How to Help Your Dog FEEL Safe During Fireworks
Let’s talk about steps we can take to keep your dog CALM & SAFE!
Fireworks are a fun and traditional way to celebrate Independence Day, but many animals are frightened and disoriented by the loud and chaotic noises. Some preparational steps need to be taken weeks to months in advance, so keep in mind that you may not succeed with some methods or tools if you start introducing them soon.
We used to have a neighbor who did a firework display 2-5 times a week and we had to work extremely hard to make sure that our naturally worried and nervous dog, Hannah, did not develop a fear of fireworks. The tips that I am sharing are things that I have done personally or have researched into doing for her. She doesn’t like storms or fireworks, but she is able to be at peace with my family during these times. I have put in the extra effort for her because my very first dog, Copper, a rescued hunting dog, was TERRIFIED of all loud noises and life was like a living nightmare for him. I was able to help him a little, but I was a teen when I had him and did not have the resources or the knowledge that I have now. Looking back, I can see how I could have helped him more
Prep In Advance:
Rescue Remedy for Pets - I like to use a few drops in my pets’ water starting a few days or weeks in advance of an event that I know might upset them. The day of the event I will give them more. I have also been known to put it on their toothpaste, treats, or food. For topical use, I rub it on their paw pads. *I am not a vet, this is not medical advice, this is what I have used for my pets personally. Be sure to check with your vet for medical advice.
Thunder Shirt - This wonderful compression shirt for dogs can help them feel safe and secure, but this needs to be purchased in advance and they need time to get used to it. A slow introduction and treats can really help them learn to love it. *Do not only have your dog wear it when there is a storm or thunderstorm otherwise your dog will learn to anticipate scary events.
Make a Safe Zone - Find a place in your home that feels safe for your dog. Crates are a really great option for crate trained dogs that are comfortable with their crate, but for dogs with crate anxiety other options need to considered. Get creative, and make a safe room. Do an internet search, there are many creative ideas. Again, making the positive association in advance is critical.
Talk To Your Vet - In extreme cases of anxiety, they may have a medication that you can use to help your dog be calm or a specific recommendation for your dog.
Play Fireworks Sounds - You can go on the internet and recordings of fireworks, turn the volume low, and then reward your dog with a treat if they are calm, do not force them to take food, if they have whale eyes, are averting their gaze, hiding, or shaking. These behaviors mean that the volume is too intense for the dog, turn the volume down more. If you can find a volume that they are comfortable with, create positive associations with it. Whether that is playing their favorite games, treats, snuggle time, or going for a run. Make that noise positive! Then you can slowly increase the volume.
Day Of Tips:
I.D. Tags - Make sure your dog is wearing their I.D. tag with your current contact information on it. Even if your dog has a chip this is a wise idea, sometimes it can take days for someone who finds a dog to get them somewhere to check for a chip, and having a current I.D. tag could help you reunite you with your dog. My favorite tags are ByteTags. These tags let me know in real-time if someone finds my dog.
Take Your Dog Out On Leash - Even if you have a fully fenced-in yard, please take your dog out on lead. This will help to ensure that they cannot run away if the fireworks start earlier. Your dog may not have ever escaped before, but if they are frightened in enough they may escape even the most secure yard.
Early Bed Time - I like to make sure that all of their bedtime stuff is done early. This way we are not having to go outside for a pee or poo during any fireworks. And then they go to their safe zone. For Hannah, that is wherever her boy is. This will be my 7th-month-old puppy, Clover, first Fourth of July and she will be going in her crate.
STAY CALM - Your dog needs you to be calm, and speak in low, soothing, and reassuring tones. Do not use a high-pitched baby voice, this can create more anxiety and fear in a dog that is feeling afraid or anxious.
Please keep in mind that a fearful dog is prone to bite, though they will avoid it and only bite if they feel that they have no other choice. Please make sure you understand your dog’s body language before you try comforting your dog in any way. This book by Lili Chin is a great resource and has amazing illustrations showing dog body language.
I hope that these tips help you and your dog enjoy this Independence Day.
For more tips on helping your dog feel safe during fireworks or even storms, check out the video below.
There are embedded links throughout this article, one leads to ByteTag’s website, and you will save 15% on your order. The other affiliate links lead to Amazon, using these links will not charge you any extra but they do support us.
Disclaimer; I am not a veterinarian or a dog trainer, just a passionate dog mom who is eager to help other pet parents. Please seek professional advice when you need it.
Thanks for sticking with me; we got this.
~Jena Seay
