Dogs on July 4th
Dogs on July 4 are not having as much fun as you are. Sure, some may get a kick out of fireworks but it’s more likely that July 4 will freak your dog out. Why? Because it’s loaded with unfamiliar and near-deafening noises. While people gaze up at the sky watching the wonders of cascading lights, humans know that it is a noisy night and that is all part of the fun.
Fireworks Are Great For Us
But For Dogs, Not So Much
Skies bursting with fireworks are not canine friendly. For Fido or FiFi, explosions sound terrifying. And every year we hear stories about dogs running away during July 4 celebrations. Your precious pet may bolt in fear from crowds. Loud partiers getting lit and whooping and hollering to big kabooms in the sky, is bizarre to your dog.
Doggies Left Alone Are Also Frightened
Rover’s terror may be even worse when left alone. They do not recognize the sounds of pyrotechnics. For all you know they may be hiding under the sofa, shivering. So, may the 4th be with you, but please protect your beloved pets from what sounds like the end of the world to them.
See Also: Dog Pics Guaranteed to Cheer You Up
Hot Fun in the Summertime
Yes, summer is exciting! And this year, more than ever. We humansw were just beginning to exhale after a long stretch of stress of loneliness after our first pandemic. Even loners like me caught acute cabin fever. However, July and August are looking a whole lot brighter now that Covid-19 isolation is letting up. Thanks to Fauci Ouchies. Yay! And thank you, President Joe Biden!
Tips for Calm Doggies
What do we want? Fun. And when do we want it? Now. It is so easy to get caught up in party planning for holiday festivities but it is also a time to make plans for your dog. Buddy needs to be in a safe, quiet environment. It is a smart move to hire a dog-sitter for the evening. Or leave with a homebody friend who wants to stay far from the commotion.
Dogs Thrive on Routine
Dogs thrive on routine. When daily activities are suddenly turned upside down, dogs can experience confusion. That can create high anxiety. There are many ways to help dogs deal with potentially stressful times. It begins with recognizing your dog’s body language and behavior. When a dog is stressed, be their pack leader. When your pooch can’t identify the alpha she can become anxious and insecure.
“You will see signs often in conjunction with each other,” says Darlene Arden, dog behaviorist and author of over a dozen books including “The Angell Memorial Animal Hospital Book of Wellness and Preventive Care for Dogs.” “It is important you remain calm. If you’re anxious, your dog will pick up on that.”
To help identify stress, Arden said to look for the following signals:
• Excessive licking of paws, nose or lips
• Panting that isn’t heat related
• Pacing
• Trembling
• Pinning back ears and cowering
• Hiding
• Refusing treats
• Diarrhea or vomiting
• Whimpering
• Clawing at walls, doors or gates trying to escape
Ways to Soothe Your Stressed Dog
“Drawing the curtains helps to keep out flashing lights that may startle your pets,” Arden says. “And if you plan on being out, leave a few lights on. That can also help ease a dog’s mind.”
If you have a dog that suffers from separation anxiety, make sure all doors and windows are locked before you leave the house so the dog can’t run off. Play noises your dog is familiar with like the TV, radio or CD player and encourage your dog to hang out in their den.
A den can be a crate with soft blankets and a pillow. Or you can create an area where you place a cushiony, comfy bed. Whereever you set up this doggie den, make sure to include your pups favorite toys. Another item that works well is a treat-release toy, or a puzzle game that has hidden kibbles.
Let This Summer Go To The Dogs
Taking your dog for long walks, playing fetch, or spending some time learning new tricks are other ways to help relieve pet stress. But it is important to think about how your canine will be spending the loud July 4 holiday. If you’re going to be out while the fireworks are kabooming, it’s best to hire a petsitter for that time. If you’re having a big party, your dog might feel better tucked away in his den.
Bonnie Brown, founder of Dog Trainers Connection, recommends trying a popular pet product to reduce anxiety. “Use a Thundershirt,” she says. “Maintained pressure helps calm the dog’s sensory receptors.” Think of it as swaddling a baby to encourage a feeling of security. “The wrap helps to minimize the dog’s involuntary shivering, which in itself can help your dog feel calmer,” says Brown. Securing a T-shirt or towel around your dog can also have a similar calming effect.
I agree with Brown. I’ve seen Thundershirts work well for anxious pooches. In all honesty, I also know a dog who did not feel comforted by a Thundershirt. So part of raising a calm and happy furry family member is trial and error. As with humans, what works for one child, may not work for another.
More Tips For Pups
Aromatherapy mists, calming supplements and pheromone collars are other products that can promote relaxation and relieve nervousness. Brown also recommends speaking to your vet about prescription anxiety medications if your dog suffers from severe stress and anxiety.
The dog mentioned above – the one who was still anxious despite being swaddled in a Thundershirt, was eventually put on periodic vet-prescribed meds. They were only used for thunderstorms or any other high anxiety events. One caveat: “puppy-uppers” or putting pooches on Prozac should only be considered after trying everything else.