Independence Day is coming up quick! Many of us are looking forward to celebrating America’s birthday with friends and family members. However, it’s also important to remember that this can be a very dangerous holiday for our canine companions. Many dogs are absolutely terrified of fireworks! Here, a local vet lists some ways to help Fido cope with the noise and commotion.
Early Workout
Dogs are always calmer after they’ve burned off their excess zoomies. Before it gets dark, take your canine pal for a long walk. A vigorous play session will also help wear him out.
Cuddles
You don’t want to go overboard here; showering Fido with attention when he’s scared could inadvertently reward him for acting nervous. That said, if your pet seems frightened, petting him and talking to him a bit can help soothe him.
Crate Time
When used properly, crates can be very helpful tools. The main thing is to make sure that Fido thinks of his crate as a comfy, cozy den, and not a jail cell. If your furry pal likes his crate, he may feel safer inside it. Make sure he has comfy bedding. Offering your pooch a special treat or a puzzle toy will also help distract him.
Calming Shirt
If Fido is extremely scared of loud noises, he may benefit from a snug shirt. These are sort of the doggy equivalent of weighted blankets. Of course, not all pups love them, so you’ll need to watch how your pet reacts.
Background Noise
We recommend bringing Fido inside before dark. Turn on a radio or TV. This will help mask the noise of the fireworks. Plus, the background noise may soothe your fuzzy buddy.
Desensitization
Pets all have unique personalities, and some are just naturally jumpier than others. If your dog is generally high strung, you may want to try desensitizing him to loud noises. Get a CD or stream something with a thunderstorm or loud noises. Play it at a low volume at first, and then gradually increase it. This process may take several days, weeks, or even months, but it will be well worth it..
Pet-Calming Products
Consider getting your canine pal some pet-calming pheromones. There are different products you can choose from, such as treats, collars, and sprays. Ask your vet for more information on these. Be sure to follow instructions carefully!
Happy Fourth! Contact us, your local veterinary clinic, anytime. We are always happy to help!
