How To Keep Your Dog Calm On July 4th (And Still Have Fun!)
July 4th is a great day. Hot dogs, BBQs, beer, and beaches — plus, that whole “dumping tea in the harbor” thing.
But to some Poochy Fuzzbottoms, the 4th of July is a loud, howling nightmare that never seems to end! I once had a dog that would go absolutely nuts when she heard a thunderstorm or fireworks. Some of the places I would find her were almost comical. She’d crawl into the deepest recesses of my closet, and chomp on a shoe. Sometimes I’d find her shaking in an empty bathtub. But usually, she’d hide under the bed, quivering while the cat looked on with a smug expression.
It was almost impossible to calm her down, and she’d have a traumatised expression for the next day or so. Unlike thunderstorms, we all know when there’s going to be a major fireworks night like the 4th of July. With these tips and hints, you can make this day just a bit easier for your pet.
Burn Off Some Steam
Take your dog for a long walk before the celebrations to tire him out. If they have too much excess energy, it could quickly convert into anxiety.
Create A Safe Space
Cover your dog’s crate with a blanket and towels to muffle the sound of fireworks. Close the windows and pull the curtains to try and filter as much sound out as possible. Consider leaving the radio or television on if you’re heading out to try and drown out the noise.
Escape-Proof Your House
According to the Humane Society, more dogs run away on the 4th of July than any other day in the year. So make sure you’ve closed off any escape route your pup might take advantage of.
Invest In Rescue Remedy
Bach’s Rescue Remedy for pets can do wonders for calming down a dog who is prone to panicking. You can also check your local pet store for any anti-anxiety inducing plug-in scents. Thunderspray is a pheromone spray specifically designed for dogs who hate loud noises.
Accessorize
The Thundershirt is regarded as a miracle for many owners who have a pet who is frightened of thunderstorms or fireworks. It works in a similar way to swaddling a baby, and its reviews marvel at how effective this little doggy vest is. In fact, 85% of customers said it worked wonders for them.
Sound Therapy
Through A Dog’s Ear is psychoacoustic therapy for your pet. It plays soothing sounds which are clinically proven to reduce anxiety in dogs.
Once you know your dog is okay, you can get on and enjoy the holiday! Happy 4th July from Dog Pack!
