Independence Day and New Year’s Eve are two holidays that are very exciting for most humans. We enjoy eating good food with family and friends as well as the long awaited fireworks! Many of us want to include the furry members of our family in these festive holidays.
However, for some dogs, festive holidays are not a pleasant event. They can actually be frightening and, at times, can provoke full blown anxiety. This is especially true when fireworks are involved.
According to Dr. Gary Richter, a California veterinarian, “Anxiety around fireworks is attributed to the loud and unfamiliar sound that dogs do not understand. In a lot of cases, they may perceive these sounds as signs of danger.”
He further states, “Just like us, dogs also experience a fight or flight response. Because there isn’t anything they can fight against with fireworks, they result in hiding or other nervous behaviors, like trembling, clinging to their owner, lip-licking and frequent yawning.”
Here is some advice on what you can do to help your dog remain calm during loud holidays, especially those with fireworks.
How Can You Keep Your Dog Calm During Fireworks?
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Use a planned distraction
What do you do to distract yourself from loud, scary or uncontrollable noises? Would those same things distract your dog or do you need to try something else? You may have to use a trial and error approach but watching TV is often a good choice for both humans and canines.
Dr. Grant Little is a veterinarian based in Nebraska. He tells us that “You can put on a distraction in the house, like white noise and TV on in the background. Basements where the sound is muffled and a TV is present can help drown out the noise.”
Other good distractions include long-lasting chew toys, mentally stimulating toys and even a favorite stuffed animal.
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Try a weighted item for your anxious canine pal
There are many styles and brands available on Amazon. These products are made for all sizes of dogs. These products are basically the canine equivalent of a weighted blanket for adults. They are also similar to a swaddle for babies. Use your dog’s weight to obtain the best results and the most benefit.
Click on the link below to view this weighted shirt. You can also view weighted blankets while there with no obligation to make a purchase, if you do make a purchase, I may or may not receive a small commission that does not add to your cost at all.
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Exposure therapy to loud stimuli works well for some dogs who are afraid of fireworks
Whether human or canine, we can become desensitized to loud noises such as fireworks over time. This therapy needs to take place well in advance to the day of the planned exposure.
- start at a very low volume
- leave it on for some time
- slowly increase the volume
Remember that this strategy takes time to accomplish. You cannot start the week of the anticipated fireworks and expect to have a positive outcome..
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Keep yourself calm during fireworks
Even though we enjoy and look forward to holidays like New Year’s Eve and the Fourth of July, they can be anxiety provoking and stressful. This is true for both humans and canines.
Do your best to keep it as routine as possible. If you fuss over your dog they may perceive that something is wrong. Go about your normal activities, doing whatever you would normally do.
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Consider a pharmaceutical option
If All Else Fails There Is Always the Option of Medication
If you have tried white noise, weighted shirts or blankets and exposure therapy without success, call your vet. Under their guidance, you have a number of medications available to you. Some are by script only and others can be purchased online. Click on the link below if you wish to see some of the OTC options available to you without any obligation to make a purchase. I may or may not receive a small commission on any purchase you make but it will not add anything to your cost.
There are canine versions of medications often taken by anxious humans. You may recognize some of them.
- Xanax
- Paxil
- Valium
- Prozac
If you decide to give your dog something to help control their anxiety, you must time its administration accurately. This is true whether it is an OTC, natural or prescribed product.
For it to work properly, you must give it to them before they become anxious. Sometimes, it needs to be given several days in advance.
If you suspect that your dog will need medication to stay calm during an event, you need to contact your vet well in advance. Do not wait until the last minute.
Have you ever wondered why we have fireworks on Independence Day? Here is the answer. https://www.history.com/news/july-4-fireworks-independence-day-john-adams?cmpid=email-hist-inside-history-onequestion-2023-0630-06302023&om_rid=
Cynthia
This is a great article. Thank you!