
Play music like Through A Dog’s Ear or calming classical music, which is soothing, or turn on theTV to mask sounds
Put on the Adaptil collar (it is effective for 30 days)
Practice having your dog wear the Thundershirt for short periods of time around the house including the safe room
The 4th of July
Give your dog their mediations and/or supplements as prescribed
Provide your dog with lots of physical and mental exercise to tire them out earlier in the day
Before dusk, potty them on leash or in a fully fenced yard
Place them in the safe space
Put on their Thundershirt
Play music or turn on the TV
Give them their food stuffed toy(s)
Let them hide, if they feel they need to
Comfort them if they solicit it
After all the fireworks are over, try to potty them again on leash or in a fully fenced yard
In case the worst happens and your dog escapes, create a poster with a current photo. You can find information here.
What things do you do to help your dog feel better about fireworks on the 4th of July?
From all of us at The Dogs’ Spot, we wish you a very safe and happy 4th of July!
© Laura Hills 2023 www.thedogsspot.com
