The 4th of July celebrations are just around the corner!
Help your K9 cope with fireworks on July 4th!
While many firework shows were canceled last year due to COVID, most shows are coming back this year with a bang! Keep reading to learn how to help your dog cope with fireworks on IndependenceDay!
Triggering the Fight-or-Flight Response
While many dogs are comfortable with the loud noises and bright lights, many more are challenged with visceral responses to perceived threats. Deafening noises (especially with your canine’s more acute sense of hearing) and even flashing lights can trigger their natural fight-or-flight instincts. Most dogs will attempt to get away from the jarring noises and why more than 30% more pets go missing during the July 4 th holiday!
Learn more with the Pet Amber Alert infographic here.
Help Your K9 Cope with Fireworks: 7 Tips
By planning now, you can help keep your dogs (and other pets) safe and calm during the July 4 th celebrations. Use the six tips below:
- If possible, stay with your pets instead of leaving them alone (or hire a pet/dog sitter to stay with them.) Never take them to a fireworks event.
- Keep all pets safely inside.
- Thoroughly exercise your puppy or dog earlier in the day. A tired dog is a happier dog.
- Close your windows and drapes. Use “white noise” like an air conditioner or fan to help mute the fireworks.
- Having people over? Keep your dog contained in a centralized room or their crate to prevent them from running out of open doors as people come in and out.
- Stay happy and upbeat around your pet. Remember, they take their cues from your behavior and energy.
- Avoid coddling them which may encourage their fear or anxiety. Distract them instead with play, their favorite toys, a filled Kong or a bone.
Help Your K9 Cope with Fireworks: Signs of Fear or Anxiety
Watch your dog for the following signs and step in before their fear gets out of hand. Fear is typically shown as:
- Shivering, trembling and cowering.
- Barking, growling, yawning and licking the lips.
- Panting and drooling.
- Trying to hide.
- Jumpy, restless, pacing/running around the house.
- Tucking the tail between the legs.
- Unusual accidents in the house.
- Averting their eyes (aka “whale eye”).
Never yell or punish your dog or puppy for fearful or anxious behaviors. They are simply reacting to age-long instincts. Instead, try distracting them with the suggestions above.
3 Extra Steps for Addressing K9 Fear Over Fireworks
For dogs with severe noise anxiety or phobias, the following three suggestions can help them remain calm.
- Use a ThunderShirt or other calming wrap, vest or even a tight t-shirt.
- Talk to your veterinarian about calming medications, CBD and essential oils. (Never give your dog any human antidepressant or anti-anxiety medication!)
- Work on desensitizing yoru dog and assocating loud noises with fun and play!
Start Early!
Fears, anxieties and phobias usually occur in young puppies between 8-11 weeks old and then between 6-14 month. So, begin early with your puppy to socialize/expose them to all kinds of people, environments, situations, animals, noises and smells.
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We are a small family breeder located in the heart of the Ozarks in Northern Arkansas. We strive to raise healthy, happy, well-socialized, quality Golden Retriever, Goldendoodle, Labradoodle, Mini Labradoodle, and Aussiedoodle puppies.
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Please text or call us at 870-404-0127 or 870-404-1189 or use our Contact Form here for more information about upcoming litters.
