It’s July, aka the worst month of the year for you dogs. While the bright lights and loud pops of fireworks mesmerize many children and adults alike, the same isn’t true for all of them, and it’s rarely true for our four-legged companions. So today, we’re giving you fireworks strategies for anxious dogs.
Dangers to Dogs
Independence Day is the precursor to the biggest annual rush of stray dogs at the animal shelter. Firecrackers spook many dogs into running without thinking, leaving their your yards and even finding a way out of their homes.
Of course, dogs aren’t the only ones with sensitivity to fireworks. For some people with PTSD and sensory disorders, this time of year can be an absolute nightmare. Similarly, they often confuse and endanger wildlife, particularly birds.
So before you light them up, think about your himan and animal neighbors.
Why Do Dogs Panic Around Fireworks?
So why are dogs afraid of fireworks? The answer may seem obvious, but for most dogs loud noises from an unknown source are enough to provoke fear. For dogs already prone to anxiety, it just makes things worse.
Dogs sense of hearing is more acute than humans, so the loud noises are louder still to them and may even be painful depending on the volume and distance. So in addition to a sense of danger, they may also be feeling pain.
What Are Our Fireworks Strategies for Anxious Dogs?
With an understanding of why they scare them, what are our fireworks strategies for anxious dogs?
Don’t Participate
Most importantly, don’t participate in fireworks. Ideally, see if you can get your neighbors to agree not to set them off either, but that’s often outside of our control. The one thing you can be sure of is that there are no fireworks in your own yard.
Get Away
If you’re neighborhood isn’t as sensitive to their non-fireworks loving neighbors, your next best bet is to get away to somewhere quiet. If you have the option, this is a great time of year to take a trip somewhere away from other people with your dogs.
Of course, with varied budgets work schedules and family obligation, getting away in the middle of the week isn’t always a possibility. So the next three fireworks strategies for anxious dogs are the next best thing.
Cover It Up
Depending how loud and close the fireworks are to your home, you may be able to cover up the noise. Try putting on relaxing music or white noise. Or if you have a dog whose always besides you on movie night, start one up before the fireworks start so they’re less likely to notice the sounds of what they believe is the world ending!
Comfort
If you can’t drown out the noise, help your dog feel safe around it. For some dogs, that means allowing them to hide somewhere surrounded by comforting smells. Many dogs also respod well to gentle pressure in the form of a thunder shirt or something similar.
et Other dogs will feel best if they can stay close to you, their person. Whatever your dog needs during this time, do your best to supply it. Even if you don’t understand it yourself, they may be experiencing real terror.
Medicate
Finally, for severe anxiety, you may consider medicating your dog. For some dogs, over the counter supplements like rescue remedy may be enough. Others may need something stronger.
Whatever your dog needs, always talk to your friendly Roanoke vet before giving them anything. Not every medication is right for every dog, even if it’s over the counter. And your vet will know what medications your dog are more likely to respond well to.
Severe Anxiety
What fireworks strategies for anxious dogs work for yours? If your dog has more than occasional anxiousness, it can be a sign of something more serious. Sometimes, behavioral modification or long term anti-anxiety meds are the best treatment. As always, speak to Old Dominion or your local vet for questions about your dogs’ needs.