Take out the grill and get ready to celebrate Independence Day with barbecues, lawn chairs and delicious dishes! July 4th is perfect for gathering with friends, family and pets. Remember, fireworks are fun for many people, but they can be scary for some animals. Loud sounds like fireworks and thunderstorms are responsible for one in five lost pets.
Here’s how to keep your four-legged friends safe and happy while celebrating Independence Day:
Poor your dog
If possible, your dog should be at home with at least one human. Stay with your pet in a room with minimal windows and play soft music and movies to deflect from fireworks and other noises. A little love comes a long way. One of the best ways to calm your dog is to give your dog a strong, firm putt, veterinarian Diana Watkins, who owns 143 veterinary services in Massachusetts.
Thunder shirt
You can try anxiety-reducing devices like a thundershirt that acts like a weighted blanket to soothe your dog.
medicine
For dogs who are not overly concerned, there are some situational anxiety medications that the veterinarian can prescribe. It can be useful when you are in the process of leaving your dog behind for longer than usual.
Watkins recommends offering only dog-only veterinary products as commercially available anxiolytics and CBD supplements are not FDA controlled and can be harmful to puppies.
Collar with ID
Make sure your pet has the ID tag on at all times, or if your pet is not microchipped, invest in a GPS locator on the collar.
Take a walk before the night
It’s a good idea to take a walk early the day before the fireworks start. If you think fireworks will be triggered, then put your dog on the leash.
Four tips to calm your dog on July 4th
Dogs and other pets have a wealth of hearing. This is one of the reasons why I hate fireworks.
Staff Video, USA Today
Consider hiring a trainer
If fireworks and fear are affecting animals, you can consider hiring a trainer. Work with a behavioral consultant trainer to gradually decolorize your dog into fireworks. Planning your next fireworks event will never be delayed.
Source: USA Today Network Reporting and Research;American Kennel Club
