For many dogs the 4th of July isn’t the celebration humans think it is. Loud noises, crowds, earth shaking booms and flashes of light can make many dogs fearful.
Here are some tips to help prepare your pup for the 4th and ensure a stress-free holiday.
- Desensitize your dog. Play fireworks noises daily, starting weeks before the holiday. Start with the volume low and give your dog high value treats or play favorite games with the noise in the background. It is important to use high value treats, not the usual kibble or dry biscuits, during this training. Try pea size pieces of chicken or cheese. As he is comfortable with the noise at low volume, slowly turn it up. Never go so fast that your dog becomes fearful.
- Take your dog for a long walk or have a play session the morning of the 4th. Tiring him out can help combat some of his anxiety. Do not walk after dark when you might get surprised by neighborhood fireworks.
- Talk to your vet about calming supplements or medications well ahead of time if your dog needs extra help.
- If your dog is crate trained and happiest in his den, you can put him in the crate with a peanut butter stuffed and frozen Kong or another tasty and long-lasting treat.
- Close the windows and blinds to block out light. Leave the radio or TV on to help drown out the sound.
- If you don’t feel your dog can stay home alone during the show ask a friend or relative to watch him or take him to his favorite doggy daycare for playtime. Do not take him with you to the fireworks show! Another option is to plan a trip to a quiet area for the day to avoid the noise.
- Thousands of dogs run away on the 4th of July out of fear. Make sure he has a microchip and ID tags on and is in a secure area before the start of the fireworks.