The 4th of July is just around the corner! This signature holiday brings so much celebration – hot dogs, water games, and fireworks are some of its signatures. Us humans tend to love this rowdy day, but our pets, not so much. So, if you happen to have a nervous nellie on your hands that struggles with loud noises, this one’s for you!
The 4th is one of many holidays that can be chaotic with a pet in the mix. Dogs especially tend to struggle with the loud noises of fireworks. This time of year also brings loud thunderstorms with a similar effect. What can you do?
Plan Ahead
First thing’s first: make sure you are ready! Maybe it’s early in the day of the 4th or storms are on the radar. Make sure you build time in for your dog to get their zoomies out. Whether a hike, walk, or backyard romp, they need time to get some exercise.
Interestingly, “a dog that’s mentally and physically exhausted might be less likely to react to fireworks” according to 9 Tips for Helping a Dog That's Scared of Fireworks. Additionally, you may have to switch up their routine a little bit, like an earlier feeding time or potty break. This can help them feel more settled and peaceful.
Creating a Good Environment
Now it is time to set up your pet’s environment for success! If there is concern of a storm or fireworks while you are gone, consider having them stay in the quietest place in the house. Maybe that will be in the basement or a bathroom, specifically far away from any windows.
A TV show or music can be a great distraction whether you are home or not. Putting something on in the vicinity of your pet can help occupy them. It is important to act natural; pets know when something is up!
Being Present
Although not always possible, it is a great idea to be with your pets during these scary times. They will likely find your presence to be comforting and reassuring. Follow their vibe, and if they are open to it, sit and talk with them so they feel less alone and see how you feel safe and secure.
Unique Approaches
Maybe you have heard of vests that can help alleviate your pet’s stress. These jacket designs work by swaddling your pup, not unlike a baby! This hug-like feel can provide a sense of security, distraction, and trigger the release of hormones like oxytocin!
Exposure Therapy
Here’s a technique I had never heard of for firework or thunderstorm frightfuls – exposure therapy! You can try stimulating these frightful sounds through a speaker and build up exposure by starting quiet with plenty of treats and reinforcement.
In doing so, you can gradually build up the noise and provide variation with the positive association of treats and attention. For more information, check out “1. Use Sound Training to Relieve Dog Fireworks Anxiety” from 9 Tips for Helping a Dog That's Scared of Fireworks.
Serious Treatment Options
If your pet exhibits signs of extreme distress, it’s probably time to ask your vet about medication treatments. Just like humans, sometimes dogs need prescriptions to help alleviate severe anxieties.
There are plenty of treatments out there. Most common ones are trazadone which can increase sleepiness and gabapentin which provides anxiety relief. Sometimes, dogs need a combination of medications, like these two.
It may take some trial and error to find what works for your pet. For those of you with scaredy cats, make sure you talk about this with your vet well in advance. It is important to test out new or different treatments during a normal day to make sure your pet doesn’t mind the medication.
Be Prepared
These poor pups can’t differentiate loud noises from legitimate threats – it’s not their fault! Don’t let this year’s fireworks sneak up on you come July. Make sure you have a plan in place for your four-legged friend to be comfortable and calm this year.
